Commonly asked questions about PIP……….
What does it take to have a PIP Group?
1) Adult interest and willingness to commit. For each practice session there should be a minimum of three PIP trained/certified instructors in order to give the kids individualized skill instruction in skill-leveled groups.
2) Gym/practice facilities (1 to 1½ hours each week for practice)
Do the adults helping need to know basketball?
Although basketballs are used and basketball skills are definitely improved, the strategy of basketball is not emphasized. Many PIP instructors are parents with a keen interest in helping the sports experience for children be positive and character-building; others are P.E. teachers and coaches who understand the importance of teaching fundamental skills that build coordination and agility for any sport.
Because the PIP Organization trains those who work with their local PIP group, experience is not a factor. The factor is an interest in kids and an ability to commit time and effort to the practice and performance schedule. Dependability is a must.
What is the age/grade limit?
Basic age definition is kindergarten through 6th grade. Some groups do allow Pre-K, but most kids under 5 are not ready. For those 7th grade and above who want to become PIPs, there is a special designation as “First Timers”. PIPs remaining active after 6th grade are known as PIP Old Timers and continue to be part of the PIP program with special activities geared for them.
How often does a PIP group practice?
It is recommended that practices be once a week for one to 1½ hours. Occasionally, additional or longer practices are needed for special performances. The real emphasis is that the kids practice at home, making it their responsibility to get better.
How do the kids stay motivated?
Since MOTIVATION IS NOT PERMANENT, there must be continual effort to keep motivation high. The initial motivation is just the fun of learning to do the skills. That soon wears off as they are ready for the next step – the PERFORMANCES. The performances are instrumental in keeping the kids practicing. It gives them an arena to show the results of their work and also encourages them to work even harder. Many of life’s lessons are learned in the performances, like “keeping going” even when you mess up. This is also the pay-off for the parents. Without performances, the kids lose their desire to work and parents are less likely to realize the end result of all the practice. At practices PIP instructors must continue to challenge each PIP with additional and more difficult skills.
The PIP Organization also aids in keeping kids motivated. Without motivation interest dies and improvement stops, so motivation is not a sideline, but a main focus of the PIP program. The National PIP Office schedules SPECIAL PERFORMANCES at colleges and universities and encourages groups to take advantage of the opportunity for their PIP group to perform outside their local arena. It is very exciting for the kids and makes them feel important.
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