Buddy Ball

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide an opportunity for our special neeeds community to enjoy the game of basketball in a competitive setting, fostering good sportsmanship and steady improvement in basketball skills……and to feel good about themselves!

Program

The program consists of one 1 ½ hour sessions each Saturday from 10:30am to 12:00pm.  The program will start on November 16th and the All Star Game will be on March 1st.  We ask our volunteers (PAL’s) to help children with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. Our goal is to enrich their lives with a positive experience in learning the skills of basketball at a level that is suitable to their respective abilities. The demands on our volunteers during each of these 1 ½ hour sessions are extensive, as the activities are non-stop and the needs of these players can often be challenging to handle. In many cases, our PAL’s serve as mentors (to teach them the rules of the game and what to do on and off the court), protectors (from loose balls or flying elbows), motivators (inspiring them to participate with enthusiasm), and supporters (helping them cope when they are upset).

Goals

  • Introduce and develop the basic skills in basketball
  • Teach the game of basketball at a level the individual player can understand
  • Provide fair and balanced competition based on physical and mental abilities
  • Conduct activities that are fun for participants, yet enhance the players level of performance
  • Create an environment that encourages good sportsmanship and camaraderie
  • Seek opportunities to build the confidence and sense of accomplishment of the players

PAL Guideline

  • Protect players from injury from incidental contact (i.e., errant ball, flying elbows…or from  falling down)
  • Encourage players to perform activities in both group and individual training sessions
  • Help players to understand the skills they are learning
  • Be sensitive to the players limitations and help them cope by providing emotional support
  • Be patient with the players who develop their skills at a slow pace
  • Buddies can assist players in competitive settings to ensure competitive balance (i.e., a  buddy can let a player touch the ball and then shoot for the player, if that player is incapable of taking a shot or reaching the basket)

FBB Curriculum

The Fast Break Buddy Basketball program is designed to keep the participants into a constant flow of learning about the game of basketball and playing basketball related activities throughout the duration of scheduled events. The goal is to use every minute available to insure that each participant gets the most out of the program. The Fast Break Buddy Basketball program is also geared to satisfying the individual needs of each participant and, as such, we are open to making modifications to the activities and the curriculum to ensure maximum benefit.
Schedule of Saturday Sessions 
Buddy Basketball will be conducted at East Brunswick Churchill Junior High School on
Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm except on holidays or school closings.

Role/Duties of a Coach:

1. Manage a 90 minute practice / game session.
2. Session participants are:
   a. Buddies - People with special needs
   b. PALS - People assigned to with work with the Buddies to assist during the session
   c. Session Coordinators / Assistance Coaches - People who provide "supervisory" help to the coaches, PALS and Buddies.
3. Following a set template of activities during the 90 minutes.
4. Sequence of Activities are:
   a. Greetings and Help Pair Up Buddies with Pals
   b. Warmup - General Stretching and Calisthenics
   c. Running of Drills - Basic Skills including dribbling, passing, defense, shooting, and team work...
   d. Running of the Game / Scrimmage - Emphasis on team work, equitable ball / shooting balance i.e., ensure that all players get and make a shot.
   e. Cool Down - Re-emphasis  on a great session, introduction of each player / pal ...
5. No prior experience is needed with coaching special needs people; however, some basketball coaching experience would be a plus.
6. You must have a desire to help others and you have to be extremely patient and respectful to all.

Role/duties of a PAL:

* Prior basketball knowledge or skills are not necessary to be a successful PAL
* Work one-on-one, or two-on-one with Buddy
* Protect players from injury from incidental contact (i.e. errant ball, flying elbows... or from falling down)
* Encourage Buddies to perform activities in both group and individual training sessions
* Help Buddies to understand the skills they and you are learning
* PALs can assist Buddies in competitive settings to ensure competitive balance (i.e., a PAL can let a Buddy touch the ball and then shoot for the Buddy if that Buddy is incapable of taking a shot or reaching the basket)
* Demonstrate activity skills for visual reinforcement
* Stay active and engaged with your Buddy both on and off the court
* Use touch to keep them involved and give them the true feeling of shooting and dribbling

Role/duties of a Session Coordinator:

* Previous experience as a PAL is required
* Commitment to be there EVERY week
* Assist coaches throughout the session (equipment, music, activities and drills)
* Site Safety – unsupervised children on the court, on the stage, or in the hallways
* Monitor the music during session
* Solicit and present ideas to improve program from attendees
* Remind coaches when 5 minutes is left in session to “circle-up” for Buddy and PAL congratulations and wrap up
* Set an example for other PALs