Report on training match vs Greenridge Sec School 18 Jun 2008

Fajar squad that faced GSS today:

Joshua Low 2E2
Teo Jia Wei 2E2 (team leader)
Hazizul 2E2
Jang Sang Jin 2E3
Vincent Koh 2E4
Yeo Han Kun 2E4
Joe Chan 2A2
Tan Kok Yang 1E1
Herman Theng 1E2
Sean Too 1E3
Lim Heng Yi 1E3
Chng Shao Yi 1E3
Lian Ting Hao 1E4
Chew Jing Hong 1A2
Ong Sheng Xian 1A2
Kevin Huang 1T2


The Greenridge team was a very different team compared to our previous two opponents. This team is more experienced and certainly much faster in offense. I knew that Greenridge would provide a stern test for our young Fajar team.


The coach, as always, quickly analysed the situation and gave very simple instructions to the team.

His plans worked very well, for in the first two quarters we were neck-to-neck with them in terms of the scoreline.


However, in the 3rd quarter, Fajar fell apart. Playing man-to-man system is actually very simple and uncomplicated. Unfortunately, some players were very forgetful and looked very lost. Some allowed their players to run away into space. There were times when our players did not realise that the person they were supposed to mark had already gone behind them.

In man-to-man system, you need to stay close and contain your player. Don't give them space to receive the pass. Do not attempt to steal. Just contain and blunt their threat.

You need to know the jersey number of the player you are marking. During defence, do not ever let him out of your sight. Just stick to him. These are all very simple rules but Fajar made it look so difficult.


So, in the 3rd quarter, Greenridge took great advantage of Fajar's confusion.


Again, there was no 'general' on our court to wake the team up. The coach was screaming instructions. My voice bellowed in the indoor court, admonishing players to mark their man and to box them out.

But truthfully, what Fajar really needs is a player who takes charge of the team and barks all these instructions to them. The captain and the vice-captain will need to take on this role to inspire the team and motivate them to perform even better.


After this game ended, both the coach and I are now clear that we need to work on the man-to-man system.

Again, I have to repeat: the man-to-man system is a very simple plan to execute. Against Greenridge, if the players had the presence of mind to work out who they are marking, we wouldn't have played so badly.


This match marks the end of our series of training matches. On Friday, we go back to our home court to refine our formation and skills. Next Monday, we have one more training session in the afternoon. On Wednesday, it is Match Day vs Westwood Secondary.

Fajar, train hard!