If you want to give basketball a go, start with what you would enjoy. You might want to learn some skills, make friends, join a team or just try something new. Finding a session that works for you is a good first step.
There are different ways to get involved in Australian basketball, including local clubs, Ability Hoops and wheelchair basketball. Each has its own activities and entry requirements. Here are some places players and families can start looking, with a few Queensland options too.
Start with what the player wants
Before looking at timetables, talk about what sounds fun and what would help the player feel ready to try it. They might want a quiet introduction to the coach, have someone familiar nearby or watch a session before joining in.
Make a short list of things to check. That could include step-free access from the car park, a suitable toilet, a clear plan for the session or somewhere to take a break. Ask about these things even if a program says it is “inclusive” or for “all abilities”. Those words alone do not tell you what will be available.
A local club may be able to offer the support a player needs in its usual sessions. A program with adapted activities may suit them better. Start with the player and what they need, rather than choosing only because of a diagnosis or a label on a form.
Four places to start looking
1. Your local association or club
Ask the club about beginner sessions and what support it can offer. Explain what would help the player join in, then find out who can confirm those arrangements.
Basketball Queensland’s getting-started page has an association finder and information about getting into basketball. If you live in another state or territory, start with your state or territory basketball organisation. Our basketball directory can help you find local options, but you still need to check access and support with each club.
2. Ability Hoops
Ability Hoops is Basketball Australia’s participation program for children aged 8 to 12 with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. The program describes using small groups and modified activities to introduce basketball skills.
You will need to check whether there is a program near you. Basketball Australia directs families to their state or territory representative for local provider information. Ask whether sessions are running, which ages can attend, what happens during a session, how much it costs and what support is available.
If the player is outside that age range, ask the association about other options. Being too young or too old for one program does not mean you cannot get involved in basketball.
3. Wheelchair basketball
If you want to try wheelchair basketball, look for a community or beginner session and ask who can attend. Check the rules for that session separately from the eligibility rules for a classified competition.
Basketball Australia’s wheelchair basketball page links to state and territory programs and explains classification for national-level participation. You do not need to work out a sporting classification yourself before asking where a beginner can start.
In Queensland, Sporting Wheelies publishes wheelchair basketball social-program information, including Brisbane and Toowoomba options. Check the current session details with the provider before going.
Ask whether a suitable sports chair is available and what help is offered with fitting it and learning how to use it. Also ask whether a support person can come along and what the full session cost is. Do not assume a chair will be available or that a session accepts junior players.
4. A school-based program
Some basketball programs are organised through schools rather than booked directly by families. Basketball Queensland’s iCan program is designed for special schools in Queensland and includes skill-based hub days for athletes with intellectual impairment.
If this sounds like an option for your school, ask whether it takes part or would like to enquire. It is not a general drop-in club session. Check current arrangements with the school and Basketball Queensland, rather than making plans around an old event date.
What to ask before your first visit
- The session: Who is it for, what ages attend and how are beginners introduced?
- The environment: How busy and noisy is the space? Can we see a session outline or visit beforehand?
- Access: How do we get from the car park to the court? Are the toilets and any change facilities suitable for the player?
- Joining in: Can activities be explained or demonstrated in different ways? How do players take a break?
- Support: Can a parent, carer or support person stay? What support is included, and what do we need to arrange separately?
- Equipment: What is supplied? If specialist equipment is needed, who checks that it fits and will be available?
- Costs: Can we try a session first? What are the session, registration, equipment and cancellation costs?
- Safeguarding: Who runs the session, who do we speak to about a concern and how do arrival and collection work?
Ask for important arrangements to be confirmed in writing so you know what to expect. It is good to hear “we welcome everyone”, but you also need to know whether the support and equipment the player needs will be there on the day.
Not sure what to say?
You could start with: “We are looking for a beginner basketball option. Could you tell us who this session suits, whether we can visit first and who we should speak to about access and support arrangements?”
Once you know who to speak to, explain the practical things that would help. Before sending private reports or detailed personal information, ask what information is needed, why it is needed and how to share it. You do not need to put a child’s private details in a public comment or social-media post just to find out whether a program exists.
Take the first session at your own pace
Choose a small aim with the player. It could be meeting the coach, trying one activity or getting to know the venue. Ask the person running the session what happens if a player wants a break or does not want to join an activity.
Afterwards, talk about what the player enjoyed and what they would change. There might be one thing you can ask the coach to do differently before another visit. You do not need to decide straight away whether this will be your long-term team or club.
For more questions about costs, travel and fitting basketball into your week, have a look at our first basketball season checklist. Our guide to finding the right basketball club can also help you compare options. Keep asking the player what they want. It is their basketball experience.
Program information checked 21 October 2026. Local availability, eligibility, equipment and support arrangements must be confirmed with the provider.
