With the NBA All Star Game coming to New York, the league is reaching out to kids throughout the city to promote basketball and an active lifestyle. One of the first events took place in Brooklyn. NY1’s Jeanine Ramirez was there.

They stomped their feet, skipped some rope and hit jump shots in the gym at PS 307 in Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn. With the help of NBA pros, these students practiced basketball basics and picked up some new skills.

"I learned how to shoot like if you're short you should bend your legs because you can't always make it from if your legs are stiff,” said student Queen Jasmin.

"We liked how we got to do exercises for basketball that we never knew and it was fun,” said student Carter H'Orry.

The event was run by NBA Cares, the community outreach arm of the National Basketball Association. It's embarking on a five-borough campaign to promote the league's fitness program, leading up to the NBA's All Star weekend next month at Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden, where the game will be played.

The goal is to reach 500,000 kids in the city.

"That Friday the 13th we're going to be conducting 1,000 basketball clinics throughout the five boroughs, all at once, simultaneously. So it's going to be exciting. It's going to be basketball madness going on in New York,” said Felipe Lopez, a former St. John’s and NBA player.

For those at PS 307, this basketball clinic helped boost the school's newly created health agenda.

"We actually have a health and wellness committee and it's comprised of parents, teachers, the principal and the PTA president,” said PTA president Marie Chan.

"Studies have shown that students who are physically fit are performing better in school. This keeps the students minds focused,” said gym teacher Bobby Jackson.

The kids had no problem focusing on their drills.

"I liked dribbling, shooting,” said student Brian Ufele.

"When I did push-ups right over there, I did it perfectly,” boasted student Devante Jackson.

"I think it's a great program because it inspires kids to work out everyday,” student Shanice Marshall added.

In addition to bringing basketball programs to schools and other community facilities, the NBA also has a fitness effort online.

At fit.nba.com, there are player workouts, statistics on how many miles players run in a game, and tips on leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Those messages put into practice here in Brooklyn.