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FORD AUSSIE HOOPS
Development Academies

Our Aussie Hoops Development Academies are the next step in our development pathway.

 

These sessions combine targeted skill work with modified, coach-supported gameplay. While still non-competitive, the focus here shifts toward applying skills in a game-like context.

 

Coaches actively guide players during games, with the freedom to pause play to teach, correct, and reinforce learning. This format helps bridge the gap between training and competition, ensuring players are prepared—physically and mentally—for their next step, whether that’s domestic competition or representative basketball.

LAUNCHING IN TERM 4

To learn more about the rollout and how it affects your child, view the 2025 Development Program Overview

Rising Star Academy (Ages 7-9)

 Our new Rising-Star Academy is a formal ‘Mini-Ball’ program that will replace our current U10 Learn to Play program.

 

This new initiative is designed to help young players in the Rising Stars age group (7-9) make the transition from skills training to real-game scenarios in a supportive, coach-led environment. This stage acts as a bridge between learning the basics and playing the game.

 

Each weekly session (to be run on Saturday mornings) includes two key components:

 

Skill Session (20 minutes):

Before each game, players will take part in a structured, age-appropriate training block. This allows coaches to focus on fundamental skills and team concepts such as passing, spacing, defending, and movement without the ball. Sessions are progressive, building on prior weeks and giving players time to absorb and apply new techniques.

 

Modified Games (20 minutes):

Following the skill session, players will participate in structured, coach-supervised games. These games use simplified rules designed to promote learning rather than competition. Coaches may pause the game at appropriate moments to correct positioning, reinforce decision-making, or highlight teachable moments.

 

Key Features:

   – All games are non-scoring and non-laddered: the focus is entirely on development

   – Coaches are active and involved on the court to support learning

   – Rules are adapted to support game understanding (e.g., ensuring all players handle the ball, encouraging team play)

   – New teams are created each week, giving players the opportunity to play with a wide range of teammates and styles

All Star Academy (Ages 10–12)

We are transitioning our existing U12 competition on a Saturday morning into a Coach-Led Academy for the All Star age group (10-12).

This is a short-term but essential step in building the foundation for long-term player success.

 

Each All-Star Academy session will consist of:

 

Skill Session (30 minutes):

Building on our ‘Hoops Hub’ sessions that were introduced in Term 2, all teams will begin with a structured training block led by a qualified coach. These sessions focus on reinforcing key individual and team skills: ball-handling under pressure, passing and moving, defense, offensive spacing, rebounding, and basic team strategy.

 

Coach-Supervised Games (30 minutes):

Following training, teams will play a full-court 5v5 game. However, unlike traditional competitions, these games will be led by a coach who can pause play at any time to:

   – Reinforce key concepts

   – Correct positioning or decision-making

   – Ensure all players are actively involved

   – Encourage team play and communication

 

Games will be non-competitive (no scoring or ladder) and officiated in a development-friendly way.

 

We will also be moving to a club-formed team model, to ensure that:

   – Every player is welcomed and placed into a team, regardless of background or social circle

   – Teams are balanced based on skill level and experience

Gear Included for New Participants

To help create a sense of belonging and identity from day one, all new participants in our development programs will receive a Blue Mountains Basketball-branded gear pack as part of their enrolment. Each pack includes:

   – A custom reversible training singlet

   – An age-appropriate basketball

 

This gear is yours to keep and is designed to follow players throughout their time in the development pathway. As children grow, larger-sized uniforms and basketballs will be available for one-off purchase when needed.

 

🆕 Custom Gear Launching in Term 4
Our gear packs will be introduced from Term 4 2025, and thanks to sponsorship support, will be provided free of charge to all Term 4 participants.

While many Aussie Hoops programs use generic national gear, we’ve chosen to develop our own Blue Mountains-branded equipment to help build a stronger connection between players and our club. 

 

💰 Gear and Fees from Term 1 2026
Starting in 2026, gear will be included in a one-time New Starter Fee for new participants. Returning players who already have their gear will pay a reduced Returning Player Fee, keeping the program affordable for families over time.

Sport
- Our Courts -

Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre

Catalina Ave, Katoomba

Located on Country now known as The Gully which is highly significant to Gundungurra and Darug Traditional Owners, who retain a rich cultural, spiritual, social and economic relationship with this special place.