BASKETBALL NOTES

Chronicle (Levin), 15 September 1949, Page 7

BASKETBALL NOTES

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Australian Goal Shooting fflethods Advocated

(By

During the New Zealand basketball tournament herd recently in Dunedin many coaches, referees and se ectors commented on the poor goal shooting in many of the games played, and del-egates came to the conclusion that this section of 'the game should receive special consideration. ■ Although most New Zealand players prefer our own game of nine-a-side to the Australian seven-a-side, all had to aamit that the Australian forwards were perfect at goal-shooting. Lesson From Australians. To.acquire this skill the Australian prayers aim to throw - the ball sufficiently high so that it rises - above the goal ring before falling through the ring. They praetise and teach their young players to praetise to aim so that une ball does not touch the ring as it passes through. To do this they affix a short stick to ihe goal ring so that it rises from six go twelve inches above the goai ring: The forward, when she praetises, must throw 'the ball so that it clears the stick and falls c.eanly into the ring. As poor shooting is the chief faui-t among players in ihis district, the above idea would be well worth a trial. Selectors also commented upon the fact that the forwards oi teams are often not chosen for their ability to shoot goals, but players seem to drift into this position in the early years of their basketball when probably they woul'd be better elsewhere in the team. Care In Selection. Coaches of young players were urged to try every girl for the position of forward before making Ghe final selections. If players are trained young enough in 'his position, and trained in the correct style, this weakness in basketball throughout the district should be eliminated. To tesu your players, first find out if any girls in your teams are good at drawing. These' girls should have a good eye. Place a stake in the ground and, using a tennis ball, see how many of your players can hit the stake from different positions and at different distances. How many can throw a- ball into a tin six inches in diameter from a ten yard distance? Many metliods will suggest themselves 'to coaches who, moe they have selected the three players with the best eye, can then proceed to train them in good positional play. The New , Zealand basketball tournament will be held next year in Palmerston North and as players from this district will not have far to travel they will have Ihe advantage of being fresh for their games. It is not too soon foi those forwards who are interested to begin training now for their position in the team. Next week the training suggestions for correct footwork on the courts will be dealt with.