Youth Basketball Academy · Pune

Built from the GroundUp.

Where talent meets discipline

Age-wise coaching that takes every player from their first dribble to competitive play — across our branches in Pune.

Freekick · Anandban Club · Orbit Sports
Our branches in Pune
4
Age-wise programs
6+
Sessions a week
GroundUp Basketball coach and team huddled together, hands stacked over the ball
Who we are

Every champion starts from the ground up.

At GroundUp Basketball in Pune, our academy is a place where young athletes build the skills, fitness, and mindset it takes to succeed on the court — and off it.

We use the game to teach discipline and hard work. By pairing modern coaching techniques with real character-building, we push every child toward their full potential — as a player and as a teammate.

Our mission

To develop young athletes through excellence in basketball training, physical fitness, and character building — equipping them with the discipline, confidence, and leadership skills to succeed both on and off the court.

Why GroundUp

Coaching that grows with your child

Basketball is a game of fundamentals compounding over time. We structure every batch around that.

Age-wise batches

Players train alongside kids at the same stage — so drills, pace, and coaching match where your child actually is, not just their birth year.

Every branch, one standard

Freekick, Anandban Club, and Orbit Sports all run the same coaching philosophy — pick whichever is closest to home or school.

Strength & conditioning, not just skills

Every batch pairs basketball training with age-appropriate strength, speed, and conditioning work — building the athlete, not just the player.

Our approach

Training methodology

Six pillars, worked on together in every session — not just the ball.

Skill Development

Mastering core fundamentals through high-rep drills and hands-on technical feedback.

Physical Fitness

Explosiveness, agility, and conditioning programs tailored to age and performance level.

Game Intelligence

Strategic awareness and situational decision-making, built through game-scenario simulations.

Mental Toughness

Building resilience, focus, and the mindset to handle high-pressure competition.

Leadership & Discipline

Instilling values that transcend the court: accountability, teamwork, and strong character.

Team Building

Strengthening communication, trust, and on-court chemistry through structured team activities.

Programs

Four stages, one progression

Every player moves through the same foundation, building upward.

STAGE 01
Ages 5–8

Little Ballers

First touches on the ball, basic movement, and making the game fun before it gets technical.

STAGE 02
Ages 8–12

Fundamentals

Dribbling, footwork, and the first structured drills — where real basketball habits get built.

STAGE 03
Ages 12–16

Skill Builders

Shooting mechanics, defensive stance, and game IQ, with regular scrimmages.

STAGE 04
Ages 16+

Advanced

Position-specific training and conditioning for players aiming at competitive and school-level basketball.

Coaching staff

Led by coaches who know the fundamentals

Every coach on staff is trained to teach the same fundamentals, so a player's development stays consistent no matter which branch they train at.

Sajida Bagwan, Head Coach
Head Coach

Sajida Bagwan

  • Former National-level basketball player
  • Sports Counsellor
  • 25+ years of coaching experience
Dan Eichelberger, Coach
Coach

Dan Eichelberger

US national, studied in the US; played and coached basketball in Taiwan before coaching with us in India.

Sanket Kumbhar, Coach
Coach

Sanket Kumbhar

Former Head Coach of the Maharashtra U16 Girls team; played basketball at the District, State, and University level.

Shamanand (Sham) Gudle, Coach
Coach

Shamanand "Sham" Gudle

Basketball coach with GroundUp for 5 years; certified Strength & Conditioning Coach.

Ketan Chakranarayan, Coach
Coach

Ketan Chakranarayan

FIBA Certified Coach; represented Pune University in basketball.

Shubham Malpani, Coach
Coach

Shubham Malpani

Coached various international school teams; with GroundUp Basketball for 8+ years.

Cyril Swami
Coach

Cyril Swami

Represented Maharashtra in Sub-Junior & Junior categories (Bronze Medalist); represented Pune University and served as Head Coach of the Pune District team.

Achievements

Celebrating our players

Proud moments from athletes who trained with us.

Kshaunish Sankpal in GroundUp Basketball jersey
Selected · Pune State Camp

Kshaunish Sankpal

Selected for the Pune State Camp — hard work and dedication earning a proud moment for our academy.

Ira Kane in GroundUp Basketball jersey
Selected · Pune State Camp

Ira Kane

Selected for the Pune State Camp — hard work and dedication earning a proud moment for our academy.

Branches

Find your nearest court

Same coaching standard at every location — here are the batches and timings at each.

Freekick

BatchAge GroupDaysTimeCoach
U-128–12 yearsMon, Wed, Fri5.30 pm – 6.30 pmDan Eichelberger
12+12–15 yearsMon, Wed, Fri6.30 pm – 7.30 pmSanket Kumbhar
Seniors15–25 yearsTue, Thu, Fri7.30 pm – 9.00 pmShubham Malpani

Anandban Club

BatchAge GroupDaysTimeCoach
5–125–12 yearsMon, Wed, Fri5.00 pm – 6.00 pmShamanand Gudale
12+12–15 yearsMon, Wed, Fri5.00 pm – 6.30 pmKetan Chakranarayan

Orbit Sports

BatchAge GroupDaysTimeCoach
12+12–20 yearsMon, Wed, Fri5.30 pm – 7.00 pmCyril Swami
U-125–12 yearsTue, Thu, Fri5.00 pm – 6.00 pmShamanand Gudale
Get in touch

Book a free trial session

Call us directly and we'll set you up with a free trial at the branch that works best.