The Pathway > The Pathway    
The Performance Pathway
 
The Performance Pathway is the outline structure that a player (or coach) should follow in progressing their interest, experience, knowledge and performance of basketball. The pathway should cover a performer's progress from beginner, to competent, to proficent, to expert. The journey is from junior to senior and ultimately to the level that the performer's ability and opportunity takes them.
 
Basketball is a popular sport worldwide that is played by males and females and can offer a professional playing career to British men and women.
 
The upper levels of performance results in representing Great Britain at European, World and Olypmic championships.
 
Click here for a graphical representation of the pathway and more details of the National Teams and Regional Development programs.
 
Steps on the Pathway
  1. U13 Regional Development Program
    The U13 Regional Development Program (RDP) and teams are the first step on the performance pathway. Players with an interest and aptitude for basketball are selected from clubs and schools to join the U13 RDP, with each region of England arranging a squad and coaching.
  2. Regional Performance Centres
    An annual intake of selected thirteen year old players are invited to attend the RPC in their region. There is an RPC in each of the ten regions of England with two in London.
  3. U15 Regional Development Program
    All RPC players along with any identified late starters and other players are invited to the U15 RDP, which operates in the club offseason. The U15 RDP serves as the selection process for both the U15 National Development Program and the U16 National Squad.
  4. U15 National Development Program
    The U15 National Development Program (NDP) is for identified players who have the potential to play for England. However its primary focus is to again continue the development of skills whilst introducing players to higher level of game concepts and principles. The U15 NDP offers international games as part of the development process. All U15 NDP players play for their U15 RDP teams as part of the selection process for the U16 National Squad.
  5. U16 National Squad
    An initial squad of approximately 30 players is identified from the U15 RDP with the ultimate aim of selecting a team to play at the European Championship. Players who are not selected at this level continue with their club and school basketball with the possibility of the U17 RDP and New Horizons program as well as Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) colleges and basketball schools to continue their development and competition needs. It is important to note that non-selection at U16 is certainly not the end of any players' chances of representing their country.
  6. U17 Regional Development Program
    The U17 RDP excludes U16 and U18 National Team players. It allows for late developing players to present themselves for national selection while still developing their skills and understanding to become a proficient senior level player.
  7. U17 National Development Program - New Horizons
    New Horizons is focused on individual development and preparing players to continue their own development towards their goals. The program also serves as another talent identification stage to assess players as possible U18 National Squad members. Players have access to National Team standard coaches and the opportunity of international games in the club offseason. It helps prepare players for graduation from junior into senior level basketball.
  8. U18 National Squad
    An initial squad of approximately 30 players is selected from the U17 RDP and the New Horizons program with the ultimate aim of selecting a team to play at the European Championship.
Basketball is a late specialisation sport. Therefore players may join at later stages with many players being introduced to the game as a 15, 16 or 17 year old. Obviously as a consequence they may miss the first steps of the pathway. The England performance pathway caters for multiple entry and exit routes so that players can find the most satisfying standard of training and competition.
 
Important Information on NCAA Eligibility
 
If a player is interested in attending a US college, they need to be aware of the relevant issues relating to eligibility.
 
British Basketball has put together a document to outline the key points.