Basketball Jones

I’m not sure why I titled the post this way…but my dad used to sing a song something like “basketball jones, wanna be a basketball jones…” Dad, is that for real or am I making it up?

Anyhoo, back to the real subject. Lucy just completed a 4-week “Basketball Skills” course for 4- to 6-year-olds. It was offered through our local community education system, and we thought it might be a nice intro to the sport for her, and another way to get in some exercise. It took place Saturday mornings from 9:00-9:45, and we have dance class at 11AM on the other side of town, so it made for some busy days. Lucy had a good time though. She held her own alright being on the younger side of the age range, and being only one of 2 girls in the course (where were all the future WNBA-ers?!)She *almost* made a basket in week 3, and I thought she’d have a chance the last week, but they didn’t really offer them many opportunities for shooting. She’s slightly better at dribbling, though still a long way to go… Bottom line is she had a lot of fun, and she’ll do it again.

As a side note, I am really starting to notice the differences between boys and girls at this age, in terms of physical and mental prowess. In swimming, the boys seem to more easily pick up the skills. In basketball, the boys seem more coordinated and confident. The girls, however, seem more socially adept and able to follow instructions. Of course these are generalizations and there are exceptions in each case. How about you – do you see this change too? And is it just due to the way the minds and bodies of girls and boys are built, or does it have more to do with how we and our “village” raise girls vs. boys, and now is the age we start to see the separations?

While you’re chewing on that, some action shots from the “season.” Until next time, happy dribbling!