Ready to Level Up: Why We Introduced School Age 3x3

When I first created Mini Ballers, my goal was simple: to give our youngest athletes a place to start their basketball journey with joy, movement, and play. Over the years we have welcomed Minis as young as one year old, watched them grow, and celebrated every milestone along the way.

As our athletes got older, I realized something important. Our program also needed to serve the oldest kids in the gym, the ones who were about to age out.

Preparing Minis for Their First Team

As a parent, it feels a little like sending your child from elementary school to middle school, or from middle school to high school. You know they are going to face bigger challenges, higher expectations, and new opportunities. Even though you cannot go with them, you want to prepare them to thrive.

That is how I see the transition from Mini Ballers to their first basketball team. My personal goal is not only to build skills but also to nurture a deep love for the game, so when our athletes leave us they are not just ready to play on a team, they are ready to enjoy being part of one.

Why School Age 3x3?

This is where our School Age 3x3 program comes in, a program we created a few years ago! 3x3 gives kids the perfect bridge between learning fundamentals and playing full-team basketball. They shoot on 8-foot rims, which is a step up from mini hoops but still designed for success. They play 3x3 with teammates and a coach in a round robin format so every child gets touches, makes decisions, and learns the flow of the game. They also continue with focused skill work while being introduced to real basketball strategy. It provides the best of both worlds: a safe, supportive environment that still feels exciting, competitive, and team-focused.

Why Fewer 3x3 Offerings?

We are intentional about how and when we offer 3x3. Learning the rules and logistics of basketball comes quickly for kids. Learning the skills to actually play such as dribbling, passing, and shooting takes much longer. That is why we focus heavily on FUNdamentals in the early years and introduce 3x3 gradually.

It is not about difficulty, it is about engagement. We pre-qualify families not to make things harder but to make sure every Mini is challenged, confident, and excited. When kids are engaged, they fall in love with the game.

What’s Next?

Our dream is that every Mini leaves our program not only with skills but also with a passion for basketball that carries them into their very first team.

When kids age out of Mini Ballers at 9, we recommend the WMBA. This is a volunteer, community run, fair play league where kids can join a team for the first time with no tryouts or added pressure.

There are also club teams that offer community based programming as a first step, such as Evolve and Attack Basketball. We know both of these clubs and often recommend them to families in Winnipeg. Whatever is fair play, developmental, and fits your family schedule is the right choice.

The difference between starting with a club’s community level program and WMBA often comes down to coaching.

Club based programs are usually run by paid coaches while WMBA is run by volunteers. This can affect the number of coaches available or even whether there is a team in your area. The WMBA also provides many opportunities for parents to get involved as coaches, something there is always a need for.

Another difference is community connection. In WMBA, your child will usually play with kids from their neighbourhood or community if there is a team. Whereas, club programs are run out of their preferred gyms and locations, which may not be as close to your home.

If you have more questions about this next step, you can always use our Contact Us tab and reach out. We are happy to help guide you in making the right choice for your Mini.

At Mini Ballers, it is not just about basketball. It is about preparing kids to grow, play, and thrive at every stage.

I hope your 6-8 year olds love 3 x 3 as much as mine! Currently, I have two girls in 3 x 3 at Linden Woods CC, and one in our pre-school age classes. I love attending our classes as a parent, and hope to see you in the gym soon!

- Amy