New format praised

New format praised

THE introduction of new defensive strategy by the Raiwaqa Basketball Association in their inaugural under-18 Super League competition is welcomed by the national body.

Basketball Fiji development officer Laisiasa Puamau said the man-to-man defensive strategy was a giant step forward in development of the sport in the country.

Puamau said the new strategy, unlike the previous zone defensive format, focused more on individual skills rather than team effort.

According to Wikipedia, the man-to-man defensive tactic is where each player is assigned to defend and follow the movements of a single player on offense.

In alternative, the zone defence is where the defender is assigned a specific area of the floor, and then guards whatever offensive player enters his area.

"Zone defensive format is common in Fiji and this is the first time Raiwaqa Basketball is introducing this new man-to-man marking format," Puamau said.

"Zone defence doesn't help in the development of basketball and we are thankful of Raiwaqa Basketball for picking that up."

Puamau said the introduction of man-to-man at the age group level would help produce quality national reps in the future.

"Man-to-man format focuses more on individual skills rather than team effort. The players are taught (through the strategy) about defence, individual footwork and basic instructions while defending," he said.

"Players at the U18 Super League are slowly learning since they have been training on zone format and the introduction of the new format has forced the coaches to go back and teach them the basics of basketball."

Meanwhile Fiji U20 rep, Isireli Vuetibau-led Mighty Mights looks the hot favourites to win the boys title alongside Marist Brothers team led by Mataika Koyamainavure.

In the girls division, national rep Miliakere Koyamainavure led-Adi Cakobau looks in good form but they are expected to face a stiff competition from Chosen led by Grace Taito.

"The final is this weekend and we expect the players to play to their best to impress the national selectors and get into the Eastern U20 training squad," Puamau said.

The winner at the Eds Court in Raiwaqa tomorrow will receive the Kauvesi Trophy and a $200 cash prizemoney while the runner-up will receive 15 movie vouchers.

BASKETBALL

Raiwaqa

THE Raiwaqa under-18 Kauvesi League will be played this weekend at Eds Court in Raiwaqa. Today - 5.30pm Mystics-Chosen (W), 6.30 ACS-Raptors (W), 7.30pm Reds- Breakers (W); Tomorrow - 9am 1st semi-final (W), 10 2nd semi-final (W), 11 1st semi-final (M), 12pm 2nd semi-final (M), 1 Women's Final, 2 Men's Final, 3 

 

Source: Fiji Times Newspaper




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