where dreams and talent grow
For FBF, Mini Basketball is the first step of a serious and happy path. It is a place where children learn by playing. They grow as athletes and as people, with healthy competition guided by effort, fair play, and inclusion.
This follows the same educational direction of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP): first the child’s education, then the result. The approach to competition is gradual, and the rules have a clear educational purpose.
At FBF, these principles live every day in a project that combines technical method and care for the person.
What we mean by MiniBasket
Mini Basketball is the official FIP “game-sport” for girls and boys aged 5 to 11. It is a training model that focuses on motor, cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
The national program (#MinibasketForLife) highlights inclusion, welcome, and teamwork as key values. The rules are an educational tool: they guide behaviour and teaching choices.
We use learning through games and small-sided games. This helps children improve decision making, creativity, and game understanding.
All age groups, for girls and boys
At FBF, we have all Mini Basketball groups, for both boys and girls:
- Pulcini / Paperine: 5–6 years
- Scoiattoli / Libellule: 7–8 years
- Aquilotti / Gazzelle: 9–10 years (also Open)
- Esordienti (boys and girls, also Open): around 11 years
Note: Exact birth years are updated every season by FIP (Categorie e Annate). We always follow the latest official chart
FBF standard in every session: at least two qualified FIP Mini Basketball instructors, plus a third support person. This improves safety, quality, and attention to each child.
Our method: from play to a skilled young player
Movement skills & motor basics
We build a capable body: running, jumping, rolling, throwing, catching, balance, and quick direction changes. Always through play, with variety.
Basketball skills in game situations
Dribbling, passing, shooting, stops/starts, pivot, and defence inside 1v1 → 2v2 → 3v3 → 4v4. Few instructions, many touches, good pace, and real choices. The goal is not to repeat moves, but to solve problems.
Learning to choose (simple constraints)
We use simple limits (space, time, easy rules) to help children read the game and adapt to teammates, opponents, and situations.
Man-to-man defence: a school of responsibility
Up to age 11, everyone learns everything. We build versatile players and “positionless” habits, without rigid roles.
Small-sided games and progress
4v4 is the key format. 5v5 starts in Esordienti, as a bridge to youth basketball.
No fixed roles: multi-skills
Fino a 11 anni tutti fanno tutto: promuoviamo versatilità e basket senza ruoli rigidi, concetto ormai centrale nelle migliori accademie giovanili.
Age-appropriate rules and equipment
Hoops at 2.60 m (Esordienti 3.05 m). Ball size/weight: circumference 68–73 cm / 400–500 g. Court markings and game times are adapted to age.
Safety & wellbeing
Training loads are age-appropriate. We work on prevention and, when needed, Basket Lab assessments support the coaching staff for a safe return to play.
Baby Basket focus (Pulcini / Paperine)
This is where children fall in love with the game. Sessions are short, active, and fun, with soft balls, simple games, and paths that build confidence with the ball, space awareness, rhythm, and coordination.
We also train cognitive skills (attention, working memory, flexibility) and social-emotional skills (shared rules, teamwork, joy of the group). Competition is always healthy: challenge yourself, respect the opponent, and learn that mistakes are part of discovery.
Esordienti (the bridge to youth basketball)
We strengthen skills in game situations. We introduce simple 2–3 player teamwork and basic spacing and timing (open space, cuts, replacements). We work on on-ball defence and easy help defence.
We move from 4v4 games to official 5v5, with wide rotations and flexible roles.
Why FBF Mini Basket
Because it combines values (education, inclusion, respect) with strong technical quality, inside a club that competes at the highest youth levels. Our structures and method stay consistent from the first age group all the way to U19. This is the same identity that guides our whole project.
Il team minibasket
Istruttori Minibasket qualificati FIP, con esperienza sul campo e un metodo condiviso.
Luciana Andriulo
Responsabile Minibasket e dei progetti
Fabio Costabile
Responsabile Minibasket e dei progetti
Bruno Zuppetta
Coach
Annachiara Rogoli
Coach
Come and try
Join us for a trial session: meet the coaches, enter the gym, and experience an FBF Mini Basketball practice.
