Instructions
- Read the scenario below about Alex and the big change happening with their basketball team.
- Complete Part 1 by analysing how this change might affect Alex physically, mentally, and socially.
- In Part 2, brainstorm and write down practical strategies Alex could use to help themself and a teammate get through this transition.
- Move on to Part 3 to connect these ideas to your own experiences.
- If you're up for it, tackle the Challenge Question at the end!
Scenario: Level Up!
Alex has played for the "Panthers" junior basketball team for three years. It's always been about fun, friendship, and learning the game. Practices were relaxed, and everyone got equal playing time. Now, at 13, Alex has moved up to the senior "Vipers" team. The change is huge. The new coach is intense and focuses only on winning. Practices are gruelling, players are competing for spots on the court, and some of the older, more skilled players aren't very friendly to the newcomers. Alex's best friend, who also moved up to the Vipers, is struggling and thinking about quitting.
Part 1: Analyse the Impact
Think about the transition Alex is going through. How might this "level up" from the Panthers to the Vipers impact them?
What are some emotions Alex might be feeling right now? Write at least five different feelings in the spaces below.
- Feeling 1: _________________________
- Feeling 2: _________________________
- Feeling 3: _________________________
- Feeling 4: _________________________
- Feeling 5: _________________________
Not all change is bad! List two potential positive impacts and two potential negative impacts of moving to the Vipers team.
| Potential POSITIVE Impacts | Potential NEGATIVE Impacts |
|---|---|
| 1. |
1. |
| 2. |
2. |
How might this transition from a "fun-focused" team to a "win-focused" team affect Alex's motivation to play basketball?
Part 2: Devise Strategies to Support Self & Others
Knowing the challenges, it's time to create a plan. What can Alex do to navigate this situation?
List three practical strategies Alex could use to manage the stress and build confidence on the new team.
Hint: Think about things Alex can control, like their mindset, actions, or who they talk to.
- Strategy 1: ___________________________________________________________________
- Strategy 2: ___________________________________________________________________
- Strategy 3: ___________________________________________________________________
Alex's best friend is thinking about quitting. How can Alex be a supportive teammate?
A) Circle the helpful actions: Which of the following are positive ways to support a struggling teammate? Circle all that apply.
| Tell them to "just try harder" | Invite them to practice shooting together after school |
| Listen to them vent about their frustrations | Compare them to the more skilled players |
| Give them a high-five for a small success, even in a tough game | Ignore them when they make a mistake |
B) Write an encouraging message: What could Alex say or text to their friend after a particularly difficult practice? Write a short, supportive message below.
Part 3: Real-World Connection
Think about a change or transition you have experienced in your own life (e.g., starting a new school, a friend moving away, joining a new club, or a change in your family). Describe the situation briefly and list one strategy that helped you or a friend manage it.
The Transition/Change:
A Strategy That Helped:
â Challenge Question â
Imagine the Vipers' coach wants to improve team chemistry. The coach asks the players for ideas. Devise a "Team Cohesion Plan" with two creative, specific activities the team could do (outside of normal practice) to build trust and improve how they support each other. Explain why each activity would be effective.
Activity 1:
Why it would be effective:
Activity 2:
Why it would be effective:
Answer Key
Note: Many answers are open to interpretation. The examples below are guides.
Part 1: Analyse the Impact
- The Mind Map: Answers may include: nervous, stressed, excited, intimidated, lonely, pressured, overwhelmed, motivated, anxious, determined.
- Positives vs. Negatives:
- Positives: improve skills, become a better player, make new friends, learn resilience, face a new challenge, get more competitive experience.
- Negatives: loss of fun, high pressure, risk of burnout, less playing time, feeling left out, conflict with new teammates.
- Motivation Check: Answers should discuss how the change could either decrease motivation (due to stress and loss of fun) or increase it (due to the challenge and desire to prove themself). For example: "Alex's motivation might drop because the game isn't fun anymore and feels more like a job. Or, the challenge could motivate them to work harder than ever to earn a spot on the court."
Part 2: Devise Strategies
- Strategies for Self-Support:
- Example 1: Set small, personal goals for each practice (e.g., "make 10 free throws" or "give one good assist") instead of worrying about the coach's opinion.
- Example 2: Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or former coach, about the pressure they are feeling.
- Example 3: Focus on their own effort and attitude, which are things they can control, rather than comparing themself to others.
- Example 4: Ask one of the older, more experienced players for advice.
- Strategies for Supporting Others:
- A) Circled Actions: "Invite them to practice shooting together after school," "Listen to them vent about their frustrations," and "Give them a high-five for a small success."
- B) Encouraging Message: The message should be supportive and empathetic. Example: "Hey, that was a tough practice today. Don't worry about it, we're in this together. Want to go shoot some hoops this weekend, just for fun?"
Part 3: Real-World Connection
Answers will vary based on personal experience. The learner should clearly identify a transition and a relevant, positive coping strategy (e.g., "When I started high school, I made sure to join one club to meet people with similar interests," or "When my friend was sad, I made sure to check in with them every day.").
Challenge Question
Answers will vary. The activities should be creative and the justification should link the activity to building trust, communication, or teamwork.
- Example Activity 1: A team "escape room" challenge.
Why: It forces players to communicate, problem-solve together, and rely on each other's different strengths in a low-pressure, fun environment outside of basketball. - Example Activity 2: A "Player Profile" session where each player shares one non-basketball skill they have and one thing they want to improve on this season.
Why: It helps teammates see each other as whole people, not just competitors. Sharing vulnerabilities (what they want to improve) builds trust and shows it's okay not to be perfect.