Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-14
Basketball as a Game
proc. GEO. T.. ALLISON.
Director OF Athletics. Young Mems
Christian AssociatIon.

As announced in Yesterdays iss.c
of Tho Times Dispatch. the writer Viii
cndcdvnr in series Of articles to
give is readers a few suggestions
rclatiV" to- the proper way Of prcptr-
ing oneself for the participation in
various sports. both indoor ana OUT
door. In selecting Basketball as a
Game" for my frs, article. do SO
realizing that this sport is now the
leading major game that has the pres
ent attention anu Interest OF the sport
loving fans
Basketball already has developed a
popularity that outrank.s most OF the
American team games. Basketball is
a sport originated for the purpose Of
providing AN attractive form OF indoor
physical exercise 1t is fine game
and fully deserves the distinction of
being ono OF Americas most popular
indoor winter recrcations. The period
of adolescence generally is the time
when basketball and similar games are
played. 1t is the period when iife's
habits al. formed and character large
" determined.
The spirit in which the game is
played. the habits acquired through
play, probably Will remain throughout
life: for actions oft repeated become
habits, and habits ar. vital factors
In the determination of character.
The physical results OF basketball
are manifold rs the muscular develop
rent that is attained hy jumping, rum
ming. d"dring is ACCOMPLISHED pleas
urably and unconSciously while play
ing. The goal throwing feature pre-
SCENTS an opportunity for ;inc eye train
ing. To be able TO play basketball one
must be physically prepared. The boy
or Young man. and. especially the
lighter boys and men who desire 70 be-
come efficient "a players. must PEE
par" themselves 10 Offset this difficulty
in weight by increasing their physical
powers. Basketball is the one game
that does not bar out the light PLAYER.
Some of the best players IN the coun-
try to-day are playing III. forward
positions with little weight and as
tonishing Skill, but in the majority
of cases these men are in the best of
condition physically, and what they
lack in weight they make up in
strength and speed.
y careful systematic course OF train
ing. TO secure endurance aud physical
!ineSse must b. followed With proper
supervision this can he acCompli shed
in nearly all cases Good physical con-
dtion is something every athlete should
seek Some boys and young men are
by nature clever physically hi; eS
crcise and training will give clev"rness
10 III" awkward athlete and make the
clever one more skillful
Perhaps there is no game in the his
tory Of sports that is so hard on the
lungs. heart and the legs Of PLAYERS
as basketball Playing the game. us
ually under a good many difficulties:
such rs ill-vcntilatcd gynnas.ums and
halls. dirty floors. bad ohstruct ions on
the PLAYING foor causes injuries unless
the men are in perfect condition.
Condensing this article to the Sus
Festions this writer would give those
who desire TO become efficient as has
ketball players from n physical stauG-
point. my first suggestion would be
that OF seeing that the stomach and
bowels are in the best OF condition
In counteract the poor ventilation con-
ditions often found when basketball II
is being played
Second. Calisthcnic exercises. either
Mt home or in we'll regulated gym
nasium; deep breathing exercises:
walking outdoors: proper bathing of
the body. aud plenty OF sleep sleep
is the great restorer of strength and
the tonic for nerves. and the body
should he given all it REQUIRES. DO n
little track work to develop the leg
muscles.
Dietine--l wish I" emphasize that
tho rules OF dieting should not he hard
and fast regulations. Every boy or
steal condition and govern his food and
drink accordingly.
In conclusion. any boy or young man
who takes UP bask etball and expects to
make a success of il without personal
cleanliness misses one Of the prnciral
lessons which athletics teach. Tho
more attention paid to such matters
the better athlete ono will be-
After taking athletic exercise the
Gh l,a h.t
fcrably shower. followed with a good
rub down. 4 good rub down NV an
experienced rubber not only keeps the
skin in good condition, hut il removes
lamcncss and often cures muscle
bruises.
In my next article 7 will cndcavor to
cover the proper method for playing
the forward position on basketball
team. following later on with the guard
positions, and ending the articles on
basketball with the center position,
Ton nj n,,I :.