The +50s training session on Saturday was the first since naming the GB squad for Athens last month.
Assistant Coach Matt Stone and I took the opportunity to present the team philosophy and plays to our
new players on court for the first time. The session also acted as a refresher for the returning members
of last year’s GB squad. The +55s Head Coach Stu Coffey also introduced his players to his team
philosophies during their training session on the Saturday afternoon. Game situations followed the team
philosophy coaching, and an excellent day of well-played basketball was achieved by all.
FIMBA GB +50s and +55sTraining – Sunday 14th December 2025
Kenilworth School 10:30am to 1:30pm – 27 players
Sunday presented us with the opportunity to run a combined training session with the +55s and their
head coach Stu Coffey, plus assistants Ged Donnelly and Jackie Bennett. The coaches enjoyed the
challenge of trying to keep all players active for the majority of the 3 hours, which we feel went really
well and player feedback has proved positive also.
Following a thorough warm up, the players participated in a well-run shooting and passing drill followed
by the West Virginia full court lay-up drill building up to a total of 10 basketballs on court at one time.
This was a fantastic achievement with a huge credit to the players for maintaining poise and
concentration under intense pressure.
The mid-part of the session was geared up to be a mixture of drills formatted in a camp style set up
utilising multiple baskets/stations. Each coach chose to work on a particular topic comprising of either
shooting, rebounding, lay-up finishing, screening, and a drive & dish play. A well-designed free throw
competition and dribbling drill aimed at improving court vision whilst dribbling were also introduced by
Stu and Jackie respectively. Both drills were actioned well and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The session was rounded off with 4 on 4 half court games providing very competitive and well played
basketball from all players. The coaches thought that a huge amount of effort and energy was applied
by all and hope that a similar session can be run sometime in the New Year.
I look forward to welcoming in 2026 with the +50s next training session which will be in Leicester on
17/18 January 2026. The +55s will next be training in Kirkby over the weekend of 24/25 January 2026.
It just leaves me to wish everyone associated with FIMBA GB CIC a very Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year.
Phil Gander
Head Coach FIMBA GB CIC +50s Women
