Enjoy the idea of getting active on court and being part of a team? Try giving women’s basketball a shot!
If you’re returning to playing a sport after a break, basketball is a great way to get moving again and make some new friends along the way. You can play social basketball at a club, shoot hoops with a friend, or even practice by yourself.
On this page we look at:
- How This Girl Can – Victoria Ambassador Tiff met like-minded friends through basketball.
- How to learn basketball for women
- Playing at your own pace, in your own way
- How This Girl Can – Victoria Ambassador Sabrin fit in, even though she was told she couldn’t play because she’s a girl
- How to find a team or court near you
- Can’t get out right now? At-home tips
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How basketball helped Tiff meet like-minded friends
Tiff has enjoyed playing women’s social basketball in Melbourne for the social connection, as well as the physical activity. “Playing basketball you have 5 people on a team, so that’s at least 4 other friends.” As a gay woman on a diverse team, Tiff found she always felt included: “We break the gender barrier, so there’s non-binary, there’s trans and it doesn’t matter – we’re all human we all crave love and affection”. “It’s not always about winning, it’s about how you feel inside,” Tiff said.
How to learn to play basketball
Whether you’ve watched the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and want to get in on the fun, or you want to see how it feels to get active on a court, there are many ways to get involved.
Inclusive basketball programs
A great place to start and learn basketball in Melbourne and regional Victoria is with one of Basketball Victoria’s range of all abilities basketball programs.
Social basketball is a popular game, and chances are there is a social basketball competition for women near you. There are many associations and organisations that run these competitions, so contact your local providers to find out more.
The great thing about basketball is you don’t have to join a club or team unless you want to. For a fun way to get moving, you can simply grab a basketball and head to your local park – plenty have dedicated basketball courts you can use. You can go on your own or with a friend to practice and take some shots.
Play basketball at your own pace, your own way
There are many different forms of basketball to choose from, with different levels you can play at, from social to competitive.
Walking basketball
If you’re looking for a sport that’s not as fast-paced, walking basketball might be for you. It’s a slower, low-impact introduction to basketball. It’s a social game too, making it a fantastic sport to get moving again after a break and meet others.
Wheelchair basketball
Wheelchair basketball is another form of the game you can try with modified rules.
There are many ways to get involved in basketball for women. It doesn’t matter what your age, body shape, background or ability is. All that matters is you’re having a try and having some fun in the process.
How basketball helped Sabrin fit in, even though she was told she couldn’t play because she’s a girl
Sabrin, 20, had always been told she couldn’t play basketball because she was a girl. But coming from South Sudan, she had played some before and knew she loved honing her skills. For Sabrin, “it was a sport I could play wherever we went and helped me fit in.” She says it’s common to feel insecure about yourself when practicing in public, but that doesn’t need to prevent you from giving it a go. “I like playing basketball, and I like going out. Who’s to stop you?”
How to find a team or court near you
- Visit the websites mentioned on this page: all abilities basketball programs, walking basketball or wheelchair basketball.
- Google it! Search to see what other basketball courts or clubs there are near you.
- Find a Supporter in your neighbourhood: see if there’s a basketball club near you who has registered online to support This Girl Can – Victoria.
- Ask other women – chat to your friends, family or colleagues about doing an activity together, or post a question to our Facebook page where there’s a super supportive community of women who can help you out.
Can’t get out right now?
If you can’t join a ‘tip-off’ (how a game starts in the middle of the court) in a local basketball community just yet, there are things you can do to get moving and have some fun on your own or with a friend.
The great thing about basketball is you can pick up a ball and practice some moves at home. You can find basketball classes and coaching videos online, so you can always check those out now and if you get a chance and want to play with a group later, you can do that too.
Learn more about This Girl Can – Victoria and how it’s helping women feel good by getting activity in a way that suits them.