Aussie Hoops is an entry level basketball program for children and as a coach 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.