Basketball Game

Went to a basketball game this weekend. One of the boys was playing so it was a family affair. We were playing a team that beat us by 20 the last time we played, so everyone was expecting the worst. Turned out to be a great game. My son played very well and we stayed close. In the fourth quarter he made a couple steals, hit a few baskets and we ended up with a tie. Quite an improvement over last time! After the game a gentleman came up to me, shook my hand and introduced himself. He said, “Your son had a great game. Your son’s got a lot of talent, I like the way he plays” I thanked him. He then handed me a business card with his organizations name on it and told me he’d love to have my son play for his team next year when he moved up.

Now, normally that kind of overture would have me bursting with pride, but did I mention that it was Cole who was playing (he’s 7!) and the game was at the YMCA!?! Yes, that’s right. Some dude is building an 8-under basketball dynasty at the YMCA! What’s this world coming to…

I have coached youth sports for a long time and personally, I do not like to lose. But youth sports is not about the coaches, it’s about the kids. Our #1 rule for every sport is to have FUN. My belief is that if a kid is not having fun at 7, he won’t be playing when he’s 13. If the kids are having fun and learning how to play the sport, the winning takes care of itself. I am proud of the fact that every soccer and baseball team I have ever coached has had a winning record, but I am more proud when parents tell me that playing on my team was the most fun their child ever had or that it was where they learned the most. And to think, I’ve done it all without recruiting.