FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does it take to have a “BOUNCERS” Group?

1. Adult interest and willingness to commit. For each practice session, there should be a minimum of three “BOUNCER” trained instructors in order to provide the kids individualized skill instruction in each of the skill level groups.

2. Gym / practice facilities for the half-day camp and one (1) each week for practice.

Do the adults instructing need to know basketball?

NO. Although basketballs are used and basketball skills are definitely improved, the strategy of basketball is not emphasized. Many “BOUNCERS” instructors are parents with a keen interest in ensuring that the sports experience for their children is positive and character-building. Other instructors are physical education teachers and coaches who understand the importance of teaching fundamental skills that develop coordination and agility for any sport.

Because the “BOUNCERS” Organization trains those who work with their local “BOUNCERS” group, experience is not necessary. The necessity is an interest in kids and availability to commit time and effort to the practice and performance schedule. Dependability is a must.

What is the age / grade limit?

Basic age definition is kindergarten through 6th grade. Some groups do allow pre-k children, but most kids under 5 years of age are not ready. For those 7th grade and above who want to participate in “BOUNCERS” there is a special designation as “First Timers.”

Can we form a “BOUNCERS” group that only includes one or two grades?

No.

How many kids are in a “BOUNCERS” Group?

The number of kids is limited only by the commitment of adults and the availability of practice facilities. However, the number of kids for a performance is limited to approximately 45 due to limited space on the average performance floor. Over 45 kids at one time can result in over-crowding on the floor. “BOUNCERS” groups with larger numbers are divided into the appropriate number of performance groups.

There is no such thing as “too many” but there can be too few to get the complete “BOUNCERS” experience. A basic minimum number is 30 kids. An allowance is made for groups who have between 20 and 30 kids to combine with a nearby group for the start-up camp.

How are large groups divided?

There are several ways to divide large groups. For specific recommendations, call the “BOUNCERS” office. However, there is one way not to divide groups – by age or grade. DO NOT put all the younger kids in one group and the older kids in another. Each group of kids should have an even number of older/younger, skilled and less skilled kids.

How often does a “BOUNCERS” group practice?

It is recommended that practices be once a week for one hour. Occasionally, additional or longer practices are needed for special performances. The real emphasis is that the kids practice at home, making it their responsibility to improve.

How many performances should a “BOUNCERS” group have each year?

There is not a set number, however 4-6 performances with a special performance is the basic recommendation. With fewer performances, “BOUNCERS” and their parents do not get to experience the excitement of a performance that encourages positive results. At the same time, too many performances may stress kids and parents’ busy schedules.

How do the kids stay motivated?

Since motivation is not permanent, there must be a continual effort to keep motivation high among the kids. The initial motivation is just the fun of learning to do the skills. That soon wears off as the kids are ready for the next step – the performances. The performances are instrumental in keeping the kids practicing. It gives them an arena to showcase the results of their hard work and also encourages the kids to practice and work harder. Many of life’s lessons are learned in the kids’ performances like not quitting, persevering even when they do not perform a skill very well and overcoming failure. The performances also act as the payoff for the parents to see that their children are working towards a specific goal. Without the performances, the kids lose their desire to work and the parents are less likely to realize the end result of why the kids are practicing so hard. At practices, “BOUNCERS” instructors must continue to challenge each “BOUNCER” with additional skills and skills with greater difficulty.