28/08/2026
Things I didn’t fully anticipate when starting Swishlab…
The hardest part isn’t always the admin, the bookings, the venue juggling, or carrying 47 basketballs like I’m opening a sporting goods store.
Sometimes it’s the little emotional stuff.
Like connecting with a child over a term, seeing their confidence grow, learning their personality… then one day they just don’t come back. No goodbye. No reason. Just gone.
And you’re standing there like, “But we had a handshake routine, mate…” 😭
Another hard one is balancing fun with teaching the actual rules.
Because yes, we want kids to enjoy basketball. But also… that was 9 steps, 2 carries, a double dribble, and possibly a short family holiday before the layup.
With younger kids especially, you’re constantly asking yourself:
“Do I call the travel, or do I let them feel like LeBron for 4 more seconds?”
What I’ve learnt is that running Swishlab isn’t just about basketball. It’s about kids, families, emotions, confidence, trust and trying your best to build something that matters.
Some days are tiring. Most days are messy.
Then a child smiles, makes a shot, high-fives a teammate or tells you they practised at home…
And suddenly I remember exactly why I started.
