As now is the off season period, there are nothing much or no matches to report on. So we came up with the idea to improve your basketball skill. From shooting, ball handling and more..... We hope that you find these information and drills useful.
You need to practise to be great....
BALL HANDLING TIP
To be a top-flight ballhandler (which is key to being a great point guard) one must be able to survey the floor while handling the ball. The ball-handler cannot afford to be concerned with whether he/she is going to be able to control the ball at high speeds especially while running a break. Everyone on the team relies on the ball-handler to get the ball down the floor and be the catalyst toward making something happen for the team.
A classic rule of life applies here: If you can handle two of something, then mastering one thing will be much easier. In other words, if you can handle two balls at high speeds while keeping your eyes looking ahead, handling one will be a piece of cake.
Drill: Stand at one end of the court. Hold one basketball in each hand. Begin to walk forward toward the opposite baseline, bouncing the ball in your right hand first. In the fraction of a second after the ball in your right hand has hit the floor, bounce the left ball. In the fraction of a second after the left ball hits the floor, bounce the right ball. Continue in this fashion down the court. As you begin to feel more comfortable doing the drill, start to pick up your pace. Ideally, you will eventually be able to sprint down the floor, bouncing both balls with equal skill.
Don't underestimate the importance of this ball handling tip! I have seen NBA and WNBA players STILL performing this drill at the on-set of a practice. It sounds simple, and it is, so make sure to master ball-handling and you're on your way to a great basketball career!
AROUND THE WORLD
Ball Handling Tip #1: Circle the ball around your head, than your waist, and finally put your legs together and take the ball around both legs at the knees. Then, bend at the waist, spread your legs, and circle the ball around one leg, then the other. This exercise will give you a great feel for the ball in addition to hand coordination and speed.
THE SCISSORS
Ball Handling Tip #2: To start this exercise, place your left foot ahead of your right and bounce the ball between your legs from your right to your left hand. As the ball gets to your left hand shift your feet so that your right leg goes ahead of your left and bounce the ball back between your legs. Shift your feet with every bounce.
CATCH-CATCH-CATCH
Ball Handling Tip #3: This is a drill to work on your ball handling. Hold the ball between your legs, with both hands on the ball, right hand in front and left hand in back. Quickly switch your hands,(now left hand in front and right hand in the back), without letting the ball touch the ground. Do as quickly as possible...this drill is one of the hardest to master... but it just takes lots of practice.
CRAB WALK
Ball Handling Tip #4: This drill can go from baseline to half court. Step forward with your left leg and pass the ball from your right hand to your left under your left leg. As you take your next step with your right leg, pass the ball from your left hand to your right under your right leg. Continue this pattern all the way down the floor.
FIGURE 8
Ball Handling Tip #5: Spread your legs, bend at the waist, put the ball through your legs, around one leg, back through your legs, and around your other leg, making a figure eight. This will help you get a feel for the basketball as you move it around. Keep your head up not looking at the ball and increase your speed.
FIGURE 8 DRIBBLING
Ball Handling Tip #6: This is a drill to practice your ball-handling. Dribble the ball as quickly as possible in a figure 8 through and around the legs. Use the fingers when you dribble, and dribble very low and quickly. Switch from the right to the left and back to the right. Example: start with the right hand dribbling the ball in front and then dribble through your legs with your right hand, switch to your left hand and dribble from the back, around your left side to the front and back through you legs... then switch to your right hand behind the body and around the right side. Try to go as fast as possible, and your dribbling skills will improve with daily practice.
FIGURE 8 DROP
Ball Handling Tip #7: The ball is moved around the outside of the left leg from the back to the front. Then it is passed in front of your body and around the outside of your right leg from front to back. Now the ball is between your legs at the back of your body. Bounce the ball, and as it is bouncing, reverse your hands, bring your right from the back to the front and your left from the front to the back. Catch the ball before it bounces again. Continue to do figure eights.
FIGURE 8 DROP REVERSE
Ball Handling Tip #8: For this drill, follow the procedure described in the Figure Eight Drop Drill, except that when you bounce the ball, your movement will be reversed. After the bounce, circle the ball around the outside of your right leg, in front of your left leg, and around your left leg from the front to the back.
FIGURE 8 RUNNING IN PLACE
Ball Handling Tip #9: Move the ball around your legs as in the Figure Eight Drill, but in addition, run in place.
ONE ON TWO
Ball Handling Tip #10: A good drill to use to better your dribbling under pressure is to try to advance the ball against two defenders. This will force you to use a variety of manuevers while being alert to the defense.
PASS AND CATCH
Ball Handling Tip #11: With 2 hands, make a bounce pass between your legs from front to back and catch the ball with 2 hands behind you. Then bounce the ball through your legs from the back to the front, and catch the ball in front of your body. This is a good drill for body awareness.
SIT-UP DRIBBLE
Ball Handling Tip #12: While doing bent-knee situps, dribble up with your right hand as you sit up, and around your feet, then switch hands to your left as you go back down, and then dribble with your left hand as you sit up, back around your feet, switching back to your right hand. Continue as quickly as possible.
