Using Creative Constraint-Led Approaches in Youth Basketball

Samara Fennell, the clubs and schools development director of the Franklin Basketball Association in New Zealand, discusses how to apply a Creative Constraint-Led Approach (CLA) in youth basketball. She explains that CLA can be successfully used with beginner and under-twelve players, despite common doubts about its effectiveness with younger age groups. Fennell emphasizes the importance of patience, creativity, and allowing players to make mistakes and adjust based on their age. She highlights the importance of creating a playful environment with minimal waiting time and lines, allowing young players to explore and have fun. Fennell explains that CLA can be applied to various activities, such as dribble-to-the-whistle games and play-based activities, which empower players to make their own decisions and find solutions. She also discusses the use of constraints, such as in games like "steal the ball," "bus stop," and "alligator," to create age-appropriate challenges and maintain engagement. Finally, Fennell shares that shooting skills can be developed through shooting games without explicitly teaching shooting form, focusing on footwork and providing age-appropriate hoops and balls for success and challenge.