How Timmy Duggan is changing kids' lives

• Hoops 4 Health: A First Nations-led basketball program operating for 23 years in Northern Australia
• Combines basketball with trauma-informed neuroscience and First Nations leadership principles
• Focuses on building resilience, self-regulation, and positive decision-making in vulnerable youth

Hoops 4 Health is a groundbreaking basketball program that has been making waves in Northern Australia for over two decades. Founded by Timmy Duggan OAM, the first Northern Territorian to compete in the National Basketball League, this innovative initiative goes far beyond traditional sports coaching. By blending basketball with cutting-edge trauma-informed neuroscience and First Nations leadership principles, Hoops 4 Health is transforming the lives of vulnerable youth across the region.

A Vision Born from Experience

Timmy Duggan's journey from the basketball courts of Darwin to becoming a trailblazer for Indigenous athletes in the NBL laid the foundation for Hoops 4 Health. Recognising the transformative power of sport and the unique challenges faced by Indigenous youth, Duggan established the program to create positive change in his community.

23 Years of Impact

Since its inception, Hoops 4 Health has been operating for 23 years, primarily in Northern Australia. The program's reach has expanded significantly, with activities spanning from Darwin to Alice Springs and the remote Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytatjara (NPY) Lands. This extensive coverage allows Hoops 4 Health to impact diverse communities across the region.

Impressive Engagement Statistics

The program's success is evident in its engagement numbers. Since 2010, Hoops 4 Health has recorded an impressive 10,000 touch points with participants. This statistic underscores the program's ability to consistently attract and retain young people, creating multiple opportunities for positive intervention and support.

Blending Basketball with Neuroscience

At the core of Hoops 4 Health's methodology is the integration of basketball with Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model. This innovative approach combines physical activity with trauma-informed practices, creating a holistic framework for youth development.

Trauma-Informed and Culturally Sensitive

Understanding the high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, Hoops 4 Health employs a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach. This strategy is crucial in addressing the complex needs of participants who may have experienced abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction.

Focus on Self-Regulation and Decision-Making

The program places significant emphasis on teaching participants to recognise triggers that generate negative responses in the brain. Through basketball and associated activities, young people learn to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and make positive decisions both on and off the court.

Key Components of the Program

Physical Training and Skills Development

Hoops 4 Health incorporates advanced drills and skills based on Basketball Australia's training programs. The physical aspects of the program are designed to build confidence, improve fitness, and prepare participants for the mental work that follows.

Mental Skills Development

Alongside physical training, the program focuses on developing crucial mental skills. Participants learn techniques such as deep-breathing, perspective-changing, and mental imagery, which can be applied in various life situations.

Calmness on The Court

Each session concludes with a reflective practice called "Calmness on The Court." This component encourages participants to reflect on their performance, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges in a supportive environment.

Hoops 4 Health in Action

Youth Justice Centres

The program operates weekly sessions in the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the justice system. By providing structured activities and positive role models, Hoops 4 Health aims to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Facilities

Hoops 4 Health extends its reach to adult prisons in Alice Springs and Darwin, as well as various rehabilitation facilities. This broader application demonstrates the program's versatility in addressing diverse needs across different age groups and settings.

Community Engagement

The initiative also focuses on community-based programs, identifying and training local "H4H Champions" who can become accredited coaches. This approach ensures the sustainability of the program and allows its positive impact to continue even in remote areas.

A New Hub for Community Fitness

Recently, Hoops 4 Health opened a new facility in Pinelands, Darwin. This centre features a half basketball court, weights, cardio equipment, and boxing facilities. Open to the public, it serves as a hub for both program activities and general community fitness.

Unique Booking System

The centre offers a novel approach to fitness, allowing individuals to book the entire facility for private use. This system provides flexibility and privacy, encouraging more people to engage in physical activity.

Indigenous Basketball Australia

Hoops 4 Health partnered with Patty Mills' Indigenous Basketball Australia in 2022 to deliver inspirational sessions for the Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL). This collaboration aimed to create more pathways for young Indigenous athletes in professional basketball.

Expert Involvement

The program benefits from the expertise of strength and conditioning specialists such as Billy Johnstone and Paddy Stephenson, who bring professional-level training techniques to participants.

Addressing Systemic Issues

By focusing on vulnerable populations and incorporating trauma-informed practices, Hoops 4 Health is actively addressing systemic issues affecting Indigenous youth in Australia. The program's approach aligns with research suggesting that developmentally focused and trauma-informed interventions offer the greatest promise in assisting young people and reducing crime rates.

Potential for Expansion

Given its success in Northern Australia, there is significant potential for Hoops 4 Health to expand its model to other regions across the country. The program's versatility and proven impact make it an attractive option for addressing youth development challenges nationwide.

Ongoing Research and Development

As the program continues to evolve, there is an opportunity for ongoing research to quantify its long-term impact on participants. This data could further refine the program's approach and potentially influence broader policy decisions regarding youth development and crime prevention.

In conclusion, Hoops 4 Health stands as a shining example of how sports, particularly basketball, can be leveraged to create meaningful change in communities. By combining physical activity with trauma-informed practices and cultural sensitivity, the program is not just teaching basketball skills but is empowering a generation of Indigenous youth to build resilience, make positive decisions, and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.