SQUEEZE THE BANANA
Ball Handling Tip #13: This is a drill that helps increase the strength in your fingers. Hold the ball in front of you at eye level with two hands. By squeezing your fingers and thumb together with one hand at a time, you move the ball from one hand to the other as quickly as you can. More finger and arm strength will imrove your ball control.
TOUCH-TOUCH-TOUCH
Ball Handling Tip #14: This is another ball-handling drill that seems very difficult at first, but with daily practice, will improve your handles. This drill is called touch-touch-touch because that is what you do... while keeping the ball between your legs, you touch the ball once with your right hand(fingers) in front, then with your left hand(fingers) in front, then with your right behind you, and then with your left behind you. Continue in this manner as fast as possible. Before long, you will master this skill.
UP THE LADDER
Ball Handling Tip #15: Hold the ball out in front of you and pass it back from hand to hand using only your finger tips. Go from out in front of your waist to above your head and back. This will help you develop the finger tip control that you will need to properly handle the ball.
(Source: www.basketball-drills-and-plays.com/)
Monday, 30 July 2007
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Improving Your Free Throw
After seeing most of the HUBC youth games, I realize that the free throw percentage of the youth team is quite low. Here are some drills that you can improve your free throw…. Have a Try!
Purpose - To develop:
- consistent free throw routine;
- concentration and focus at the free throw line;
- visualization of a successful shot
A free throw is the easiest shot to make if you have the right routine.
Most players miss because they either have bad shooting form or they aren’t focused totally on the moment. They might hear the crowd trying to mess them up, they might be thinking “If I miss this, we will lose”, or they might be thinking about a shot they missed earlier in the game.
Your routine should be one that has you totally focused on the moment. This drill will help you to block out the distractions and help you get used to visualizing a successful shot every time you shoot . This is important because if you are focusing on your routine (and your key words – see below), you can’t possibly think about the distractions (the crowd noise, worrying about missing it, etc.) at the same time.
So, let’s say that you normally take 3 dribbles, stay in your ready position for a second, and then shoot the free throw. After the ref gives you the ball, with each dribble, say the word “dribble”.
Then after your last dribble, as you get in the ready position, say “set”. (Or whatever word you like, maybe “rim” or “ready”). At this time, run your shot through your mind before you actually shoot it. What you want to do is see yourself (in your mind) going up to shoot, extending your arm, releasing the ball off your finger tips, and seeing the ball swish through the net. Then as you actually go through your shooting motion, say to yourself “net” or “swish”. (If you miss your shot, just say or think to yourself "erase", or something like that. Then turn your focus to your next shot. It takes a while to get good at forgetting a miss and focussing on your next shot, but it's important that you learn how to do it.)
So while you are on the free throw line doing the actions, you are going to say to yourself, “dribble-dribble-dribble…set…net”.
You can whisper these commands to yourself, or just think them in your head. The important thing here is to get this into your free throw routine. Remember, your goal is to focus on the moment by focusing on each little step – the dribble, the setup, and the shot.
You'll also condition yourself to "feel" the ball going in before you actually shoot it. That's why you want to have a keyword like "swish" or "net". What we are doing here is known as a "Conditioned Reflex".
What is a conditioned reflex?
In the early 1900's, a behavioral scientist named Pavlov discovered certain reflex behaviors in dogs. Dogs normally drool when they are hungry and they see food. Since Pavlov worked with dogs in a lab, he was usually wearing a white lab coat when he fed the dogs.
Over time, he noticed that the dogs would drool and get excited for food whenever they saw him walk by in his lab coat, even though it wasn't feeding time. He then tested ringing a bell whenever he fed them. After they got used to being fed after hearing the bell, he found that they acted the same way as when they saw someone walk by in a lab coat.
When he rang the bell (even though it wasn't feeding time), the dogs would drool and get excited for food. This is a conditioned reflex - substituting a word, or picture, or sound so it means something else and it triggers a certain reaction. When the dogs saw the doctor walk by in the lab coat, or when they heard the bell ringing, they automatically linked it to "feeding time". And humans are the same as animals when it comes to having these kinds of reflexes.
In the same way, you can learn how to condition yourself to feel good when you shoot free throws. Every time after you make a free throw, say your keyword (like "swish" or "net"). Then after a while, you'll be able to say your keyword before you shoot so that your mental response will be visualizing the ball swishing into the basket, and your physical response will be to shoot a nice smooth shot.
This takes some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, free throws can become automatic. You’ll be focused on your routine instead of the crowd or any other distracting thoughts – it’s just you, the ball, the rim and your routine.
You will be letting the free throws happen instead of making them happen.
Practice this routine 2 ways:
1. In the Court – go through your whole routine as you say your words to yourself.
Part A - Go at a nice pace when you first start out. There's no rush. Remember, you have ten seconds for each free throw in a real game. So don't rush. Develop a routine that's comfortable to you. Shoot 10 or 20 free throws at a time to get into a groove with your routine. Do this for a couple of weeks so you get used to your routine.
Part B - After getting your own comfortable routine, start shooting only 2 or 3 free throws in a row. Because you probably won't ever shoot more than 3 free throws at one time on the free throw line, you should condition yourself for game-like situations. Shoot 2 or 3, then back away from the free throw line to start a new set.
