The +70 FIMBA GB men’s squad held a productive two‑day training camp in Manchester on 8–9 March, bringing together all 14 players who remain in contention for Athens. The full attendance was significant in itself, giving the group a rare opportunity to work as a complete unit and build the cohesion needed for international competition.
Focus of the weekend
Much of the programme centred on sharpening the team’s set plays, ensuring everyone is fully aligned on spacing, timing, and individual responsibilities. With Athens approaching, the emphasis was on precision rather than experimentation, tightening the actions that will form the backbone of the team’s offensive structure.
Alongside this, the coaches dedicated substantial time to extended scrimmage periods. This served two purposes:
- Integrating new players who have joined the squad this year, helping them understand the team’s style and expectations.
- Testing combinations to see which line‑ups offer the best balance of defence, mobility, and scoring options.
Team dynamics and progress
The atmosphere across both days was positive and energetic. Players showed strong commitment, and the competitive scrimmages highlighted improving chemistry, especially between returning veterans and the newer additions. Defensive communication and transition organisation were also recurring themes, with noticeable improvement as the weekend progressed.
Overall assessment
The camp marked an important step toward final tournament readiness. With the squad now streamlined and the core systems in place, the focus can shift to polishing execution, strengthening fitness, and building confidence as the team moves into the final phase of preparation for Athens.
“This was one of the most productive weekends we’ve had as a group. Having all 14 players together allowed us to really tighten our sets and build the chemistry we’ll need in Athens. The new players have integrated well, the veterans set the tone, and the level of commitment across both days was outstanding. If we keep working with this focus, we’ll be in a strong position when we step onto the court in Greece to defend our European title.” — Coach Jeff Jones
