Basketball

This winter, Everett and Ashley had their first experience with basketball.  Our city runs a little league that lasts six weeks and we thought it was the perfect opportunity to give the two of them a little taste of the sport.

Ashley initially was fine with playing.  We don't care if she loves the sport but we'd like to give her a chance to decide for herself.

After the first game, Ashley's enthusiasm waned significantly.  She spent the majority of her second game skipping around the court, absorbed in her own little world, with no attention on where the ball or her team was.  In addition to skipping, she began drawing her pointer fingers together, then apart, then together, then apart.  

Joel pulled her aside after the game and asked what she was doing with her fingers.  "I was spinning my web!"  Ashley said, as though it should be obvious, because her team was called the Spiders, after all.

Treats are served after every game.  One week, the treats were served out in the parking lot.  Ashley panicked in the gym when the game was over and saw no treat.  She almost burst into tears.  I think the treat was the only reason she continued to go willingly to her games.  

Ashley had a really great coach.  He was energetic and positive and encouraging.  He was everything a coach to five and six year old girls should be.  He was very understanding of Ashley's lack of interest in the game. 

 Ashley's coach found ways for her to participate, such as giving the ball to her to dribble down the court.  

He also kept encouraging her to guard and keep her hands up.  (No, it didn't usually work too well!)

Joel took Ashley to most of her games, but I did have the opportunity to go to one.  Ashley participated well during the first quarter, so I took lots of pictures.

Suddenly, Ashley came bouncing over to me.  "I get to sit the next two times!!!!" She was thrilled to not have to play.

So, I don't think basketball is Ashley's thing.  But I was glad she had the opportunity to find out for herself.

Everett was also on a team.  He was thrilled that their name was the Rebels (just like the Rebel Spy in the Star Tours ride at Disneyland, he informed me).

Everett had a lot of enthusiasm for the game. He was very vocal his first game (those of you who know Joel are probably laughing right now).  He cheered for his team and encouraged people to pass the ball.  He toned it down for the rest of the games but still really enjoyed playing.

Everett wasn't too comfortable with dribbling, but since traveling was not an issue in this league, he was ok.  He didn't make a lot of baskets or have a lot of amazing plays, but he enjoyed the game and that is the most important thing.

Even though Everett was one of the oldest on his team, he was not one of the tallest!  I am glad this did not deter him.  Height is not something any one of our kids will have extra of, I think.

One of Everett's favorite parts of the game was when he got to sit--because he loved talking with the assistant coach.  I am not sure what he talked about, but he did ask her one time what the score was.  "Let's just not worry about that right now," she said.  This league does not keep track of the score.  I think Everett wished they did (and so do I).  

Everett also loved getting a treat after each game.  

All in all, I think Everett really enjoyed playing and would happily do it again.  Everett has enjoyed any team sport we have put him in, regardless of his ability to play it well.