Adapt game to the kids
My youth sports rule of thumb is this: always adapt the games to the kids, never adapt the kids to the games. Would anyone demand that 4th graders study algebra, trigonometry, calculus, quantum mechanics or doctoral-level physics? So why do they need to play the same basketball game as the players at older levels?
Traditional 5 on 5, full court basketball is a sensible endeavor for your local middle school aged teams as they prepare for possible high school play. Please, however, don't confuse where your elementary school-aged children might play in the future with what is best for their play and enjoyment in the present. Just ask any local elementary school physical education teacher to verify the validity of this 3 on 3 program. These folks do this for a living and I've consulted with hundreds of them.
Posted May 19, 2011
