Girls Development

Girls ages 6-11 are introduced to basketball through three age groups:

• U8 (birth year 2018-2019) 
• U10 (birth year 2016-2017)
• U12 (birth year 2014-2015)

No previous basketball experience is required. The focus of the Development Program is on fundamental skills: dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, footwork, and agility.  Players are grouped into teams with a dedicated coach and assistant coach.

 Program Details:

• Season runs from late-September to late-March
• Weekly 90-minute sessions of drills, games, and scrimmages on 10 ft nets (8ft nets for U8)
• Saturdays at schools in Barrhaven
• There will be 3 fun, in-house tournaments throughout the season as well as an annual Parents vs. Kids match. Referees from NBBA Jr. Referee Program will referee the games and help the players with the rules.
• Each player requires a size 5 basketball

Questions about the Girls Development Program can be emailed to alex.habbouche@nepeanbluedevils.ca (VP Girls Development).

Volunteers are essential. If you would like to coach or volunteer with this program, please see: Volunteer, and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel prepared and confident.

The Development Plus Program offers advanced development players (U10 & U12) extra competitive play beyond the development program. The goal of the Development Plus Program is to prepare the athletes that want to pursue the competitive basketball pathway.

Selection Process

Players must be registered and committed participants of the Development Program to be eligible for the Plus Program; it is not possible to only be in the Plus Program. Development coaches will take time to evaluate each player and put forward their player recommendations for the Plus Program.  The final roster for each Plus team is then approved by the VP of Girls Development by November.  Parents of the recommended players will be contacted and informed of the additional time and financial commitment prior to accepting selection to the team.

Selection Criteria

 Players are recommended and ultimately selected when they demonstrate the required criteria, including:

• Above average skill level for the player’s age group
• Excellent “coachability” - positive attitude, attentive and hard-working
• An interest and enthusiasm for learning and playing the game
• Commitment to attending practices and games

Commitment

The Development Plus Team will be expected to attend an additional practice during the week, and enter a minimum of 2 tournaments throughout the season.

In addition to the Development program fee, there will be a cost to the Development Plus players that covers things like the gym time for the additional weekly practice and Ontario Basketball Association membership.  Any further funds (e.g. for tournament entry fees) will be collected by the team manager as required.

This Program is available for U10 and U12 levels, however a team can only be run if there is a commitment of volunteer coaches and team managers.