Last week I had a meeting with the female students at IFS as they had written themselves off before a ball had even been bounced. We had a lengthy discussion about what actually makes a successful team. We concluded that even though some of the girls had never played basketball, or even knew the rules, the fundamentals of team sports could be applied to help them through the day. The girls had no real choice but to trust each other’s raw ability and hope their determination and fitness would prevail.
They started the day nervously, as expected, having never played together and facing opposing colleges who regularly train and compete in basketball tournaments. It soon dawned on them, however, that their ‘footballing brains’ could actually get them through and they started to pass and move, support each other and back track in defence. This mentality and their superior fitness gave us a competitive chance in each game. The transfer of skills started to really kick in with the girls actually using Futsal formation and movement patterns.
After qualifying through to the grand final the once disjointed and segregated team, full of individuals, was now a supportive, cohesive unit willing to work for each other in the pursuit of victory.
The final match ended in a close draw so went into extra time. It was in this period that all the training and that competitive ‘sports girl’ edge really kicked in. The extra time was dominated by our girls who eventually won by two clear baskets. Against all odds IFS were now champions. The new relationships and strengthening of bonds between the girls was evident as they all embraced after the final whistle.
An amazing effort from all involved ensured that our reputation as a sporting powerhouse continues to grow.
We are now the proud owners of the CDSSA senior girls basketball trophy for 2014.
The next CDSSA sporting event is athletics next term. We are also the defending aggregate shield champions so I say……”bring it on!!”
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