Coaching Pathways
HOW TO BECOME AUSTRALIA'S NEXT BOOMER OR OPAL
Basketball Australia's National Intensive Training Program (NITP)
Basketball Australia's internationally acclaimed National Intensive Training Program (NITP) provides Australia's promising young basketballers and basketball coaches with a proven pathway to success in their chosen sport.
Established more than a decade ago to fulfill the need for a more systematic, thorough and unified national approach to the identification and development of outstanding junior basketballers, the NITP has produced most of Australia's current crop of Boomers and Opals and many current NBL and WNBL coaches.
Sam Mackinnon (Australian Boomers/Melbourne Tigers), Lauren Jackson (Australian Opals/ Seattle Storm) and Chris Anstey (Australian Boomer/Melbourne Tigers/Dallas Mavericks/Chicago Bulls) are all graduates of the NITP, whilst Ian Stacker (Townsville Crocodiles), Guy Molloy (National head coach Young Men’s team and former Opals Assistant Coach) and Carrie Graff (Opals head coach, Canberra Capitals head coach & WNBA Phoenix Mercury head coach) have all been involved as coaches.
The NITP uses the principle of open communication and the sharing of knowledge between State and Territory NITP coaches, a detailed talent identification process and well established links with local associations to develop outstanding basketballers. Using a model based on the very best player development practices from America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, the NITP has been further extended and refined to suit local needs and philosophies.
Australia's future champions are taught aspects of sports science and medicine as well as the individual and team fundamentals necessary to become a high level player. Players are exposed to a range of intensive individual and group training sessions as well as participating in local and national NITP camps. All aspects of a players' development are addressed including time management, planning, personal development and life management skills. Players benefit from the interactive and positive learning environment and also have the opportunity of experiencing international competition in Australia, USA, Asia and Europe.
All NITP Head coaches are full-time, experienced, highly-qualified and continue to attend coaching clinics and study tours. They are supported by a committed and extensive network of emerging coaches, thus providing Australia's next generation of elite teachers to develop their own practical coaching techniques whilst providing them with professional development opportunities.
The program is open to players aged between 14-17 years. Full details on player eligibility for the NITP can be obtained by emailing your state or territory association listed below.
STATE/TERRITORY CONTACT DETAILS
ACT - admin@onebasketball.com
NSW - nswball@ozemail.com.au
QLD - admin@basketballqld.net.au
TAS - basketball.tas@bigpond.com
VIC - enquiries@basketballvictoria.com.au, martyh@netcon.net.au
WA - admin@basketballwa.asn.au
VIC Country - vcbc@vcbc.org.au
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Basketball Australia
Ph: (02) 9469 7200
Fax: (02) 9469 7201
Email: info@basketball.net.au
Website: www.basketball.net.au
