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METRO WORKOUT

The hoop and oops!

Photo: R.M. RAJARATHINAM

Aiming high Picture of concentration

The Tiruchi District Basketball coach, M. Rama Subramaniaraja, has been a long standing buddy. Yet I never bothered to understand the nuances of the game from him.

At the same time, the hoop always fascinated me. Given an assignment for the workout column, I thought there can be no better opportunity than this now to try my hand and mind at the game.

I just had to mention it to Subramaniaraja and he straightaway took me to the basketball court in St. Joseph’s College. No soon did he introduce me to the other players, I grabbed the orange ball and aimed at the hoop. And oops! I was nowhere near. Embarrassed at the missed hit, I wondered what failed me as I always took pride in being a quick learner.

Subramaniaraja was the only one who watched my aim misfire, said: “That’s not the way to shoot. Basketball involves lot of techniques including dribbling, passing, and jumping to score a basket. Also, without doubt a hoopster needs to be ultra fit to shine at higher levels. The players have to undergo rigorous fitness training.” And he taught me the basics of holding the ball. Listening to the coach who trained the Tamil Nadu women’s basketball team to gold in the 2007 Guwahati National Games, I turned to the other side of the court. Some of the players, drenched in sweat, were busy practicing and testifying what Subramaniaraja had just explained.

“Basketball keeps the players engaged for most part of an encounter and hardly they get a chance to relax while on the court. Remember, basketball is one of the fastest games in the world,” he stressed, also underlining the health benefits of the game in one breath.

“Basketball provides exercise to all parts of the body. If not interested in taking up the game seriously, it can still be a fitness regimen. Play basketball to keep yourself fit and healthy,” he added.

My first day at the basketball court proved informative if not really successful. But my desire to find the hoop urged me to try once more. Yet again my effort did not fetch the desired results. But that does not mean I am going to give up. I will surely return to the court to at least remain fit.

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