The FIMBA GB +60s Women’s squad enjoyed a productive and intensive weekend of preparation on 6–7 June, combining a focused training session in Carterton with a valuable game opportunity against local opposition in Charlbury.
Saturday’s session, held in Carterton, saw the squad working hard on several key areas of team development. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of screens within the offensive system, improving execution and timing, while also developing players’ understanding of spacing and movement. The group also spent time refining out-of-bounds plays, ensuring everyone was clear on their responsibilities and options in game situations.
Throughout the session, the players demonstrated excellent concentration, commitment, and willingness to learn. Coaches were pleased with the progress made, particularly in relation to communication and teamwork. The session provided a strong platform for continuing to build cohesion and understanding within the squad.
On Sunday, the team travelled to Charlbury Community Centre to take part in a friendly game against a local Witney ladies team. Although the opposition was predominantly made up of players aged 50+, they provided exactly the type of challenge needed at this stage of preparation.
Witney played a man-to-man defence throughout the game, giving the FIMBA GB squad an excellent opportunity to practise offensive movement, screening actions, decision-making, and team concepts against sustained defensive pressure. The game allowed players to apply many of the principles worked on during Saturday’s training session and highlighted areas where the team is continuing to develop.
The weekend was another important step in the squad’s preparation programme. The attitude, effort, and commitment shown by all players were excellent, and the coaching staff were encouraged by the progress made both individually and collectively. The opportunity to train hard, compete, and continue building team chemistry will stand the squad in good stead as preparations continue for upcoming international competition.
FIMBA GB would like to thank everyone involved in organising the weekend, as well as the Witney ladies team for providing competitive and enjoyable opposition.
Head Coach Alex said: “This was an excellent weekend for the group. Saturday’s training was focused and purposeful, with everyone fully engaged in developing our screening actions, out-of-bounds plays and, most importantly, our understanding of how we want to play together as a team. Sunday’s game against Witney gave us exactly the type of challenge we needed. Their commitment to playing man-to-man defence throughout the game forced us to work hard for every possession and provided valuable opportunities to put our training into practice. The attitude, effort and willingness to learn shown by the squad throughout the weekend were outstanding, and we’re continuing to make positive progress as we build towards our next international competition.”
