The legendary basketball player Michael Jordan was once quoted as saying obstacles don't have to stop you. 

"If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it," was Jordan's advice to those facing adversity. 

His words are certainly relevant at the moment. Due to the national lockdown, it is easy to get despondent. To feel sorry for oneself. Tuks's netball head coach, Jenny van Dyk, is the exception.

"For me, the lockdown boils down to a crunch moment during a crucial game. It is a test of character and time for heroes to rise. It is all about how you are going to cope when faced with adversity. 

"I am proud to say every Tuks player chose to step up. The past week, we did 18 sessions. It was possible one of the hardest training weeks in the history of Tuks netball. We did so with never being on the court or in a gym." 

Being the innovative coach, she is Van Dyk planned ahead. She realised that national lockdown is going to be inevitable. 

"I worked out various technical drills and exercises the players can do while being at home and made videos. I am still continuing to do so. It forces players to take responsibility. It is their prerogative whether or not they are doing what is expected."

To make things more interesting, Van Dyk also started a daily exercise challenge. 

"I posted a video of me executing a demanding skipping-rope routine and posted it on our Facebook. I dared the players to do better. Everyone bought into it. Only one managed to improve on my record. Since then, hardly a day has gone by without one of the players posting an exercise challenge. 

"SPAR even bought into what we are doing. The player that gets to be the best in any challenge will receive a hamper from them after the lockdown." 

According to Van Dyk, these challenges are not limited to Tuks players. Players from any club are welcome to participate. It is part of the Tuks outreach program to the community. 

Tuks has undoubtedly established itself as one of the foremost clubs in South African netball. Last year they became the first team to win the Varsity Tournament without losing any game. The Jaguars, basically an all Tuks team won the Telkom League and Tshwane (an all Tuks team) the national championships. 

But for Tuks, it will never be only about winning trophies. What matters is what is best for netball as a sport. That is why Van Dyk has developed a coaching App. It is aimed at helping young players master the finer intricacies of the game no matter where they are based.

Van Dyk said they are hoping to go live within the next week or so. 

"It would be exciting if we can help lift the standard of netball all over South Africa through this App."