MINI-BASKETBALL

In 1950 an American Youth Leader recognised the potential of a scaled down version of basketball for primary school aged children. Jay Archer called it "Biddy Basketball". The baskets were lowered to a height of eight feet six inches and a smaller size ball made shooting and dribbling easier. It proved to be an enormous success and is still called Biddy Ball in the United States.

The International Basketball Federation copied the best components of Biddy Ball and promoted a version which they called Mini-Basketball. By 1970 FIBA had produced a rule book and guide lines for teachers/leaders. The emphasis was on participation and fun. Designed to encourage mixed boys and girls teams and involving running, jumping, catching and throwing, it was seen as an ideal activity for introducing young children to sport.

In Scotland primary schools seemed an obvious starting point. While a programme of games hall construction had started in secondary schools there were very few primary schools that could boast a gymnasium. Primary School Physical Education classes were typically conducted in the school assembly hall. There were no mini basketball goals. A modified version of mini-basketball was devised. One pupil would stand on a bench and try to catch "shots" from team-mates. Each successful catch was deemed a goal.

Mini-basketball was introduced to the curriculum at several primary school teacher training colleges. Many graduates went on to include mini-basketball in their PE classes. Directors of Physical Education were approached with a view to purchasing mini-baskets which could be used indoors or in playgrounds. As new primary schools were built the gymnasium usually incorporated a mini-basketball court. Many primary schools installed baskets on a school wall in the playground.

Local authorities were invited to organise mini-basketball "Festivals". These were designed to give the participating children an opportunity to play in a controlled competitive environment with other local schools. The emphasis was always on participation and enjoyment. The best team from each local festival was invited to a "National Festival" held at Meadowbank Sports Centre. Schools from all parts of Scotland took part. The festivals proved to be an outstanding success with more than 300 children involved annually.

A feature of the rules was that mixed teams of boys and girls could participate. Indeed at least two girls had to be on court at any time. It was rewarding to see how well the players and their teachers responded to the satisfaction of winning and the acceptance of defeat. A true measure of preparation for life in the "real" world.


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