Simon has been part of the Abingdon Eagles, Walking Basketball since it started in October 2021. Simon said “It is much more gentle than you think it is, and it's dry indoors! You get a real buzz from Walking Basketball… give it a go, it's really inclusive and accessible”.

Do you have any past history with basketball?
None at all!

What made you decide to try walking basketball?
Interested in an indoor, gentle, group exercise for myself and possibly for people that I work with who have early onset dementia.

Do you practise outside of Monday training sessions? If so, where and why?
Not at the moment but may do so once the weather is warmer.

How has taking part in the training sessions enriched your week?
Both exercise and meeting other people.

What positives has taking part in walking basketball given you personally? For example: a buzz, extra energy, a community, a new hobby, etc.
Exercise and new hobby, something competitive and fun.

What is your favourite part of the training session?
I like all of it but the skills sessions working in pairs is particularly focused and you get to know somebody else.

Would you consider Walking Basketball a proper workout? Like going to the gym/exercise class, going for a run or brisk walk, getting a sweat on, etc
I would consider it a proper work out particularly as we do stretching at the beginning. It's rather like going for a gentle swim.

What is your favourite drill at practise?
Passing to each other.

Who do you think walking basketball would be ideal for? And would you encourage them to try it out?
Anybody who can walk and wants to be involved in a gentle indoor exercise.

Is it a fast paced and super physical sport? Do you feel safe taking part in the sessions?
No it is a safe and gentle sport, although you instinctively often want to to go faster, but it is 'walking' basketball after all.

Since taking part in Walking Basketball, have you felt supported by the coaches and the club?
Definitely. And it and it has been fun going to see the junior games as well.

What have been your biggest challenges at walking basketball so far?
I am not a naturally competitive person!

Who is the toughest player you’ve ever faced on the court? What made them so difficult to play against?
There are more experienced players who think ahead... I will get there eventually.

BEST personal basketball (walking or ‘normal speed’) moment and why?
During a game shooting from a difficult angle and getting a basket.

WORST personal basketball (walking or ‘normal speed’) moment and why?
Double handling the ball!

What are you currently working on to take your game to the next level?
Shooting skills under pressure.

What are your personal basketball goals for this season?
Be more competitive!

What is your favourite aspect of the game, has this changed over time?
It's all very new to me.

What else do you enjoy doing outside of basketball?
Photography, walking, cinema, theatre and live music.

What piece of advice would you like to offer someone who is thinking of trying walking basketball?
It is much more gentle than you think it is, it's a dry indoors! And you get a real buzz from it...give it a go. (I didn't really enjoy sport at school and often got left out of teams etc but this is really inclusive and accessible)