Coaching Basketball

(This is a little long, sorry)

Last Thursday
Well we finally had our second basketball practice in five weeks. Our second and third practices were cancelled due to weather. Then we had two weeks off for the holidays and our first game is today. So we were a little behind.

I got to meet the one single mother on the team. While she was very nice she is a little to old for me so I have to start looking for aunts. Maybe they’ll come to the game and throw themselves all over me. Yeah right.

The kids were great and it was good to see them again. At one point we were sitting around while Jilian went over the rules and I realized that I have a shorter attention span than 3rd and 4th graders. Hmmmm…… maybe it was the presenter but I doubt it.

We had a short scrimmage with another team. Overall I think we kicked butt even though it resembled semi-organized chaos more than an actual game. But they were fun to watch and they really did pay attention to a few of the things we have been trying to teach them.

We were supposed to hand out stars but in the excitement of teaching and the humor of the scrimmage we forgot. But I have a few. Zachery gets a star for bringing his mother even if it is not going to work out. Gavin’s father gets a star because Gavin passed the ball in from out of bounds and then just stood there. Jilian and I were caught up in the chaos so his dad came up and reminded him that he should be in the game. Ooops. Robert’s sister gets a star for helping out. I know that you are thinking and the answer is no. She is too young.

Saturday
We had our first game. The location was at the old Life Bible College in Christiansburg. This both interested and scared me. I have never been there so I was very interested in seeing the college. I was also scared that God might not let me on such sacred ground. For the first few minutes I kept looking up at the sky expecting lightning but then I got over it. I guess coaching little kids gave me enough good karma to pass.

We played full court but with slightly lower baskets. To begin the game they announced the names of all the players from both teams. Then you have two halves with three six minute segments per half. Each segment you rotate your players. During half time we huddle for a few minutes in small room off the main gym. It is a pretty neat and well run event.

We kicked butt. At half time it was 12-5 us. In the second half the other team started coming back but we held out to win 19-11. We really won because we have some pretty good shooters. And a couple of them can dribble darn well for their age. It also helped to play in a larger court so they weren’t as bunched up.

They were a joy to watch. They were having so much fun and just loving life. This time we did remember to hand out stars. My special starts go to Alex 1, for playing with a brace on his right leg and foot which did not low him down at all. Several parents commented on this. Alex 2, for switching dibbling hands by passing the ball behind his back. Heck I can’t do that in front of me. And really the whole team for working so hard.

I am proud. :)