Warrnambool basketball development officer Mike McGorm wants to ensure the city's junior basketballers are ready when the sport returns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
McGorm is making numerous videos a week to help players stay sharp during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
There's a shooting tutorial on Mondays, a ball-handling lesson on Wednesdays and fitness and footwork session on Fridays.
The videos are posted on the Warrnambool Junior Basketball (WJB) Facebook page, with everyone invited to learn.
McGorm said it was important to keep in touch with members.
"It's more to keep connected to the basketball community and show we're there for them and we care for them," he said.
WJB has also just launched its weekly trick shot competition.
Participants need to film themselves executing a difficult basketball shot and submit that video to McGorm.
Week one submissions are due by 5pm on Friday April 24.
McGorm said he had already received great entries with some players finding the hoop while bouncing on a trampoline.
Another player sunk a bucket while being pushed around in a wheelbarrow.
"I've had a few emails with that (competition), I'd love a few more," he said.
The challenge is open to anyone.
READ MORE:
While there's plenty of fun to be had, there's also a serious side to the video tutorials.
Warrnambool is planning to have its junior representative side try-outs in June.
"I've been doing a lot of work, getting ready for going back," McGorm said.
"We're straight into selection when we get back."
He wants prospective representative players to be prepared, as best they can, for the trials.
McGorm, who is Warrnambool's under 12 boys coach, has also been posting other resources to the WJB page.
He hasn't been afraid to reach out to his basketball contacts around the state to work out ways to help players during the pandemic.
The development officer said he was pleased to share resources with other clubs at this time.
"As long as they've (the players) got a ball in their hands and they're out and active and doing something, that's great," he said.
McGorm, who moved to Warrnambool in the past couple of years, was assistant coach to former Knox Raiders men's head coach Darryl McDonald in the NBL1 for two seasons.
He was also the Raiders' junior development officer and coach of the under 12 boys team in the Victorian Junior Basketball League.
McGorm is optimistic basketball will return in June but admits it's still up in the air.
He has a virtual meeting with the head of Basketball Victoria on Friday to learn more.
He said WJB was prepared to be flexible with its junior competitions when they return.
"We may have to run a three-on-three competition for a block period," he said.
"We've got a lot of ideas here."
WJB has this week opened applications for junior coaches for season 2020/21.
McGorm said Warrnambool's junior players were "very lucky with the quality of coaches in this town".
He said the city boosted some great players who had gone away, played at a high level, and returned.
"They're on par with the very best coaches in Melbourne," he said.
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
