Survival camp had promised to push us to our limits and as the final day arrived, we would have it no other way. Like every other day, we reported to the gym at 7:15am for an IOT session on signals. We honed our signals to get them sharper and stronger.

Following the morning session and breakfast, we headed straight into analysis of previous days clips. Utilising all the guidance and philosophies taught throughout the week, it was our turn to breakdown footage and give feedback. It was great to see how much everyone had grown, reviewing and helping each other get better one clip, one play at a time.

Yesterday Kuba had given us the floor on what topic today’s presentation would be on. A session on pre-game was agreed, and the insight that Kuba and Marcin shared was invaluable. Discussions ranged from why the pre-game is so important to how the prep helps in game. As aspiring referees, getting to see a sneak peak into what goes into a Euroleague referee’s pre-game at the highest level was truly humbling. To see how much respect must be given to the game.

In our Sports psychology session Toby prepared a session on “Peak performance beyond camp” which summarised the tools we practiced this week and how to carry it forward. Toby had equipped us to survive the camp but having gone through the survival session together, getting to hear everyone’s performance promise for the next season highlighted how much closer together we had all grown.

Marcin promised “only rollers and some stretching” but like with everything Survival camp, it was not that easy. He gave more creative and unique ways to ensure our bodies remain fit and healthy which would translate to our performance in games. Understanding our requirements, he continued to show us creative/engaging exercises to protect and test our bodies.

There were plenty of scrimmages so we were able to practice all the things we had learnt this week. At this point I am sure some fatigue had set in for each of us but with each rep, and every feedback received, we all kept making the most of what was left, sucking up all the knowledge like a vacuum cleaner.

It feels like it was only yesterday we were all strangers but I guess when you surround yourself with basketball junkies time is bound to fly. From Coach Tatenda’s workout session late with the players, cafeteria stories, gut wrenching workouts and shared laughs it would not be Survival camp without every moment which has built us into being better basketball referees.

by Rohit Poudel