How to get started with basketball
![A group of women in black and white playing basketball.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6578eb766a0c1aa234f798af_intro-bb-cover-sml.webp)
Basketball is a great way to be active and have fun. Players will make new friends, learn new skills, and improve balance and co-ordination.
Court
Players battle it out on the basketball court, which is segmented by baselines, sidelines & more.
Basketball
Throughout the game, players dribble, pass to each other, and shoot the basketball.
Hoops
The goal of the game is to shoot as many goals as possible in the opposing team’s hoop.
Players
Two teams of five players verse each other on the court at once.
Where to get started
Basketball is an extremely popular and well recognised sport, not only in Queensland, but Australia-wide. Opportunities exist for those of all age groups and abilities wishing to participate from the grass-roots right through to elite levels in basketball.
![A group of young boys playing a game of basketball.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6578ef10f189ce178bdb0b35_Introduction.webp)
Introduction 4-7 Years Old
Our Associations offer a range of introduction to basketball programs for kids throughout Queensland. These programs are designed to introduce players of all abilities to the game through fundamental skill training and fun games.
![A young woman dribbling a basketball on a court.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6578f1365b099350c712deb0_Prepare.webp)
Prepare 7-9 Years Old
Our Associations provide a great entry point for players looking to understand basketball rules within age-appropriate game styles. These programs and competitions are designed to build a game sense in preparation for junior club competitions.
![A woman holding a basketball while standing on a basketball court.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6578f1369d1d105165c7be08_Develop.webp)
Develop 9-17 Years Old
Over 200 clubs participate in local competitions across Queensland. Our Associations are the hubs for these Junior Club competitions and serve as the entry point for players of all abilities. Whether you are new to a club or have been playing for years, there is a place for all with multiple age groups and divisions.
![A man holding a basketball in a gym.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6578f13663ba509bdad9e6ec_Stay%20Involved.webp)
Stay involved 18+ Years Old
We offer a range of competitions, from youth division to senior and Masters games. Whether you are a junior player progressing into senior basketball, a seasoned player looking to rekindle the glory days, or someone looking to get into basketball for the first time, there is something for you.
Looking for alternative pathways?
Wheelchair basketball
One of the fastest growing sports for people with a disability.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6476c971d3fd3c906c7ef457_Wheelchair-card.webp)
Indigenous Pathways Program
Promoting and delivering a range of culturally inclusive sport and physical activities throughout Queensland.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6476caeeb41557a22aca49a5_IPP%20Card.webp)
iCan Program
School basketball all abilities program for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6476caef052cc3a13d5c17e3_iCan%20Card.webp)
Take the pathway to the next level
Junior Representative
Represent your local association in the BQ Junior Basketball competitions across QLD.
State Championships
The Queensland State Championships are the premier junior representative tournament for Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18
QSL
Join the Queensland State League designed for young adults to play in competitive competitions.
NBL1
NBL1 North is the top-tier state league competition for athletes looking to compete at the highest level in Queensland.
![A female basketball player dribbling a basketball during a game.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/6578fb49e07696e420a7932d_Representative-feature.webp)
Next Gen Program
The NGP is a player development program designed for representative athletes from Under 12 and Under 14 association teams, aimed at exposing them to the Queensland style of play.
Future Development Program
The FDP is designed as a development pathway focused on the identification, support and development of athletes aged 12-13 years old.
State Performance Program
The SPP involves the selection and development of athletes in Under 16 and Under 18 age groups and is designed to prepare players to represent Queensland.
National Performance Program
The NPP is designed for Queensland’s most elite basketball athletes, providing development, training, support, and the potential to be identified at the national and international level.
QLD State Teams
Represent Queensland at the highest level and verse the best in Australia at a National Championships.
![A woman in a green jersey holding a basketball.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/657a94c281ccb4dd5d6dcb35_State.webp)
Juniors
Crocs U17 Men
Sapphires U17 Women
Emus U19 Men
Gems U19 Women
Seniors
Boomers Men
Opals Women
Wheelchair
Spinners U23 Men
Devils U25 Women
Rollers Men
Gliders Women
PWID
Boomerangs Men
Pearls Womens
![A woman in a green jersey holding a basketball.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/645c35275312c73dfbf7c40a/657a94724bd2ae4609fdde99_National.webp)
Find your local association
We have 43 affiliated member associations across the state, encompassing regional areas from North Queensland to Mount Isa and right through to the Gold Coast and the Southern Downs.
How to get started
Basketball is an extremely popular and well recognised sport, not only in Queensland, but Australia-wide. Opportunities exist for those of all age groups and abilities wishing to participate from the grass-roots right through to elite levels in basketball.
Beginner programs
Next steps
Represent your local association in the BQ Junior Basketball competitions across QLD.
QSL
Join the Queensland State League designed for young adults to play in competitive competitions.
NBL1
Play in the NBL1 North conference amongst the best talent in Australia.
Next Gen Program
Begin your journey with high performance through a Next Gen program.
Future Development Program
Get selected to join the Future Development Program and develop your skills.
State Performance Program
Try-out for the State Performance Program and develop with the best U16 and U18 athletes in QLD.
QLD State Team
Get selected to represent your state at the Australian National Championships.
National Performance Program
Join the elite development pathway and get identified for national selection.
Junior National Team
There are national opportunities for all ages and abilities from the U17 Crocodiles to the Australian Opals.
Senior National Team
Represent your country and play on the international stage.