Join the MIKAN x MND Challenge!
McKinnon Cougars is calling on all players, coaches, families and supporters to get involved in the MIKAN x MND Challenge as part of our Big Freeze fundraising efforts for FightMND.
The challenge is simple. Test your basketball skills, raise money for a great cause, and help us support the fight against motor neurone disease (MND).
The athlete who raises the most money for FightMND will be crowned our MIKAN x MND Challenge Champion and receive special recognition during our Big Freeze weekend.
Important Links:
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The MIKAN Drill is one of basketball's most famous finishing drills, designed to improve footwork, coordination and finishing around the basket.
Participants will attempt to make as many consecutive layups as possible while alternating sides of the basket, with their best effort recorded on video and submitted to McKinnon Basketball.
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Step 1 – Learn the Drill
Start standing directly in front of the basket with a basketball.
Take a cross step to one side of the basket.
Finish a layup using the correct hand:
Right hand on the right side.
Left hand on the left side.
Catch the ball as it comes through the net.
Immediately cross step to the opposite side and repeat.
Remember: Cross Step → Shoot → Catch Through the Net → Repeat
Step 2 – Practise and Record
Continue alternating sides and count how many layups you can make in a row.
Once you are confident you have your best attempt, have someone film your challenge.
Step 3 – Submit Your Video
Upload your completed challenge video via the Official Submission Form before Wednesday 10 June – 5:00pm
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Step 1 – Gather Your Pledges
Before filming your final attempt, ask family, friends, teammates, coaches, teachers and club supporters to pledge an amount for every successful layup you make in your final video.
For example:
50 cents per consecutive make x 20 makes = $10
$1 per consecutive make x 30 makes = $30
Every pledge helps support FightMND.
MIKAN x MND Challenge Pledge Collection Sheet
Step 2 – Complete Your Challenge
Film your best attempt and count your final score.
Step 3 – Collect Donations
Contact everyone who pledged and collect their donations based on your final score.
Step 4 – Make Your Donation
Submit your fundraising total through McKinnon Basketball's FightMND fundraising page.
When making your donation, please include the note "YOUR NAME – MIKAN x MND Challenge"
All fundraising donations must be received by Friday 12 June – 12:00pm
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McKinnon Basketball and the McKinnon Cougars are proud to be participating in this year's DIY Big Freeze.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive disease that gradually takes away a person's ability to walk, speak, eat, swallow and eventually breathe. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is just 27 months.
Funds raised through FightMND help improve care for people living with MND, support vital research into more effective treatments and bring us closer to finding a cure.
This year's campaign carries even greater significance following the passing of FightMND founder Neale Daniher on 25 May 2026.
Vale Neale Daniher (1961–2026).
Together, we can help continue the fight he inspired.
Join Us at GESAC
Join us at GESAC across our Big Freeze weekend and support the cause.
Saturday 13 June
Youth Men vs Melbourne University – 5:30pm
Championship Men vs Melbourne University – 7:30pm
Sunday 14 June
Youth Women vs Waverley Falcons – 12:00pm
Whether you're participating in the challenge, making a donation or cheering from the sidelines, every contribution helps.
Together, we can defeat the Beast.
#CougarPride 🐾