Netball

This Monday I went to my first netball game between the NSW Swifts and the Northern Mystics at Sydney Olympic Park. While I found the game interesting, I would probably not go to see another game. I did not find netball as entertaining as American basketball. In basketball, it is much easier to play defense and to force turnovers where in netball this is almost impossible. Another thing that turned me off was that jumping and blocking shots was very rare. In pretty much every scoring play, the offensive team would get very close to the hoop before they shot. In basketball, it is much more difficult to score near the hoop and there is much more strategy involved in basketball to try and get players open for a shot. You almost never see a team make more than 80 percent of their shots like the visiting Mystics did on Monday.

I was, however, pleasantly surprised at how many people actually came to the game. I didn’t expect many people to be at the game, being that netball is not a very popular sport, but the fans’ enthusiasm and energy was quite strong. It made the game, which I was not really that fond of, much more fun. Overall, I can see why the game is played in schools; it is a great way for people to stay active and fit. I also understand why the game has yet to garner the popularity of many of the major Australian sports; there simply is not enough action.

Indigenous Rugby

After watching the indigenous rugby teams, Moore Park and Redfern, play last Sunday I was inspired to learn more about the history of the sport from an aboriginal perspective. I know from going to Rugby League and Union games that indigenous players are an integral source of talent for the sport.

The first aboriginal player to play Rugby League for Australia was Lloyd McDermott in 1962. During this time, racial discrimination was still prevalent and McDermott would be the only black player to play professional rugby for some time. Before McDermott, it was difficult to stir up interest for the game in indigenous communities because there were no youth programs that introduced the sport to these children.

The Lloyd McDermott Aboriginal Foundation has come a long way in terms of bringing rugby to indigenous youth. They have formed a development team that exposes kids to the game and have even formed competitive teams and leagues that travel around the world to compete.

The AFL and Rugby League have also come to realize the potential that many aboriginal players have, and have invested millions into these communities to try and develop future talent. From what I have read thus far, Australia has come a long way in terms of embracing aboriginal rugby players. Interest in rugby seems to be continuing to grow in indigenous communities, which undoubtedly makes for a more vibrant and prosperous sport in Australia. I can only hope that many of the programs established to further the sport in aboriginal circles continue to expand in size and scope, and that any child who wants to play the sport is afforded the opportunity.

Sources: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/rugby-failing-indigenous-players/story-e6frg7mf-1225881561235

http://www.rugby.com.au/lloyd_mcdermott/lloyd_mcdermott_home,122152.html

Tennis

Ever since I was eight years old, I have played the sport of tennis. It is probably the sport I am most passionate about and I play at least three times a week. I play on my club tennis team back home at Indiana University as well as teaching back in my hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri. I have even brought my racket with me abroad and continue to play here at the University of Sydney with the tennis club.

Through my teaching and playing, I have now played on every tennis court surface. I have played on carpet, hard court and clay and have learned to adjust my play to the distinct playing style that each surface offers. Until I arrived in Australia, I had never even seen, let alone played on a grass court. However, through the tennis club, I was able to get my first taste of tennis on grass at the Manning Courts. The ball travels very fast as opposed to carpet or clay, both of which slows the ball down and allow for much more spin. While I am glad I finally got to play on grass, clay courts suit my game much better.

Teaching tennis back home has given me a lot greater appreciation for the game. Helping to run a camp of more than fifty children has allowed me to develop valuable communication and organizational skills that will be useful in a future career in the corporate world. But this is not the only benefit I get from teaching. Seeing the children I teach have fun, and improve their tennis skills at the same time makes what I do worthwhile. I hope that I can continue to bring the game of tennis to future generations and help them experience the same joy I feel when playing.