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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Why should I join The Basketball Experience community?
    There are a few reasons why you should join our community. The first one being that we are always striving to find ways to serve the Saskatoon basketball community to the best of our abilities. Our programs, camps and training are always evolving to ensure we give you the best quality service and training possible. We provide qualified trainers and coaches who are ready to help your athletes move to the next level and who love the sport! All our coaches are personally trained by coach Jared, encouraged to pursue their certifications and to have an interest in personal growth. At The Basketball Experience every program is designed from start to finish to provide a fun, encouraging environment where athletes can learn the fundamentals of basketball, while fostering a high level of enjoyment in basketball and the development process! During each session we also focus on developing a growth mindset and on learning life skills applicable in their every day life! Investing in a training program with The Basketball Experience is investing in the amazing Saskatoon basketball community. The positive, energetic and professional environment we offer gives you the best environment possible to learn and work on new skills!
  • What is the difference between your Skill Programs, Basketball Camps and Clinics?
    Our Skill Program is an 8-week training program where different skills are developed each week to ensure that you work on every skill necessary to playing your best games! The sessions are 1 hour long every week for a total of 8 weeks and they are designed to be adaptable to every age group and skill level. We offer our skill training program to every player between the ages of 5 and 18. If you are looking for extra consistent training during your basketball season, this is the training for you! Our Basketball Camps are a 3-day event (2 hours each day) where athletes between the ages of 10 and 18 years old learn the fundamentals of basketball, while edging into more intermediate and advanced skill development (depending on the athlete). We place an emphasis on helping players work beyond what they believe they are capable of, and help them get comfortable with the uncomfortable, because that is where the majority of development occurs! Our Basketball Clinics are a 2 hour event where athletes between the ages of 5 and 18 years old learn the fundamentals of one specific skill, while edging into more intermediate and advanced skill development (depending on the athlete). For example, one clinic can be on shooting, the next about ball handling, etc. We place an emphasis on helping players work beyond what they believe they are capable of, and help them get comfortable with the uncomfortable, because that is where the majority of development occurs!
  • What is your coach per player ratio?
    At our organization, we believe in providing the best possible experience to our community members. To achieve this, we ensure that the coach per player ratio is always maintained between 1:5 and 1:8, depending on the age group. This ratio is consistent across all our service offerings, including skills programs, clinics, and camps. By keeping the ratio low, we can offer personalized attention and constructive feedback to every player during drills and exercises. Our primary objective is to provide top-notch training, and the low coach per player ratio is crucial in achieving this goal. With a low ratio, we can ensure that every player receives adequate guidance and support, making their learning experience more productive and enjoyable.
  • What should I bring?
    Clothing: t-shirt, shorts, running shoes Other: water bottle (that the player can easily open) Not Allowed: no jewelry please as they can accidentally hurt your child or someone else Lastly, make sure to bring a good attitude and a willingness to learn! 🏀
  • Do you accept kids younger than 5 years old in your program?
    Usually we start accepting players at 5 years old as we found they are the most ready to actively participate in the exercises. If your child is almost 5 (less than 1 month away), please contact us and we can set up a free trial to see if joining our program is the best for your child! If your child is 4 years old and interested in learning the basics of basketball, consider joining Mini Hoopers Basketball ; they have a program for kids between 2 and 4 years old!
  • Can I stay and watch during the sessions?
    We strive to be very open with the parents and guardians by giving them the opportunity to stay and watch during the weekly skill program sessions. Please note that based on the coach’s observations on your child’s behavior during the sessions, you may be asked to leave next time to see how your child behaves next time. The reason behind the request will always be explained to you prior.
  • Do your coaches have their Criminal Record Check?
    Yes, all our coaches over 18 years old must have their criminal record with the vulnerability sector done. Every coach must also do their Respect in Sports course.
  • Do you play games at The Basketball Experience?
    During the training sessions we usually focus on improving the athletes' skills and on repetitions. In our 8 week program, a different skill is worked on every week (shooting, passing, teamwork, ball handling, etc.). Different drills and exercises are thoughtfully and specifically picked for the age group to make sure they are improving and getting challenged while still having fun! Games are sometimes part of the session as a way to put into practice what they have learned so far, but they usually happen closer to the end of the 8 week program, once players have learned about all the different skills. Also check our "Open Gym" page to see when you can come to practice and play games with other athletes around the same age as you.
  • Why do we focus on skills development and repetition over playing live games?
    At The Basketball Experience, the focus is on skills development and repetition over playing live games because it is widely acknowledged that skill development is a critical component of a player's overall basketball success. While playing live games can be exciting and fun, it is not necessarily the most effective way to improve a player's skills. By focusing on skills development and repetition, players are able to hone their fundamental skills such as shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, and defense, which are essential for success on the court. These skills can be difficult to develop in a game setting, where players are often more focused on winning and less focused on individual improvement. Repetition is also key to skill development. The more a player practices a particular skill, the more likely they are to improve that skill. By incorporating repetitive drills and exercises into our training programs, we help players develop muscle memory and reinforce proper technique, which can be difficult to achieve in live game situations. Also check our "Open Gym" page to see when you can come to practice and play games with other athletes around the same age as you.
  • Do you have a cancellation policy?
    Please note that once you have registered for a program with us, it means that we have reserved time and facilities for you and your athlete. If you need to cancel for any reason, be advised of our cancellation period below in order to avoid a cancellation fee. Cancellation Period: 2+ Weeks prior to program start date - No cancellation fees. Within 2 Weeks prior to program start date - Standard $50 cancellation fee. Within 48hrs, or after the program start date - No refunds.
  • Do you offer financial help or discounts?
    We are accepting KidSport funding, JumpStart and Social Services funding. Please visit the appropriate website to apply for your funding and email us at info@basketballexperience once you are approved. Note you usually have to apply 4-6 weeks before the start of the program to be approved. KidSport JumpStart Social Services: Contact the person in charge and have them email us to discuss further. HelpOne Care and Share Saskatoon Please click here to find all the information about our organization you will need to apply. We look forward to seeing you on the court!
  • What are your Covid regulations?
    Please follow the provincial and city health measures in place at the moment of practice. Please do NOT attend if your child, or yourself, is feeling unwell. Resume attendance when your child is feeling better. Masks are no longer required to enter the facilities or during the program; it is up to the parents and participants to discuss what they feel comfortable with.
Skill Programs
Clinics

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