I felt so happy leaving a basketball game last weekend that I felt compelled to drive thru and buy myself a chocolate milkshake on the way home. I even said yes to the whipped cream and cherry.
Now, I have been to the NCAA tournament three times. Loved every minute of it. I plan to go this year, too, and am pretty much counting the days. But I have to tell you, none of that brought me close to milkshake euphoria. No, apparently, my real jam is watching the little guys.
The players were all second graders, and my grandson was one of them. At that level, basketball is an entirely different game. First of all, the officials have to physically lower the basket. Understand that getting the ball into the basket is still a slim possibility, but at least the kids have a better chance.
The team has made progress from last year. There isn’t nearly as much crying and now most everyone stays focused on the game. Yes, there is still the occasional skipping as they move from one end of the court to the other. The players do a leap or a twirl when the mood strikes them. It just shows me that, underneath all that press for competition, there is still joy, and that does my heart good.
Their coach is a marvel. Calm. Encouraging. He’s exactly what these little guys need at this stage of the game. Actually, he’s what players need at every stage, but as they get older, it’s harder to come by.
The real heroes of the day, however, are the officials. Talk about calm. Talk about encouraging. They keep that straight business-like face because they have to, but underneath all that, they are pure heart.
At the second grade level, performance expectations must be lowered, although that particular goal seems to have escaped some of the more vocal parents in the stands. Traveling is rarely called, and with good reason. I feel fairly sure that the majority of the players aren’t always aware that their feet are in motion. (See skipping and twirling above.)
To be fair, some of the players have skills. A few of them have been watching basketball on TV and have also mastered the finer points of post-score celebration, but the coaches and officials make sure that the game belongs to everyone.
When a foul is actually called, which surprises everyone, the players have to assemble for a free throw, and it takes every bit of five minutes to get the little guys lined up. Who stands where, passing the ball to the ref in a helpful manner – there’s a lot to remember.
When a team needs to throw the ball inbounds, it is often necessary for the ref to call someone over to do it. The entire team has already run back down the court. Conversely, it is also sometimes necessary for the ref to remind the players to run back down the court; no, not you, Tommy, someone has to stay behind to catch the ball.
The kids are much better at dribbling than they were last year, but effective passing is still beyond their reach. Most times, the ball is beyond everyone’s reach. Another fine point that could use some work is that you should throw the ball to someone who is on your own team. Notes for next year.
My grandson’s team lost the game. They might not win a game all season, but it doesn’t matter. There is growth. There is kindness. There is joy.
I feel another milkshake coming on.