Part C - One thing that you can do in the gym that can help you practice game-like conditions is to take a couple of free throws (remember to use your routine), and then run to the other free throw line (or even the baseline at the other end of the court) and then back again to take 2 more. You can do this until you've made 10 free throws. Or you can make it more challenging and do it until you've made 10 in a row.
In a real game, you aren't going to be standing at the line taking 10 or 20 shots in a row, so you should practice how it's going to be in a game. Most free throws in a game are taken after a few minutes of action running up and down the court. So get used to this by taking a couple of free throws, running, then stopping to shoot a couple more. But don't do this until you are comfortable with the routine you've developed in Part A.
2. Mental movie – see yourself playing a game and getting fouled. See yourself stepping up to the free throw line, going through your routine, and saying your words to yourself as you do each step. Feel the ball coming smoothly out of your hand as you go through your shooting motion, and see the ball falling gently through the net. Take a step away from the free throw line until the ref hands it to you again, and then do it all over again. Visualize this for several minutes. Make time to do this whenever you can.
One final tip - Try to shoot no less than 50 free throws every time you go out to shoot.
(Source: ShootingDrills.com. by Bill Dale)
Purpose - To develop:
- consistent free throw routine;
- concentration and focus at the free throw line;
- visualization of a successful shot
A free throw is the easiest shot to make if you have the right routine.
Most players miss because they either have bad shooting form or they aren’t focused totally on the moment. They might hear the crowd trying to mess them up, they might be thinking “If I miss this, we will lose”, or they might be thinking about a shot they missed earlier in the game.
Your routine should be one that has you totally focused on the moment. This drill will help you to block out the distractions and help you get used to visualizing a successful shot every time you shoot . This is important because if you are focusing on your routine (and your key words – see below), you can’t possibly think about the distractions (the crowd noise, worrying about missing it, etc.) at the same time.
So, let’s say that you normally take 3 dribbles, stay in your ready position for a second, and then shoot the free throw. After the ref gives you the ball, with each dribble, say the word “dribble”.
Then after your last dribble, as you get in the ready position, say “set”. (Or whatever word you like, maybe “rim” or “ready”). At this time, run your shot through your mind before you actually shoot it. What you want to do is see yourself (in your mind) going up to shoot, extending your arm, releasing the ball off your finger tips, and seeing the ball swish through the net. Then as you actually go through your shooting motion, say to yourself “net” or “swish”. (If you miss your shot, just say or think to yourself "erase", or something like that. Then turn your focus to your next shot. It takes a while to get good at forgetting a miss and focussing on your next shot, but it's important that you learn how to do it.)
So while you are on the free throw line doing the actions, you are going to say to yourself, “dribble-dribble-dribble…set…net”.
You can whisper these commands to yourself, or just think them in your head. The important thing here is to get this into your free throw routine. Remember, your goal is to focus on the moment by focusing on each little step – the dribble, the setup, and the shot.
You'll also condition yourself to "feel" the ball going in before you actually shoot it. That's why you want to have a keyword like "swish" or "net". What we are doing here is known as a "Conditioned Reflex".
What is a conditioned reflex?
In the early 1900's, a behavioral scientist named Pavlov discovered certain reflex behaviors in dogs. Dogs normally drool when they are hungry and they see food. Since Pavlov worked with dogs in a lab, he was usually wearing a white lab coat when he fed the dogs.
Over time, he noticed that the dogs would drool and get excited for food whenever they saw him walk by in his lab coat, even though it wasn't feeding time. He then tested ringing a bell whenever he fed them. After they got used to being fed after hearing the bell, he found that they acted the same way as when they saw someone walk by in a lab coat.
When he rang the bell (even though it wasn't feeding time), the dogs would drool and get excited for food. This is a conditioned reflex - substituting a word, or picture, or sound so it means something else and it triggers a certain reaction. When the dogs saw the doctor walk by in the lab coat, or when they heard the bell ringing, they automatically linked it to "feeding time". And humans are the same as animals when it comes to having these kinds of reflexes.
In the same way, you can learn how to condition yourself to feel good when you shoot free throws. Every time after you make a free throw, say your keyword (like "swish" or "net"). Then after a while, you'll be able to say your keyword before you shoot so that your mental response will be visualizing the ball swishing into the basket, and your physical response will be to shoot a nice smooth shot.
This takes some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, free throws can become automatic. You’ll be focused on your routine instead of the crowd or any other distracting thoughts – it’s just you, the ball, the rim and your routine.
You will be letting the free throws happen instead of making them happen.
Practice this routine 2 ways:
1. In the Court – go through your whole routine as you say your words to yourself.
Part A - Go at a nice pace when you first start out. There's no rush. Remember, you have ten seconds for each free throw in a real game. So don't rush. Develop a routine that's comfortable to you. Shoot 10 or 20 free throws at a time to get into a groove with your routine. Do this for a couple of weeks so you get used to your routine.
Part B - After getting your own comfortable routine, start shooting only 2 or 3 free throws in a row. Because you probably won't ever shoot more than 3 free throws at one time on the free throw line, you should condition yourself for game-like situations. Shoot 2 or 3, then back away from the free throw line to start a new set.
