Ballin' It Up

Riley had asked me last summer if he could learn how to play basketball. At the time, there weren't any programs going on, so I put a pin in that one until something came around. Then, I found out that the YMCA offered a rec league for kids ages K-2 grade. Perfect! Just teaching skills and no competitive pressures so he could get his feet wet. However, when I proposed the idea to Riley, he was not excited. He was nervous about if he would be as good as other boys, that he wouldn't have any friends, etc. He is a naturally anxious kid and worries about things. Luckily, after a little chat with his dad, he decided that he would give basketball a try, no strings attached. If he liked it, yay. If you didn't, we wouldn't get him to do another season.

Then, he attended his first practice and realized that he knew several boys on his team! There were some in his current class at school and some from last year. He started to get excited. Coach Wyatt was very sweet and got right to teaching the boys the basics, and after practice, Jacob took him out to get him his first basketball and a pack of gum for doing his best and trying something new. He was so thrilled. Then, to top it off, during his second practice, they played a game of Lightening (you have to get your ball in the hoop before the other person or you are out), and won! He also got his jersey, #1, and started to get excited (although a little nervous) about their upcoming game.

They had their first game at Horizon Middle School. No points were recorded, so it was just a play and have fun atmosphere, which was so awesome. Riley had a huge smile on his face and he ran up and down the court, doing his best to block the opposing team. He did well passing the ball when he got it, too. Unfortunately, he tripped at the beginning of the fourth quarter and hit his knee hard on the gym floor. He was in tears and had to be carried off. Jacob had already left for work at that point, but I sat with him and other than a bruised knee, he was alright. He chose to sit out the rest of the game, but sat on the bench with his team. At the end, he gave hi-fives to the other team and came away with a grin.

So, his first experience had its highs and lows, but I just hope that he will continue to stick with it and just do his best. I'm proud of him for trying something outside of his comfort zone. It's also great to see him socializing and getting some exercise. And when the weather warms up, maybe we'll see him outside shooting some hoops.