July26 kids bball

Interesting the way this game is approached and adjudicated at a junior level. Down on the Peninsula where our kids played is almost a foreign game to what you’ll see here . The kids here play a very physical form of bball which is a surprise . I always thought they were soft and this was a game for those that didn’t like body contact, Ofcourse we play some tough sports in Australia but I really can see the similarities and traits that are transferable across codes and countries. It’s not fair to compare standards but some of these kids are like panthers with  speed and agility that you don’t see back home .Kids play to positions and zones 1st , passing , blocks , pick and rolls and team game plans start as soon as they join a team . The skills and game rules are added on as they go. Travelling , fouls and double dribbles are not refereed until they get closer to 10 years old . That’s the big difference, once these kids have hit there tweens , they play a lightening fast , physical brand of bball with multiple game styles . Refereeing to the absolute rules come in after these kids  have developed game craft . It’s a real factor that develops their kids quicker . Also passing is held in high regard . It’s not just about the kid who scores . This makes the game a far better spectacle early on .Speed and transition is big , these kids run up and back at a far greater rate. Body contact is not refereed with the same zeal . The kids play close to the edge and at high tempo . Basketball is ‘their’ game but I’m fascinated with their approach to teaching the kids . I guess the game is so exposed there is an understanding of the rules at a young age , Maybe this explains the Australian approach to officiate more readily . To make a direct comparison to my kids teams back home isn’t fair , but in reality the US kids would beat our teams up to two years older. I never thought I’d say it but I’m really growing fond of bball.