What is Miniball?

Miniball is the first step into competitive basketball for children under 10 years of age!

It’s perfect for kids who want to play games, learn the rules and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Games are modified with lower rings, smaller teams and shorter halves to keep kids active and smiling. Miniball is the perfect way to build confidence and a lifelong love of basketball.

Sessions are held indoors at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre, so there’s no cancelling for rain! 

Miniball runs Mondays during school term from 5.00pm - 5.40pm at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (affectionately known as the BISC) the home of Ballina Breakers Basketball.

What do players do at Miniball?

Miniball is a growing program that began in 2025.

Players are placed into teams with a coach and play a different team each week. Games are a mini version of our regular competitions, with modified rules to suit younger players.

Games usually use a half-court, lower ring height and two halves instead of four quarters. Bench numbers are kept small so players spend more time on the court. Full-court games may be used occasionally depending on numbers and time.

The focus is on learning the rules of the game. Referees explain rules as children play, while coaches help players learn correct techniques. This prepares players for regular competitions where play is faster and less guided.

When and where is Miniball run in Ballina?

Ballina Basketball runs Miniball at the home of the Ballina Breakers - the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre - affectionately known as the BISC.

Miniball runs Mondays during the school term from 5:00 PM – 5:40 PM immediately after our Aussie Hoops program.

How much does Miniball Cost?

Miniball costs $65 per term (8+ weeks of activities depending on the term) + a one-off annual membership fee of $9.90 including GST. The first term total is $74.90, with future terms $65 per term.

When first registering you have the option of signing up as a new participant - this includes a welcome pack which includes an Aussie Hoops basketball singlet printed with your child's name on the back, a quality indoor/outdoor basketball and a free sticker sheet. The total cost of registering as a new participant is $120 ($60.10 class fee + $9.90 annual membership + $50 welcome pack). 

Where do I sign my child up for Miniball?

Term 1 2026 registrations are now open! 

Register here: Term 1 Miniball Registration 2026

Don't miss out for 2026! Term 2 registrations open 23/02/2026, Term 3 registrations open 27/05/2026 and Term 4 registrations open 26/08/2026. 

FAQ's

What does my child wear to Miniball?

Team playing shirts are provided each session and returned after each game. Players can wear comfortable shorts, joggers and bring a drink bottle.

Do I need to order the player pack if my child is new to Miniball?

No. The singlet isn’t required to take part - it is more helpful at Aussie Hoops. If your child is just trying basketball, register as a returning player to avoid the extra cost. Be warned your child will want a ball to practice with at home, just avoid bringing it to the stadium on game nights unless they have their name on it! 

Can I use my Active Kids vouchers at Aussie Hoops?

No - not yet, but we are working on it, so watch this space! 

Can I try Miniball to see if my child likes it before joining?

Yes, but there are a few steps. Your child must be a member before taking the court. To trial Miniball, you’ll need to complete the paperwork and pay a non-refundable $10 fee, which allows your child to attend up to two sessions. Your child will be placed on a team with a space available, this may not be on their friend's team. To check availability, please email admin@ballinabasketball.com.au Please do not show up at the courts without emailing first, unless of course your child is happy to just watch from the sidelines. 

Do I have to stay at the courts with my child?

Short answer: yes. This is for child safety. Parents aren’t expected to help run sessions, but are responsible for their child if they are injured or need help using the toilets on site. If you need to step away, please arrange with another parent to supervise your child in your absence. Most parents enjoy the half hour to just sit for a minute :) In genuine emergencies, let the coach know and we will assist where necessary.

What is the difference between Aussie Hoops and Miniball?

Think of Aussie Hoops as the training ground... Miniball is the competition. Aussie Hoops teaches the skills to play, Miniball teaches the rules to successfully play a team sport.

Why do I have to pay an annual membership fee?

The annual membership fee is paid through the club directly to Basketball Australia and Basketball NSW. It is used by them to pay all insurances and cover administration costs of the Aussie Hoops program (which includes miniball). 

What does the Miniball fee cover?

Ballina Basketball must pay for hourly court hire through Ballina Shire Council for use of the BISC courts. Our coaches are volunteers. We pay our head referee a a small allowance for coaching our crop of up-and-coming referees and referees-in-training. We provide basketball singlets to loan free-of-charge to each child and we present each player with a medal at the end of each term. We do all this while keeping costs to the absolute minimum for our basketball family.

Why doesn't Miniball run every week of the school term?

We run our miniball program in conjunction with our Aussie Hoops program. Some of our clubs very best coaches are involved with these programs. Miniball is not held during weeks of basketball representative selections, during preparation of representative finals series or in weeks where some schools are already on holidays (because sometimes our basketball family need time with their own families!)  

When is my child ready to move to the Primary competition?

The short answer is - when they feel ready! Once your child is able to control the ball while dribbling, can successfully complete a lay-up, can pass the ball without travelling, can position themselves to help their team move up the court, is willing to play defense, understands the basic rules of the game and are showing the confidence to play against children who are bigger and more skilled - they are probably ready. Ask a coach at your next Miniball session if they can watch your child and see if they are ready to play in the primary competition. Once coaches believe a player is ready - they will graduate from the miniball program and receive a special certificate at the end-of-term presentation.