Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s official introductory program, providing a fun and inclusive Basketball experience for 5-10 year olds that serves as an introduction to a lifetime of involvement in the game. In addition to promoting healthy and active lifestyles, the program serves as a platform for social development and inclusion – fostering stronger and more vibrant communities and individuals.

Aussie Hoops has been designed in three staged programs to ensure that for each age group, participants are participating in activities and games that are relevant to their physical and mental capabilities, which will increase in competitiveness until participants are ready to transition into local club competitions.

Aussie Hoops is an entry level basketball program for children and as a coach or parent it’s important to understand where Aussie Hoops fits in the overarching basketball development pathway. The pathway model identifies three primary stages.

1. Foundation

Developing children’s fundamental movement and basketball skills and confidence. Confidence and competence in sport and physical activity stimulates ongoing active lifestyles and develops a love of the game. This is where Aussie Hoops fits into the basketball pathway.

2. Participation

Retaining participants in basketball through teenage years into lifelong participation. The secondary school years and those immediately following see a drop-off in sports participation. Continued skill development and enjoyable basketball experiences will lead to far greater retention rates.

3. Performance

Inclusive, well-targeted talent identification processes will give all athletes with the potential for elite success, access to a high performance program. These programs provide a holistic development pathway through appropriate coaching, competition structures and support networks. The ultimate goal is international sporting success.

DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE AND APTITUDE IN CHILDREN

Children require a basic movement comprehension which they can use as a basis for sports specific development later. Therefore early focus in the pathway should be towards developing transferable fundamental movement and sports skills. This will facilitate the development of knowledge, skills and self-confidence in participants. In all situations it is your response that decides whether the experience of sport is positive or negative and whether participants gain or lose self-esteem.