National coach optimistic about basketball's future

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33819, 16 April 1975, Page 12

National coach optimistic about basketball's future

(By

R. O. DEW)

Greater emphasis on the fundamental skills is needed if New Zealand basketball is to lift its standard to the highest international levels. This is the opinion of the national director of coaching, Lloyd Sanders, after his- first 12 months in this country. “It is essential to concentrate on this if we are going to have any real success.” he said during a break in the Old Crow New Zealand men’s club championship qualifying round at Greymouth during the week-end.' “I am not saying that the basic skills are bad, in New Zealand, but a lot of work is needed in this area.”

An American. Mr Sanders has only been in NewZealand a relatively short time. But he has alreadymade a valuable contribution to the sport as a

coach and has also made considerable impact as a player. It was largely' through his tactical knowledge and playing ability that Victoria University won the New Zealand club championship last season.

After a revision of the terms of his contract with the New Zealand Basketball Federation, he was able to take his place once more in the Victoria team for the Greymouth tournament. His presence converted the team from one of very ordinary appearance into a winning unit. The eleventh hour decision to permit him to play club basketball drew criticism from some, of the teams he played against. They felt, with some justification. that he should have been available to them for coaching advice during the tournament and not devoting all his talents to the one team. It was obvious that Victoria would not have qualified had he

not been allowed to play. However, there was still much to be gained from watching his tactical approach and, when he was not playing, he was always readily available to coaches and players.

In the last two months, Mr Sanders has conducted more than 60 coaching clinics throughout the country and is very pleased with the response. One of his main aims is to educate people to realise the importance of mastering the five main fundamental skills — passing, dribbling, shooting, defence and rebounding. “We are already making progress. Look at the young, tall players we have — John Saker, Geoff Longley. Stan Hill. You can go on naming them all day long. But this progress is at the top, an indication that the success of these players is being created by their individual desire to improve.”

Mr Sanders wants to encourage an extension of this attitude to embrace players at all levels on the assumption that “more milk means more cream.”

He pointed out that one; did not become a good bas-j ketball player by just) playing basketball. A lot of: practice and a lot of pa-: tience was required and aj large piercentage of prac-l tice time should always be: spent on fundamentals.; “Professionals in the: United States — some of! the best players in the! world — spend a high percentage of their time on 1 fundamental drills.”

Players in New Zealand! did not get enough time to: practise. Between 1J and! 2hrs a day was necessary' for players wanting to reach the top. “This would: improve anybody’s skills.” Even in New Zealand.! the top players were the ones who had mastered the fundamental skills best. “You watch Bill Eldred and John MacDonald. Theyl don’t do anything fancy.) They do everything so! smoothly and with little! effort.

At the highest levels, it was defence which required the greatest attention. “It is beyond doubt that NewZealand can . stay with most teams offensively in any situation. However, it is handicapped by lack of defensive aggression. Players, coaches and referees" have all'got to realise this.”

Mr Sanders said that New Zealand was very fortunate to have young players coming along w'ho were coachable. “What we have to offer as coaches, they are ready to absorb. It is important to have players who will listen to coaches.”

The sport was also progressing at the lower levels. Basketball was a game which youngsters could really enjoy playing. Associations had to work, on the mini-ball programme to cater for young: children, “i don’t think people realise the impact: this will have. All it needs; is an prganiser. Greatl coaching ' ability is not! necessary.” Mr Sanders, who is sponsored by Rothmans, has a two-year contract; with the New Zealand association. However, he is so impressed with the potential of the sport in New, Zealand that he is hopeful, that if everythin" works out right he will hie to stay longer. “I think we < really, optimistic abi>' etbalT in New Zealanu. - said. )