Teiko's basketball II: Second miracle

52: Rules

Chapter 52:

Rules

"I.... can't.... take this anymore!" moaned Sora.

"Hang in there. You'll survive." muttered Akira, who was only a little better off. Yukiji preffered to keep quiet than to expend her energy talking.

The team had been drilled to death. At first they had been given a load of exercises after which they had to play four matches with different strings. They were now given a thirty minute break after which they were asked to assemble in the court.

"I think it's time we got going." said Chihaya. The team got up slowly and dragged their feet towards the court.

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They found the entire club gathered at the court. Sanada and coach were waiting for them to assemble. When they had, coach nodded at Sanada and he began to speak.

"I hope everyone has gathered. Those who have attended similar camps will probably have a good idea about what's going to happen...."

"Oh yeah." muttered Chihaya.

".... Now, the tag game between the first strings is going to take place."

"Tag?" said Sora confused. "Listen fully, kouhai. There's a catch." responded Eru.

"For those who don't know what's going to happen, I'm going to explain the rules again. This is a tag game with a sort of twist. We're going to combine tag and basketball. Among the two teams who are participating one member each will hold the ball. That member has to hold the ball until the game ends. The rest of the team defends that member from the opponents. At the same time, they have to catch the opponent's ball bearer. The rules for taking the ball is similar to basketball. You cannot foul anyone or push past blocks. If the ball is knocked into open court, the defending team can pass it back to their bearer. But if the opponent holds it for three seconds, you're out. Time-outs not allowed. Everyone has to stay within the court. I hope the rules are somewhat clear? The skills you develop here will be useful when you take part in matches. We will give the paticipating teams fifteen minutes to decide on their strategies and decide who is going to hold the ball. The first strings of both teams are required to assemble on the court now."

"We're going first?" exclaimed Akira.

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The gom had gathered at the court too. "Who is going to be the ball bearer for your team?" said Akashi.

"We haven't decided yet." responded Chihaya. "What about you guys?"

"I'm going to do it." said Akashi.

"I see. We'll tell you soon."

The two teams separated to discuss strategies. "Who's going to be the ball bearer?" said Chihaya.

"How about you, Sora-chan?" said Akira. Sora shook her head. "Whoever's holding the ball has to have a lot of stamina. They have to outrun the others if things get worse. I don't fit the job description. How about you, Akira-san? I think you'll be okay."

"What? me?" said Akira.

"I don't think it's a bad idea." said Chihaya. "What do you say, kouhai?" Akira nodded. "Okay."

Chihaya called Akashi and gestured towards Akira. He understoon and nodded. Both teams resumed discussion.

"What about the rest of us?" said Eru.

"Well, I'm the center so I think I should be on defense. I'll stay at Akira's side. Yukiji, I guess you're with me. You're good at blocking. What'll you two do, Eru, Sora?"

"Let's get the ball then, senpai." said Sora looking at Eru with a grin.

"Any contingency plans?" said Akira.

"Nope." said Sora. "No time-outs, remember? Planning, if any, will have to be on the go."

Just then, coach blew the whistle. She held out two balls in her hand. Akira took one and Akashi took the other. They took their places at the opposite sides of the court. Coach blew her whistle again. The game began.