Mini Basketball
A guide to teaching and coaching
Written and Compiled By Martin Spencer (2001)
The game of mini basketball was introduced internationally in 1964
and is now played in over 160 Countries of the world, drawn from
each of the five continents, by millions of boys 'and girls under
13 years of age. Today, in England, the game is played in primary,
middle and the early years of secondary schools, at youth centres,
at community sports centres and on outdoor recreational hard surface
areas. Currently it is estimated that 189,000 boys and girls play
mini basketball each year. Schools and clubs can affiliate to the
English Mini Basketball Association (EMBBA). The game calls upon
teachers, leaders and coaches to be imaginative, and creative, and
challenge boys and girls with very individual needs towards personal
improvement in attitude, effort, understanding and physical skill.
The material in this manual will be useful to teachers delivering
the National Curriculum and also teachers and coaches who organise
and lead mini basketball clubs either as extra-curricular activities
or as independent clubs. Although motivations may differ for providing
a mini basketball experience, all teachers and coaches will have
the important responsibility of using mini basketball to introduce
children to sport which will be the first foundation in establishing
a worthwhile active lifestyle.
In section 2 an approach to introducing the game is explored which
is based essentially on a child-centred philosophy with competitive
experiences and a game context which are appropriate to the child,
based on the concept of teaching foundation core skills.
Section 3 reviews the National Curriculum and is aimed primarily
at the teacher who wishes to base a programme of study in physical
education on mini basketball as a key invasion game. A scheme of
work is proposed which has been developed using a model of procedure
emphasising the core basketball skills and essential principles
of play.
Many teachers and coaches, as well as p1ayers of all ages are
worried, perhaps inhibited by what seems to be a complex game to
introduce to children. Basketball is basically a simple game and
chapter 4 explains how to adapt the rules of basketball to individual
requirements as well as explaining the basic rules.
Sections 5 and 6 are the sections most practitioners will refer
to directly when they require information on a day to day basis.
These sections have been carefully prepared so this is possible.
The technical content used in the teaching or coaching programme
is explained and illustrated. The games and practices can be pulled
out according to the principles of play being taught or the theme
of the coaching session. Alternatively the lesson plans can be
used directly as the content of the programme.
In section 7, assessment procedures are provided which will be
useful to teachers delivering the National Curriculum In physical
education as well as coaches working in clubs who require a practical
well proven system based on good practice.
Section 8 provides guidance in integrating the Top Play and Top
Sport cards with the mini-basketball guide, showing where
the activities
can be incorporated into individual lessons.
Section 9 introduces a player award scheme which is fully integrated
into curriculum lessons and can be used as an incentive for learning.
Photocopiable records of achievement are provided including individual
awards for the children.
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