No, not Jon's basketball season...Caitlin's. This year, Caitlin decided to play basketball. As I signed her up, I made a snap decision to coach and added the "if needed" phrase beside my X. Of course, I was needed. Not too many people volunteer to coach beginning basketball for 1st/2nd graders.My first practice saw many balls flying over the 7 foot backboard and numerous travels and double dribbles. They gave me rules for my team like no guarding in the backcourt and no free throws. Refereees often stop the game to help explain rules to the kids, but the kids just want to shoot the ball - FROM ANYWHERE. They're pretty sure it's goin' in, too, EVERY TIME.
I've got 7 kids on my team. Well, 7 1/2 because I have a 2nd grader who is the equivalent of Shaquille O'Neal - on a 2nd grade scale. He dominates the inside. He provides excellent help defense and can shoot from the perimeter with great form. I really got lucky because I also have an excellent point guard...bless her heart, this excellent point guard is not my daughter.
Caitlin can line up on the out of bounds play like no other. She can yell "match up!" with the best of 'em and will be the first to volunteer to come out while subs come in. She continuously tells me she likes it, but really loves cheering for her team on the sideline. I honestly don't know if she likes that better than playing, I'm afraid to ask.
She tries very hard when she's out there, and one game she made 2/3 baskets. Not a bad percentage. It's very confusing to me how she can dominate the soccer field, but on the basketball court, she often has no idea where the ball is. When she shoots, one of her legs flies up behind her in a typical cheerleader way. She likes to high-five her teammates and pick out which shorts she'll wear. She is very good and getting up and down the court and is rarely winded. She isn't very aggressive, but has fun while she's out there and that's all we ever ask: try hard and have fun.
...and we'll keep on doing it as long as she's still having fun.