Part C - One thing that you can do in the gym that can help you practice game-like conditions is to take a couple of free throws (remember to use your routine), and then run to the other free throw line (or even the baseline at the other end of the court) and then back again to take 2 more. You can do this until you've made 10 free throws. Or you can make it more challenging and do it until you've made 10 in a row.
In a real game, you aren't going to be standing at the line taking 10 or 20 shots in a row, so you should practice how it's going to be in a game. Most free throws in a game are taken after a few minutes of action running up and down the court. So get used to this by taking a couple of free throws, running, then stopping to shoot a couple more. But don't do this until you are comfortable with the routine you've developed in Part A.
2. Mental movie – see yourself playing a game and getting fouled. See yourself stepping up to the free throw line, going through your routine, and saying your words to yourself as you do each step. Feel the ball coming smoothly out of your hand as you go through your shooting motion, and see the ball falling gently through the net. Take a step away from the free throw line until the ref hands it to you again, and then do it all over again. Visualize this for several minutes. Make time to do this whenever you can.
One final tip - Try to shoot no less than 50 free throws every time you go out to shoot.
(Source: ShootingDrills.com. by Bill Dale)
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Promising Youth targeted by Home
While the C-Boys tournament is still in progress, a number of clubs has been targeting potential youth to join their club in preparation to compete in this year's Under 14 tournament organized by BAS.
Home United is believed to have targeted on players from Anglican High and Presbyterian High. Four players, playing the role of guard and forward from Anglican will be joining Home while two centers from Presbyterian will be recruited as well.
All these players are 13 years old and a real talent in the game. Home United is definitely focusing on their youth scouting system.
Home United is believed to have targeted on players from Anglican High and Presbyterian High. Four players, playing the role of guard and forward from Anglican will be joining Home while two centers from Presbyterian will be recruited as well.
All these players are 13 years old and a real talent in the game. Home United is definitely focusing on their youth scouting system.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Who's Your Favourite Youth Players
The Milo Cup 2007 has come to an end. As requested by readers. We would like to invite you to share, in your opinion, who is your favourite player(s) from the HUBC Youth team boys and girls. Just click on the comment section and inputs your comments!
24 Hour Street Basketball
This poster was sent to our mailbox. We thought that since it's basketball related topic, we decided to share with readers of our blog.
Disclaimer: We are not the organiser of the following tournament and not related with the organiser in anyway. Pls contact the organiser stated in the poster for more detail. Any enquiry related to the tournament will not be entertained by us. This poster is purely for sharing purposes.
P.S: E-ream Sports, next time we will charge for advertising... haha (just kidding)
Monday, 16 July 2007
Singapore Schools Swipe All Titles, Home United Finished Second
(Source: Grab from BAS website)
The 26th Milo Cup Tournament ended last year with Singapore Schools winning all categories in the tournament. Home United, tried to prevent an all Singapore Schools winnings but only did enough to come in as runner-up.
Singapore Schools started strongly in the first quarter, pulling off a 7-0 run. Home United players were slow to start yesterday. Most of the players seem to be nervous playing in front of a big crowd. Singapore Schools captivated on their opponent weakness and took a 15 point lead at the end of the first.
Home United fought back in the second quarter and cut the lead to 11 points. At the start of the third quarter, Home United hit a 6-0 run and the lead was reduced to 5 point. The atmosphere was tense as Home United managed to cut SS lead by just 2 points. But Singapore School got themselves together and restored their lead when Mitchell, Leonard, and Ziqi were taken out to rest.
No.14 Qiang Sen and No.6 Ziqi fouled out created more headache for the team. It was all Singapore Schools night when they lead by 9 points in the last 6 sec. Home United managed to finish off the last basket with the final score reading 77-70.
Credits should be given to the Home boys. They were not seen as a team to reach the last round and surely not the final. They proved a lot of people wrong by reaching the final and were so closed to beat Singapore Schools. Out of so many games last night in Singapore Basketball Center, it was the most memorable and exciting game of all. Well done boys!
Our reporter managed to catch up with some spectators and coaches after the game to comment on the game, let’s see what they have to say.
“It's a very exciting game, Home United played very well but Singapore Schools were really on form today” – Tracy
“Home United is a very good team. It was so close…. They are good.” – One of the coaches from an Under 18 Team.
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Match Preview – Home United faces Singapore Schools in Final
Home United will faced Singapore Schools in the Grand Final of this year’s Milo Cup 2007 tomorrow at Singapore Basketball Center, 8pm.
Home United, who beat Singapore Schools in their previous meeting at Yuhua CC would definitely hope that lady luck would be on their side tomorrow to repeat that feat again. For Singapore Schools, beat DOS in the semi-final in over-time, would want Home United to pay for their only and one of the biggest defeat they suffered in their history. The latter beat them with a 15 points margin is a defeat hard for them to swallow.
The return of their influential center No.15 will definitely boost their moral. Out injured during their previous meeting with Home, Singapore School suffered in the center area. His return in the semi-final helped SS to overcome the mighty DOS. He is the guy Home United post player got to watch out.
