Children improving their skills at basketball clinic

The West Rand Basketball Association recently hosted a basketball clinic at the Munsieville Indoor Stadium.

Rodney Mushwana from the Association said the clinic was a huge success with 65 children in the age groups of U/12 and U/18 in attendance. Their aim was to improve the skills of the children who are already playing basketball, and also teach others who are still learning.

Some of the skills they focused on included ball-handling, dribbling, moving with the ball, lay-ups, shooting, and the fundamentals of defence.

They plan on hosting another basketball clinic in Munsieville, and others across the West Rand, especially at schools.

“Kids get to learn so many things in a day. Basketball is addictive – one session and the kids are hooked,” Rodney laughingly said as he explained the importance of clinics like these.

The Association is currently developing a website which will be used as an information hub. It will have a gallery and all their contact details, but in the meantime you can visit their Facebook page West Rand Basketball.

Alternatively they can be contacted at hallo@westrandbasketball.co.za.

Rodney explained that they decided on basketball because most of the executive members of the organisation have a good story to tell about how basketball has positively impacted their lives.

“The organisation is intending to use basketball as a tool to bring change to these kids’ life. We are facing a high rate of drug and alcohol abuse, crime, teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts amongst young people in South Africa. Our programme is not only designed to develop athletes but to create new leaders in society. Why basketball? In a nutshell, basketball saves lives.”