Basketball For Men Will Start Next Week

Southland Times, Issue 23828, 27 May 1939, Page 15

Basketball For Men Will Start Next Week

By

TIP OFF

Men’s basketball, the fastest ball game in the world, is rapidly gaining in popularity throughout New Zealand and this winter will see the game firmly established in Invercargill. This indoor sport was first introduced last year when, through the enthusiasm of several young men, the Southland Men’s Basketball Association was formed and a short competition was conducted.

A court conforming to the regulation size has been marked out in the Drill Hall, and backboards, to which are attached metal hoops, have been erected. Everything is in readiness for the opening of the Invercargill competition next Wednesday night. The season would have started much earlier, but for the fact that the hall was required for the winter show. Entries do not close until next Tuesday, but already 11 teams have entered and it is expected that this number will be considerably increased later in the season. At present the staffs of many business firms which intend entering teams are engaged in the evenings preparing the annual balances and are thus unable to play. ' It is thought that a number of teams composed of footballers will take part in the competition; by this means their handling of the ball will probably be considerably improved and the game will do much to keep them fit. Last season 10 teams were formed, but the game has gained a much stronger hold this year and it is thought that, later in the year, the total will not fall far short of 20. All the equipment necessary to play this fast and scientific game is a pair of shorts, a singlet and gym shoes. Next Wednesday night all those interested are invited to be present at the Drill Hall.

Many persons have a confused conception of men’s basketball and some contend that the men are encroaching on a game played by women. But this

is not so. These two games resemble each other in three respects only. They are both played on a court, a ball is used, and there are two hoops or baskets. In this American game, speed and science are more important factors than they are in women’s basketball and the player, if he is to be at all successful, must possess stamina, a ready sense of anticipation and a correct understanding of the rules. A player of individual brilliance is welcome, but at the same time combination is the all-important factor. Five men play the game as a unit and unless these men maintain their unity and combination, their efforts will be of little avail. When the game came into existence first nine players made up a team. However, this number was found to be unwieldy and was reduced until the five-man team was found by experience to be the most successful.

Unlike women’s basketball the players are not restricted to any part of the court and they are also at liberty to shoot for goal from any part of the court. When an infringement or foul occurs the player taking the penalty goal stands alone in an area known as the “key,” and thus has an unobstructed shot., One of the main rules requires the players not to run with the ball. The game begins with the “tipoff” between the two centres. Young men wishing to play are advised to get in touch with the secretary, Mr L. J. Small.