Home United will be without No.12 Lin Shiyang out injured. While No.11 Alvin has slowly recovered from his injury, he should lessen the burdle of No.5 Jiahao and Mo.8 Mitchell.
All eyes will be on tomorrow’s final. It’s going to be an exciting final and the crowd would like to see if SS will lost again in this year’s final. My bet is still on Home United. That’s what a die-hard for Home should do. Go for Gold Home!
Home United, who beat Singapore Schools in their previous meeting at Yuhua CC would definitely hope that lady luck would be on their side tomorrow to repeat that feat again. For Singapore Schools, beat DOS in the semi-final in over-time, would want Home United to pay for their only and one of the biggest defeat they suffered in their history. The latter beat them with a 15 points margin is a defeat hard for them to swallow.
The return of their influential center No.15 will definitely boost their moral. Out injured during their previous meeting with Home, Singapore School suffered in the center area. His return in the semi-final helped SS to overcome the mighty DOS. He is the guy Home United post player got to watch out.
Home United will be without No.12 Lin Shiyang out injured. While No.11 Alvin has slowly recovered from his injury, he should lessen the burdle of No.5 Jiahao and Mo.8 Mitchell.
All eyes will be on tomorrow’s final. It’s going to be an exciting final and the crowd would like to see if SS will lost again in this year’s final. My bet is still on Home United. That’s what a die-hard for Home should do. Go for Gold Home!
Friday, 13 July 2007
Catch HUBC in action during NBL Final 2007
(Pic by meh meh)
Whilst eagerly waiting for the Grand Final for this year’s Milo Cup Tournament, let’s recap some of your favourite Home United players in action during the National Basketball League (NBL) Final 2007.
Can the youth team beat Singapore Schools to clinch the youth Championship and make it double for Home United? Let’s get down and support them this coming Sunday!!!!
Can the youth team beat Singapore Schools to clinch the youth Championship and make it double for Home United? Let’s get down and support them this coming Sunday!!!!
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Home United Boys in Finals for the First Time
After 2 years since Home United Youth was started, it is the first time they reach the Milo Cup Final when they beat Whye Nam 69-60 to clinch a spot in the final.
Home United started off strongly in the first quarter. Whye Nam started off the game with zone defence was a mistake. No.8 Mitchell, No.6 Ziqi and No.4 Runchao were left wide open after some fine set plays and contributed five 3-pointers altogether. Home took a 15 points lead at the end of the first quarter, with the scoreboard showing 29-14.
Whye Nam was really all in for this game. Their injured players No.7 and No.4 were both playing despite injured before this game. In the second and third quarter, they started to deploy full court press in hope to close the gap. With the clock running down at 2:45, Home United defence were exploited and were unable to get back their full court press. At the end of third, Whye Nam closes the gap 47-56.
Despite the fought back, Home United managed to compose themselves and held on to their lead. It was a great night for the Home Youth when the final whistle sounded. It was the first time Home Youth got into the Grand Final in this tournament.
With Singapore Schools (SS) beating DOS in a nail-biting semi-final, SS overcame DOS in over-time to win the match 104-94. DOS had themselves to blame for blundering four chances from the free throw line in the final quarter. With a turnover from fast-break committed by DOS, SS stretched DOS all the way to overtime last night. DOS, with foul trouble and the dept of the squad were not enough to cover their No.9 and Gordon who were fouled out respectively.
Home United will faced Singapore Schools in the Grand Final on Sunday, 15th July 2007, 8.00pm at the Singapore Basketball Center.
Home United Girl Overrun NYJC
Home United Girl beat NYJC 63-35 in their last match of the tournament to finish fifth spot. Home proved too strong for the JC girls to handle. In term of rebounds, shooting accuracy and fast break, they were a class below the Home Team. Losing in defensive rebound, NYJC committed too many foul inside the paint resulting Home getting points from the line.
Singapore Schools and Hong Kah North Staged all Important Final Game.
While KG Ubi Kembangan surprisingly lost to Stacker 64-67, the final game of the girls U18 group is all important for Singapore Schools and Hong Kah North. A win from either side will lifted the Championship trophy. Should Singapore Schools win the final game, Hong Kah North, Stackers and KG Ubi Kembangan will have to decide on their head to head records.
Home United started off strongly in the first quarter. Whye Nam started off the game with zone defence was a mistake. No.8 Mitchell, No.6 Ziqi and No.4 Runchao were left wide open after some fine set plays and contributed five 3-pointers altogether. Home took a 15 points lead at the end of the first quarter, with the scoreboard showing 29-14.
Whye Nam was really all in for this game. Their injured players No.7 and No.4 were both playing despite injured before this game. In the second and third quarter, they started to deploy full court press in hope to close the gap. With the clock running down at 2:45, Home United defence were exploited and were unable to get back their full court press. At the end of third, Whye Nam closes the gap 47-56.
Despite the fought back, Home United managed to compose themselves and held on to their lead. It was a great night for the Home Youth when the final whistle sounded. It was the first time Home Youth got into the Grand Final in this tournament.
