Tonight is the last two games of the short summer basketball season. I’ve learned that without practice or any lasting exposure to the sport, my kids rely on their own raw athleticism to get things done without actually caring too much about the game. I’ve also unfortunately learned that as a coach, I have not achieved the level of skill (communication and teaching-wise) to be highly effective at bringing a team of misfits together, a la Bad News Bears.
The 8-9 yr old team finished last night with a 3-4 record. However, two of the four losses were by a combined total of 3 pts. The other two losses were without our best player. In other words, we far exceeded my expectations for the team. The kids looked good and passed the ball well and played as a team. five of them have been together for years, so that is to be somewhat expected. What wasn’t expected was how well the new kids played together and integrated with the core five. Now these core five are all freshly turned 8 and one is still 7, meaning there is a real chance that they go back to being their usual dominant selves in the next season. I’m grateful for the losses and the learning that provides.
The 6-7 yr old losses (5-2 record with one game left) were less informative. One was purely a management issue from me. I blew it, trying to push my luck with player rotations and winding up with my best on the bench while their best went to work. The other one was a 6-8 loss that didn’t teach anyone a dang thing save for the knowledge that sometimes there is a lid screwed on the top of the basket–for both teams involved.
My 10-12 team enters its final game tonight short handed. Our largest kid is gone as well as two other starters. On the other hand some of our new players have really stepped up and we are finally coming together as a team. In three short hours they go for their first win in their final game of the year. Based on how things have been going thus far, I say we have a real chance to make it happen.
Some Thoughts:
- I’ve come to the conclusion that, at some point, I need to decide if I am okay with the way I look or if I am going to do something about it. Non-action is indeed a form of action, but it isn’t any form that I can logically continue to take.
- Prime day sucked. I had to sit around all night and day waiting for the good deals and when I tapered off to sleep, I missed the $75 TV. Amazon is not cool. Worst. Holiday. Ever.