Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is grooming the next wave of basketball talent through its second year of running a series of Skill Days nationwide in September.
Local associations and regional stakeholders will work with BBNZ to hold the six days of advanced basketball tutelage, exposing athletes between the ages of 11 and 12 to a new style of play and familiarising them with the National set-ups concepts and tactics.
BBNZ High-Performance General Manager Leonard King said the Skill Days are beneficial for both the attendees and those working in the national representative space.
“The Basketball New Zealand U13 Skill Days are held to develop young athletes in alignment with BBNZ’s long-term development framework and stage age-appropriate skills and games.
“We help athletes maximise their potential by positively introducing the athletes to a series of movement competencies that can be used in any sport.”
Last year’s Skill Days were a huge success, with well over 500 kids in attendance over the five days. The overwhelming response and registration numbers prompted BBNZ to add another site for this year’s series.
Games run at the Skill Days have been designed to get players working on a variety of different basketball facets, i.e. acceleration, vertical leap and position retention, which will help them understand and adapt to higher levels of play.
King also said these days presented them with the chance to educate parents on the importance of their role in their child’s development.
“It is an opportunity for Basketball New Zealand to work with the athlete’s parents and educate them on what’s ahead for their child.
“The role of the parent of an athlete cannot be underestimated and is far more important than most parents realise.
“Basketball New Zealand view the coach, athlete and parents as partners. A team united and committed to helping kids achieve the goals they have set for themselves.”
Registration for a Skill Day can be done here, with each day limited to only 60 spots per gender and entry costing $30.
Each event will run to the same timings, with the girls running from 8am to 12pm and boys from 12pm to 4pm.
– September 7 – Tauranga, Trust Power Arena
– September 8 – Auckland, Eventfinda Stadium
– September 14 – Otaki, Nga Purapura
– September 15 – Ashburton EA Networks Centre
– September 21 – Dunedin, John McGlashan College
– September 22 – Nelson, Saxton Stadium