With Singapore Schools (SS) beating DOS in a nail-biting semi-final, SS overcame DOS in over-time to win the match 104-94. DOS had themselves to blame for blundering four chances from the free throw line in the final quarter. With a turnover from fast-break committed by DOS, SS stretched DOS all the way to overtime last night. DOS, with foul trouble and the dept of the squad were not enough to cover their No.9 and Gordon who were fouled out respectively.
Home United will faced Singapore Schools in the Grand Final on Sunday, 15th July 2007, 8.00pm at the Singapore Basketball Center.
Home United Girl Overrun NYJC
Home United Girl beat NYJC 63-35 in their last match of the tournament to finish fifth spot. Home proved too strong for the JC girls to handle. In term of rebounds, shooting accuracy and fast break, they were a class below the Home Team. Losing in defensive rebound, NYJC committed too many foul inside the paint resulting Home getting points from the line.
Singapore Schools and Hong Kah North Staged all Important Final Game.
While KG Ubi Kembangan surprisingly lost to Stacker 64-67, the final game of the girls U18 group is all important for Singapore Schools and Hong Kah North. A win from either side will lifted the Championship trophy. Should Singapore Schools win the final game, Hong Kah North, Stackers and KG Ubi Kembangan will have to decide on their head to head records.
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Home Takes On Whye Nam In Semi
After defeating Whye Nam and secured top position in the final round of the Milo Cup, Home United will need to shake off Whye Nam again tomorrow in order to progress to the Grand Final of this year’s Milo Cup.
The semi-finals will take place in Singapore Basketball Center tomorrow at 8.30pm. Home United will pit against Whye Nam while Singapore Schools will take on DOS. Whye Nam who lost to Home in their final game will put everything they have to stop Home United this time round. However, they will be without couple of their key players. No.4 who was injured earlier is still in doubt to play. Their inspiring point-guard, No.7 will likely sit out of the game due to an injury sustained during their last match.
Home No.12 Shiyang will not be available for this match. He’s out with back injury when he played against Tagawa. His rebound ability will be missed by Home United especially when they are playing taller opponent like Whye Nam
Although Home defeated Whye Nam in their last game, but I would still feel that it’s an open game. Home was only able to overcome them in the last 2 quarters. Whye Nam will be playing even harder in this game as the ticket to the Grand Final is up for grab. Home will need to produce another outstanding performance in order to progress.
Go for gold, Home!
The semi-finals will take place in Singapore Basketball Center tomorrow at 8.30pm. Home United will pit against Whye Nam while Singapore Schools will take on DOS. Whye Nam who lost to Home in their final game will put everything they have to stop Home United this time round. However, they will be without couple of their key players. No.4 who was injured earlier is still in doubt to play. Their inspiring point-guard, No.7 will likely sit out of the game due to an injury sustained during their last match.
Home No.12 Shiyang will not be available for this match. He’s out with back injury when he played against Tagawa. His rebound ability will be missed by Home United especially when they are playing taller opponent like Whye Nam
Although Home defeated Whye Nam in their last game, but I would still feel that it’s an open game. Home was only able to overcome them in the last 2 quarters. Whye Nam will be playing even harder in this game as the ticket to the Grand Final is up for grab. Home will need to produce another outstanding performance in order to progress.
Go for gold, Home!
Monday, 9 July 2007
Home United Boys Topped Group in Final Round
Home United (U18 boys) came in top in the final round of the Milo Cup 2007 when they beat Whye Nam 79-69. DOS beat Tagawa 72-64 after Home United’s game meant that Home United will meet Whye Nam again on Wednesday (11/07/2007) for the semi-final.
Whye Nam’s No.15 was inspiring in the first quarter; he scored 7 points and helps his team to take the lead 19-15 at the end of first quarter. Home United came back strongly in the second quarter with No.8 Mitchell and No.6 ZiQi hitting a 3-pointer each to narrow the gap by 2 points at the end of half time.
Home United No.4 Runchao and No.5 Jiahao were deployed to full court man-marked Whye Nam point guard’s No.7, limited his scoring opportunities and were kept quiet in the third. No.8 Mitchell who closed down Whye Nam scoring guard No.9 has kept him at bay. Home United put together some fine defence and counter-attacks to take the lead 55-53 at the end of third quarter.
Mitchell contributed 6 points in the last quarter before he was substituted to rest. The team went on to impress with good defence and fast-breaks to break off from Whye Nam.
It was a sweet victory for Home as this is the first time for the boys to reach the semi-final. Well done boys!
Final Standing
1. Home United
2. Singapore Schools
3. DOS
4. Whye Nam
5. Tagawa
6. Min Yi
Semi-Finals Fixture
11th Jul 2007, 8.30pm: Home United vs Whye Nam [SBC1]
11th Jul 2007, 8.30pm: Singapore Schools vs DOS [SBC2]
Home United Girls defeated by Hong Kah
Home United’s hope to finish top four was crashed by Hong Kah North when they lost 82-32. Hong Kah North was too strong for Home. Their defence was tough and they were fast to counter attack through their fast-breaks. Home United unable to convert most of their perimeter’s shoots suffered deeply in the tournament.
Their last game will be against NYJC. It’s a game that they will need to put together and win for their pride. A win will see their finished fifth spot.
