Thirty coaches and specialists in Oman have completed a five-day strength and conditioning programme aimed at enhancing basketball training and physical preparation for young players. The course, organised by the Oman Basketball Association (OBA), took place from October 5 to 9 in Muscat and was designed to advance coaching practices across various age groups.
The programme was conducted under the auspices of Waleed bin Khamis al Kiyoumi, Head of the Athlete Preparation Centres Section at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY). It was delivered by Amir Eid, an international instructor affiliated with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), as part of the OBA’s ongoing efforts to improve its talent preparation system.
Participants engaged in 25 hours of combined theoretical and practical sessions covering a comprehensive range of topics, including warm-up techniques, movement preparation, strength and conditioning routines, and recovery methods following training and competition. The curriculum also included the design of physical preparation plans, fitness testing, and monitoring player progress. A particular focus was placed on tailoring programmes to the physical development and growth patterns of younger athletes, managing training loads, and using performance indicators to assess players’ individual needs.
At the closing ceremony, Abu Bakr bin Ahmed al Jahwari, OBA Vice-President and Chairman of the committee overseeing athlete preparation centres, emphasised the importance of raising coaching standards as a means of advancing basketball in Oman. He highlighted the need for training to address age-related characteristics and individual differences among young players, ensuring that fitness development, recovery, and injury prevention are integrated to allow for gradual and safe progress.
Iskander al Nabli, General Supervisor of the athlete preparation centres, praised the balance of theoretical instruction and practical application featured in the course. He noted that this approach enabled coaches to grasp not only the objectives behind various exercises but also the correct methods for implementing and timing them. This, he said, equips coaches to apply scientific knowledge effectively in their training sessions, thereby improving the overall quality and effectiveness of basketball coaching in Oman.
The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants, recognition of instructor Amir Eid, and the awarding of a commemorative gift to the chief guest. The OBA continues to prioritise coach development through these preparation centres, which play a critical role in identifying and nurturing basketball talent throughout the country.