Oman U-16 continues intensive training camp in Buraimi
The Oman U-16 national basketball team is continuing its intensive training sessions with enthusiasm and discipline as part of its closed domestic training camp at the Al Buraimi Sports Complex, which runs until June 24. The camp is part of the team's serious preparations for the Gulf Zone Asian Qualifiers, which will take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from July 7 to 12. Only two teams from the Gulf will qualify for the final Asian Championship.
The training camp is led by Tunisian coach Zouheir Al Ayachi, supported by national coach Ali al Balushi, as part of a comprehensive preparatory programme ahead of the external training camp in Bahrain, set to begin on June 26.
The technical staff is intensifying the team's daily training sessions, which include both morning and evening practices. These sessions focus on developing individual and collective skills, improving technical performance in both offense and defense, and enhancing tactical coordination. The coaching team has also divided the players into practical groups to implement tactical strategies and foster on-court chemistry.
AYACHI 'WE'VE DEVELOPED THE TEAM'
In a statement, Coach Zouheir Al Ayachi emphasised that the domestic camp in Al Buraimi is a critical phase in the team's preparation journey. He noted that the efforts made over the past months are beginning to bear fruit.
This closed camp in Al Buraimi is part of a comprehensive plan to develop the players both technically and physically. We've focused heavily on refining individual skills and improving players' performance in team situations, both offensively and defensively. We've seen noticeable progress in several players who are beginning to show strong tactical awareness on the court, said Ayachi.
Ayachi praised the high morale and commitment of the players, saying, The players are very dedicated and truly eager to improve, which is very encouraging for us as a technical team. We are currently preparing them mentally and physically for the qualifiers in Bahrain. We know it will be a tough challenge against teams like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have long-term development programmes and strong resources. But we believe in our ability to deliver a strong performance and compete for one of the two qualification spots. He concluded by saying, we hope the external camp in Bahrain will provide one final opportunity to enhance tactical cohesion. We also call on the Omani public to support these promising young players who represent the future of basketball in the Sultanate of Oman. It's worth noting that the current training camps are part of a comprehensive plan developed by the coaching staff and approved by the OBA Board of Directors. This plan included several short weekend camps that accommodated the players' school commitments and participation in the youth league. The plan also includes an external camp in Bahrain shortly before the qualifiers, to boost the team's readiness and provide them with valuable competitive exposure against strong teams.
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