Current Standing (Under 18 Girls)
1. Singapore Schools
2. KG Ubi Kembangan
3. Hong Kah North
4. Stackers
5. Home United
6. NYJC
Whye Nam’s No.15 was inspiring in the first quarter; he scored 7 points and helps his team to take the lead 19-15 at the end of first quarter. Home United came back strongly in the second quarter with No.8 Mitchell and No.6 ZiQi hitting a 3-pointer each to narrow the gap by 2 points at the end of half time.
Home United No.4 Runchao and No.5 Jiahao were deployed to full court man-marked Whye Nam point guard’s No.7, limited his scoring opportunities and were kept quiet in the third. No.8 Mitchell who closed down Whye Nam scoring guard No.9 has kept him at bay. Home United put together some fine defence and counter-attacks to take the lead 55-53 at the end of third quarter.
Mitchell contributed 6 points in the last quarter before he was substituted to rest. The team went on to impress with good defence and fast-breaks to break off from Whye Nam.
It was a sweet victory for Home as this is the first time for the boys to reach the semi-final. Well done boys!
Final Standing
1. Home United
2. Singapore Schools
3. DOS
4. Whye Nam
5. Tagawa
6. Min Yi
Semi-Finals Fixture
11th Jul 2007, 8.30pm: Home United vs Whye Nam [SBC1]
11th Jul 2007, 8.30pm: Singapore Schools vs DOS [SBC2]
Home United Girls defeated by Hong Kah
Home United’s hope to finish top four was crashed by Hong Kah North when they lost 82-32. Hong Kah North was too strong for Home. Their defence was tough and they were fast to counter attack through their fast-breaks. Home United unable to convert most of their perimeter’s shoots suffered deeply in the tournament.
Their last game will be against NYJC. It’s a game that they will need to put together and win for their pride. A win will see their finished fifth spot.
Current Standing (Under 18 Girls)
1. Singapore Schools
2. KG Ubi Kembangan
3. Hong Kah North
4. Stackers
5. Home United
6. NYJC
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Tagawa End Home United Winning Streaks
Tagawa saved themselves from knocking out of the Milo Cup as they beat Home United 64-50 earlier in the evening today. Tagawa clearly know that they need to win this game in order to have a chance to qualify for the semis, put on a strong performance to overcome Home United.
Home United, already qualified for the semis looked tired in this game. They seems like conserving their energy for the semis. Mitchell, the main pillar of the team was under fired today. His performance was far from his standard. The rest of the team look lost with his control and guidance.
Although Home did not have a great game, the lost of this game was also due to their poor percentage at the free-throw. They missed whole lots of free throws or the game will be more closely contested.
Afterall, I still feel that Home United has improved a lot from their debut game. But the rest of the players really have to show more confidence in themselves in order to stand a chance to reach the grand final.
They will be playing Whye Nam tomorrow at Singapore Basketball Center, 5.30pm. A win tomorrow will see them top the group and faced fourth place team. Whye Nam who lost earlier to Singapore Schools will search for a win tomorrow. Whye Nam, DOS and Tagawa are all 2-2 (win-loss) level on points. DOS need to win Tagawa tomorrow to get to the semis.
The Home United girls (U18) will take on Hong Kah tomorrow. The girls need to win Hong Kah to finish top 4 positions. As there are no semi-finals for the girls, the final standing of the final round will decide their final position.
All the best Home Teams.
Home United, already qualified for the semis looked tired in this game. They seems like conserving their energy for the semis. Mitchell, the main pillar of the team was under fired today. His performance was far from his standard. The rest of the team look lost with his control and guidance.
Although Home did not have a great game, the lost of this game was also due to their poor percentage at the free-throw. They missed whole lots of free throws or the game will be more closely contested.
Afterall, I still feel that Home United has improved a lot from their debut game. But the rest of the players really have to show more confidence in themselves in order to stand a chance to reach the grand final.
They will be playing Whye Nam tomorrow at Singapore Basketball Center, 5.30pm. A win tomorrow will see them top the group and faced fourth place team. Whye Nam who lost earlier to Singapore Schools will search for a win tomorrow. Whye Nam, DOS and Tagawa are all 2-2 (win-loss) level on points. DOS need to win Tagawa tomorrow to get to the semis.
The Home United girls (U18) will take on Hong Kah tomorrow. The girls need to win Hong Kah to finish top 4 positions. As there are no semi-finals for the girls, the final standing of the final round will decide their final position.
All the best Home Teams.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Home United Senior Teams Take On Darwin
Home United Men and Women team will be playing against Darwin tomorrow at Singapore Basketball Center. The women team's match starts at 7.15pm while the men’s match is at 8.30pm.
This is the first match for both teams after their last game in the National Basketball League (NBL). It would be interesting to see if they are in match fitness and how they fared against their bigger sized opponent.
There are no news if there will be other competitive tournaments coming up for men and women, this may be a good chance for Home fans to catch their favourite players dashing up and down on the court. It is also a good opportunity for the club to test out new players for future matches.
Let’s all get together and be there to support them!!!
This is the first match for both teams after their last game in the National Basketball League (NBL). It would be interesting to see if they are in match fitness and how they fared against their bigger sized opponent.
