We are excited to commence our Intensive Training Program with a number of players wishing to improve and take basketball to the next level through the Basketball Victoria Country Programs and compete against other clubs.

Training has begun for around 16 of our players who wish to persue their dreams of participating in state programs and teams in the future.  Intensive training will guide the players through mastering the required skills that basketball requires, as well as teaching them to read the play and work as a team player. 

Players will participate in 1 training each fortnight, ran by Amanda Rowbotham and assisting coaches, and also practice any skills at home most nights(most of our players wanting to train more already choose to do this anyway), the more often a player has a ball in their hand the more comfortable and more control they will have on court.

Players progress will be closely monitored by Amanda and other coaches to ensure players remain committed and continue to progress.  If a player is thought to be struggling to keep up with the program, time will be taken to help them catch up, but may increase time spent at home to ensure improvement is made.

Players will be guided through any issues or problems that arise from such intense training, to help balance school, home, social and basketball time to ensure they cope with the increases in basketball participation and still maintain other healthy relationships and don't feel overwhelmed by the program.

In association with BVC and other sporting bodies we will guide players through understanding the need for warming up and cooling down, stretching and injury prevention.  We will also help players to understand the importance of sports nutrition and hydration, including pre-game, during game and after game. 

Players will also be required to show full respect and attention to all coaches at our club and any BVC events they attend, all coaches are volunteers throughout basketball and give up their time to help players improve their skills and enjoyment of the game.  It is therefor neccessary to listen and learn from them.  The hardest aspect for coaches is to try to teach the importance of correct techniques and position, players often feel that they know certain skills but as coaches we need to ensure that all skills are done with prescission to ensure the skill is effective against the best opponents.  This may be as simple as catching the ball in a way that a shot or pass can be made immediately and no adjustment is required (adjustments will allow the defense time to defend, it may be just half a second that makes the difference)

All players will need to submit their individual practice sheets to Amanda each month to ensure all players are progressing.  Amanda will also be available at any time to talk or work with players to help them through any issues they encounter with the program.  It is vital that Amanda builds a good player coach relationship with all players as this will lead into players making the most of other coaches they will meet through the BVC programs.