Ron Wuotila, Head of Basketball Operations for British Basketball, said: "The need for a common basketball language and technical concepts has been a recurring theme in the feedback we receive from coaches at many levels across Britain. I'm delighted that British Basketball is working alongside the other governing bodies to bring this work to life."
British Basketball, Basketball Wales, Basketball Scotland and England Basketball are collaborating via the creation of a Performance Management Group (PMG) with the purpose of creating a world-class basketball development system. It is recognised that a world-class development system will require world-class expertise and a long-term approach to developing this huge area of work.
To start the ball rolling, the publication of five areas of technical focus was released in early 2009. The announcement stimulated interest and debate among the basketball community and highlighted the need to take this work further.
Following this, a driving group has been created containing individuals with a combination of world-class coaching expertise, experience in curriculum development in elite sport or an extensive understanding of development issues within basketball in Britain. In addition, key stakeholder groups are being engaged and represented.
Work is already underway, including the input of world-class coaches Tom Maher and Ken Shields from the GB Senior Women programme
The group expects to announce a widening of the technical focus areas shortly, and to describe each area in further detail in the coming weeks. Coaches attending the Game On At The O2 tournament August 14-16 and associated coaching clinics will have the opportunity to share and feedback on the Areas of Emphasis.
The Curriculum Driver Group consists of:
Ron Wuotila, Head of Basketball Operations, British Basketball
Chris Spice - Performance Director, British Basketball
Brian Aldred - Coach Development Manager, England Basketball, Basketball Coaches Association
Murray Treseder - Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association Head Coach
Matt Johnson - Reading Basketball club, England representative on the FIBA Europe Coaching Certificate
Mike MacKay - Coach Education and Development Manager, Canada Basketball
Simon Turner - Player Development Manager, basketballscotland
BBL rep - to be determined
In addition to the above list, designated coaches will be invited to attend group meetings and input into the group whenever possible.