There are no news if there will be other competitive tournaments coming up for men and women, this may be a good chance for Home fans to catch their favourite players dashing up and down on the court. It is also a good opportunity for the club to test out new players for future matches.
Let’s all get together and be there to support them!!!
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Home United (U18) End Singapore Schools Winning Streaks
Everyone will be watching Home United after their game last night when they beat Singapore Schools 76-61 at Yuhua CC.
Singapore Schools, who hasn’t lost any game in this campaign is the favourite to win over Home United. They were leading in the first and second quarter but with Home United closely contested.
Home United started off the third quarter strongly and managed to overtake Singapore Schools. They were leading by 9 points at one time but their defensive error and lapse of concentration conceded some precious points. The game tied at 49-49 at the end of third quarter.
The game was like a race, Home United keeping pace with their opponent. In the last quarter, they started to push up their defence. Singapore Schools conceded quite a few turn-over that allows Home United to stretch their lead.
Mitchell was excellent throughout the game. Singapore Schools was unable to stop him from scoring. His contribution from the 3-point line and driving into the paint were constant threat to the opponent. He’s simply unstoppable last night. No.7 Xavier and No.6 Ziqi successfully converted a couple to 3-pointers in the second half were the turning point of the game.
No.4 Runchao and No.9 Jason Wong were also outstanding in their defence. With No.10 Jeryl Yee shutting out SS’s No.10, and Mitchell keeping SS’s No.7 quiet throughout the game, Singapore Schools doesn’t seems to able to score from the guards. No.6 Ziqi and No.14 Qiang Sen did well against their post players, but the latter was unfortunately fouled out in the third quarter.
It was a great night for the Home United camp when the final whistle blown. They extended their winning streaks to 5 games and put Singapore Schools unbeaten record in this tournament to an end. Their next big test will be against Tagawa. Can they create another upset? All eyes will be on them now.
Singapore Schools, who hasn’t lost any game in this campaign is the favourite to win over Home United. They were leading in the first and second quarter but with Home United closely contested.
Home United started off the third quarter strongly and managed to overtake Singapore Schools. They were leading by 9 points at one time but their defensive error and lapse of concentration conceded some precious points. The game tied at 49-49 at the end of third quarter.
The game was like a race, Home United keeping pace with their opponent. In the last quarter, they started to push up their defence. Singapore Schools conceded quite a few turn-over that allows Home United to stretch their lead.
Mitchell was excellent throughout the game. Singapore Schools was unable to stop him from scoring. His contribution from the 3-point line and driving into the paint were constant threat to the opponent. He’s simply unstoppable last night. No.7 Xavier and No.6 Ziqi successfully converted a couple to 3-pointers in the second half were the turning point of the game.
No.4 Runchao and No.9 Jason Wong were also outstanding in their defence. With No.10 Jeryl Yee shutting out SS’s No.10, and Mitchell keeping SS’s No.7 quiet throughout the game, Singapore Schools doesn’t seems to able to score from the guards. No.6 Ziqi and No.14 Qiang Sen did well against their post players, but the latter was unfortunately fouled out in the third quarter.
It was a great night for the Home United camp when the final whistle blown. They extended their winning streaks to 5 games and put Singapore Schools unbeaten record in this tournament to an end. Their next big test will be against Tagawa. Can they create another upset? All eyes will be on them now.
Monday, 2 July 2007
Home United (U16) Won Their Pride
(Picture by bball fan)
Home United (U16) played their last match of the tournament at Singapore Basketball Center yesterday. Despite the fact that they were already knocked out of the tournament by the might Singapore Schools and Tagawa, their last performance should deserve a standing ovation.
Home United beat Woodlands Ring Sec 74-47 to finish their route in high-note. Deploying a full court press throughout the game, WRS was unable to keep up the pace of the game. Their main player, No.12 and point-guard no.9 were closely watched. They did not contribute much to team. It was first time since the lost to Whye Nam, we saw a really “never say die” Home United. They fought for every ball, grabbing rebounds and beautified the game with their flow of the game.
The post players and centers were great yesterday. No.15 Mingjun, No.11 Jun Xian and No.13 Kun You were everywhere grabbing rebound and scoring inside the paint. It was one of the best games the centers had played. No.10 Jia Jun, though one of the smallest post player in this tournament was also outstanding in the rebounding area.
National Youth and Home United No.9 Gerald Toh who had a bad campaign at the start of the tournament was lively and effective yesterday. From defence to offence, he was moving from end to end to block shots, rebound, assist and scored for the team. It was a brilliant performance displayed by the 15-year-old kid.
Although they have come to an end of the tournament but to many it is just the beginning for the whole squad. This tournament should have taught them a lot to be a really good basketballer. This team has the potential to go far, but they must stay together and work hard together.
On another end, the girls’ team hopes of reaching the top four suffered another blow when they lost 21-62 to Singapore Schools. As most would have expected the team to lose to favourites Singapore School, the girls’ team hardly gives a fight and trouble the mighty Singapore Schools.
Home United girls have to win their next two matches. The match with Hong Kah North should be the decider for the top four slots.
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