Play-Based Basketball Development
Kitchener-Waterloo
LET THE GAME BE THE TEACHER
"Free play and exploration are, historically, the means by which children learn to solve their own problems, control their own lives, develop their own interests, and become competent in pursuit of their own interests." - Dr. Peter Gray
Basketball development isn't about following a rigid script or endless repetition of structured drills. My perspective on this comes from 25 years of experience across the basketball world. I’ve been a player, scout, analyst, coach, and now a parent, working with athletes at every level - from first-time players to professionals.
Through these roles, I've learned that real growth happens organically and often nonlinearly. Athletes develop best when challenged to solve problems, adapt to different situations, and most importantly, play.
At PlayFirst Hoops, I focus on implementing these approaches by creating environments where players can explore and discover solutions through intentional play. This approach might seem different from traditional training, but it's rooted in how we naturally learn and improve.
I want to bring play back to the center of development because that's where the joy and magic of basketball have always lived.