Kids Programs
Tiny Tigers
The Melbourne Tigers junior girls Tiny Tigers program has existed for nearly 20 years and is designed to develop hand/eye co-ordination, footwork and spatial awareness as well as giving the kids confidence to move, pass and shoot.
It accepts all kids aged 5+ and teaches the basketball basics – running, dribbling, passing and catching.
Sessions are run by experienced coaches who understand junior athletes and are patient and supportive in their approach. The kids have lots of fun, as many of the teaching drills are framed as games. They enjoy the contest, not realising that they are also learning new skills that will translate into making them competent basketballers.
Many Tiny Tigers graduates go on to play the sport at State, National and even International level, but the program is just as valuable for anyone wanting an initial introduction to basketball.
There is no joining fee and a small weekly payment of $10 is levied. Your child just needs to have shorts, t shirt and athletic footwear, a size 5 ball, a drink bottle and heaps of energy and enthusiasm. Registrations for 2024 will open in the New Year.
Development Squad
The Development Squad trains most Sunday mornings (term 1, 2 and 3) at MSAC.
It is for girls aged 8 – 9yrs old, who have some basketball experience and are looking to be selected in an U12 Tigers girls representative team the following season.
Many Development Squad members are ‘graduates’ from Tiny Tigers, who can demonstrate sufficient skills and ability to take the next step. Entry to the Development Squad is not automatic, as it is important that the athletes have all reached a certain standard and level of experience. This is for the benefit of everyone.
The squad will be challenged to acquire more complex basketball skills, including the development of both sides of the body (e.g. left hand lay up for right handers) and initial defensive and offensive concepts. But overall the program still has a strong focus on skill adoption and correct mechanical techniques.
Development squad members may also be invited to participate, as a team, in one or two tournaments throughout the year (U10 age group).
The Development Squad operates through school terms one, two and three. Fees are charged per term.
Register Here: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/9ab3fd
Aussie Hoops
The Melbourne Tigers is proud to deliver Aussie Hoops.
Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s official introductory program, providing a fun and inclusive Basketball experience for 5-10 yr 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.
To learn more and enrol https://aussiehoops.basketball/find-a-program/
