INDOOR BASKETBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 65, 17 April 1945, Page 5

INDOOR BASKETBALL

POPULARITY IN DOMINION

NEW SEASON COMMENCING

Throughout New Zealand, more and more fans are discovering the .sport, of Indoor Basketball. Originating in America, according to American sports hostorian Frank Menke 80 million spectators view first grade matches from coast to coast each 'Indoor, or 'American' Basketball, as it is popularly known lias a larger following and a greater number of players than any other sport in existence. Although the game was on a sound looting in New Zealand even prior to the the introduction of it into the physical training syllabus of all the Dominion's fighting forces gave it a tremendous boost. At the same time } crack American teams vksiting New Zealand in the uniform of the U.S. Forces were able to demonstrate the latest techniques and the liner points of the game. Thus it was that Indoor Basketball attained the prominent position in New Zealand sport it holds today. With the release of men from the services, instructors bccame available in almost every town and in very short time, local and provincial associations had mushroomed into prominence. Teams were estalv lushed tournaments and competitions. held, and men and women al; over New Zealand entered into the spirit of the game with an cnthus-i iasm as whole-hearted as it was infect ious. Popular With Spectators The game depends essentially on speed co-ordination and ball control and whilst plenty of opportunities are offered for brilliant in-

dividualism vinselfish teamwork is also called for. It is not, however, necessary to have a thorough knowledge of ail the technical points of the game to be able to enjoy it. One of the reasons Indoor Basketball appeals in such a strong degree to spectators is that it is a very open type of game. The court, compared to a football or hocltey field is small, and every move made is clearly visible. One of the most, spectacular movements made in the game is that known as the 'dribble. In this manner, a player may bounce the ball with one hand only over any part of the court, but the moment lie places two hands on it, he must pass. In the proper execution of this manoeuvre, expert ball control is essential. All bodily contact between players on the court is avoided. An attacking player must not barge into a defending player in order to clear the way and in the same manner, a defending player is not permitted to touch any part of the attacking player's body, 'lhis rule is strictly adhered to making for fast, clean sport throughout. ■ Zone Defence A particular technique of play is that known as "'zone defence. in which- the team defending at the time, concentrates on guarding the zone' immediately under its own goal and attempts to gain possession'of the ball in this manner. The. fact that a player is taller

than average does not. ncccssarilj

mean that he has an advantage over liis opponents, for the smaller man

can change his tactics ? and by use of the 'bounce pass', in which the ball is not passed directly to another player but bounced off the floor to him, successfully overcome his disadvantage.

Next to ice hockey, Indoor Basketball is the fastest game on foot, but certain American teams have gone a long way towards making it second to none in this, respect by playing it on roller skates. Although in this form the game supplies plenty of thrill spills and speed, much of the finer technique is unavoidably lost. In the realm of Indoor Basketball, the Bay of Plenty is one of the first centres in the Dominion to be piQ perly o faiiiscd. The new season has just commenced, and practise matches are being held in the. Winter Show Buildings, where beginners have the opportunity of learning the game under Mr C. Jones, Bay of Plenty Physical Culture representative. A pair of sandshoes .is. the only equipment necessary and anyone interested is cordially invited to attend at the hall tomorrow evening. Plenty of positions in teams tor beginners will be available, and the committee guarantees the maximum amount of fun for all in Arociicas leading sport.