League Teams
One club, one pathway — from U11 to U18 Premier
At Emek Hefer there's a team at every level, so every player finds their place and the right environment to grow. In recent years, the club's flagship teams have ranked among the best in the country across every age group.
Beyond the teams' results, the club develops players for Israel's national teams — from the U14s all the way up to the senior national team. This season, 12 of the club's players and 4 of its female players were named to the national teams' final rosters.
Grades 5–6
U11–U12
The bridge between the Basketball School and competitive basketball. At this age, there are no standings or championships — the focus is on development. The club fields 13 U11–U12 teams for boys and girls across its branches throughout Emek Hefer.
Grades 7–8
U13–U14
At U14, the club fields two National (D1) teams and two District (D2) teams, giving every player a competitive level that fits. Our top U14 D1 team is consistently among Israel’s best and competes each year for a place in the Jr. NBA tournament. The age group also includes a U14 girls’ team.
Grades 9–10
U15–U16
At U15, the club fields two National (D1) teams, two District (D2) teams, and a U15 girls’ team. At U16, the club is represented at every level — National (D1), Regional (D2), and District (D3). The U16 National team won the National Championship in the 2025/26 season.
Grades 11–12
U18
At the top of the club’s youth department is Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Emek Hefer’s U18 Premier (D1) team, which competes in Israel’s highest youth division. The club also fields U18 National (D2) and U18 District (D4) teams. In the 2025/26 season, the Premier team finished as the national runner-up, while the National team placed third in its league.
The Complete Support System
As a player moves up, a full circle of professional support grows around them — well beyond the court.
At Emek Hefer, we know great players are developed from every angle. Alongside basketball practices, players receive a support system that expands with age and level — designed not only to improve on-court performance, but to develop the whole player.
Team-Level Support
Every player gets a support system that grows with them. As they mature, new layers are added: nutritional guidance, dedicated strength training within the team, and mental coaching from a sport psychologist for the senior teams. Together, these turn weekly practice into a full development process.
At the Academy
Academy players also practice in the mornings as part of the school day, combining basketball work, individual skill development, and strength and conditioning. This adds another layer of court time and development beyond what team practice alone can provide.
Supplemental Training
For leading players, an additional layer of development is available: individual work in small groups focused on skill development, specialized conditioning, and one-on-one shooting instruction. Personalized coaching sharpens the small details that make the difference at the highest level.