Basketball is fun

Basketball is done for various reasons. One does this out of performance orientation the other because value is attached to contact with others. Basketball is a pleasant way of leisure activities that you practice freely. Especially for the youngest basketball players it is important that basketball is fun and that starts with learning the FUNdamentals.

The FUNdament phase is when the basis of a large number of advanced skills are developed. The development of skills at this age is best achieved by
unstructured playing in a safe and challenging environment, possibly in combination with qualitative instruction. Activities during this phase must be well structured, positive and fun and must focus on the development of the ABC – of agility, balance, coordination and speed.

It is important that children participate in a wide range of sports. All children, including those with disabilities, should master basic movement skills for sport and specific skills should be introduced. This is the moment when children learn to “read” the movements around them and learn how to make good decisions during the matches.

Let them get acquainted with a number of different sports, several times a week. Introduce simple rules and ethics, as well as elementary tactics and decision making. To continue to stimulate unstructured physical activity, without the importance of scoring. If possible, register in multi sports programs that offer a variety of activities. The
developing all-round athletes at this age is the key. Movement education of quality is of great importance for the development in this phase.

This phase is essential for physical development and the time when children lay the foundation for many advanced skills. The development of skills is best achieved
through a combination of unstructured playing in a safe and challenging environment. Children need qualitative instruction (instructions) from experienced teachers, leaders and coaches in recreational activities, schools and sports.

Hand and foot speed can be particularly well developed by boys and girls in this phase. If this moment is missed, the body can be affected more quickly later in life.
Strength, endurance and flexibility must be developed, but through games and fun activities instead of a training regime.

Tips

• Children of this age should not specialize in a single sport.
• Keep catching, throwing, hitting, running and other physically demanding games with both boys and girls are important.
• Do not be concerned with the score. The focus of the program should be on learning and having fun, instead of doing what is necessary for winning matches,
  games and competitions.
• Do not believe the myth that early specialization in a sport such as football or hockey will lead to better performance later in life. The development of all-round athletes at this age is much better for the long term. Only very few sports require early specialization (for example gymnastics and figure skating).