Day three of Survival Camp 2024 was packed with challenging activities that pushed us to our limits and helped us grow both individually and as a team.

Our day kicked off bright and early at 7:30 am with a gym activation session, focusing on quick and strong lateral movements. We practiced our T to L and to C transitions through power steps and sprints.

After the intense workout, we enjoyed breakfast together, followed by some extra time to rest and create clips from our games. This small break was much appreciated, allowing us to recharge and prepare for the upcoming sessions.

At 11 am, we gathered in the lecture room to analyse our game clips. We emphasised the importance of maintaining open angles on plays, avoiding guesswork, and having a patient whistle while trusting our partners. Watching videos of top-class referees from various sports, we discussed the traits that contribute to their success and identified negative habits to avoid. This session was both enlightening and inspiring, providing us with clear goals for our development.

Lunch was a lively affair, filled with discussions about our home countries and plenty of laughter, which helped strengthen our bond as a group.

Post-lunch, we faced our toughest physical challenge yet in the weight room. Split into three groups, we tackled a circuit of three stations, each with three exercises. Completing five sets of each exercise, we focused on strength and explosiveness. This grueling workout was a true test of our desire to improve, and everyone gave it their all.

Following the intense gym session, we headed to the court for our game practice. Using headsets and microphones, we received immediate feedback from our instructors and communicated effectively with each other. Each of us set personal goals for the session, and the development within the group was evident.

After the demanding physical activities, a delicious pizza dinner was a welcome treat. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal, sharing stories and relaxing together.

The evening brought a change of pace with a yoga class, a new experience for many of us. Despite testing our flexibility and joint strength, we had a great time and shared plenty of laughs. It was an excellent group activity that helped us unwind after a strenuous day.

To conclude the day, we had a short classroom session where we reviewed more clips from our games, using both the main camera angle and footage from our camera glasses. This provided deeper insights into our positioning and decision-making.

Feeling the effects of the day’s tough physical challenges, we all headed to bed early, ready to rest and recharge for another exciting day ahead.

Day 3 was demanding but incredibly rewarding, and we’re eager to see what tomorrow will bring!

by Christopher Curle