Give me the freedom of the court or maybe just 2 on 2 will do

Cass got the bad draw today...his mom. 2 on 2 has never been my game, I like the freedom of the full court. The opportunity to run and blend with my teammates on the hardwood, not trip over the bumpy grass/driveway court. Still I had fun. Even after a 14-15 loss to Charli & Dad, I had fun. (We'll get'em next time Cass, not that winning is that important, but it's nice every once in a while) 

Three more families have joined the Peace.Love.Basketball Shooting Challenge and over fifteen kids. Don't forget to let me know how you're doing. And get out there and have fun! 

Best of luck!

  

Family Time on the Court

Well, both kids passed me quite handily on their shooting charts. It doesn't hurt that they have had me as a rebounder. (how can I resist a "mom, can you come out and shoot with me, please?")  It doesn't even bother me that I end up rebounding. In fact, I enjoy it. I didn't realize starting the Peace.Love.Basketball Shooting Challenge would bring me even closer to my kids.

I wasn't sure they would want to do the Challenge. But Cass ran out to the hoop the first day, shooting 40 shots before we walked to school. Charli knew about the PLB Shooting Challenge but she didn't really say much, other than briefly commenting about having her picture on the small handout I was making about the Shooting Challenge. A comment that was as difficult to read as her opinion on the Challenge itself. I was preparing for, "I don't really want to do it mom." And had decided not to push. I've seen way to much of that in my years of coaching and I've seen what it can do to girls and their love of the game. "Sonya you'll have to 'let it go' if Charli doesn't feel like doing the Challenge" I told myself. 

Yesterday Charli asked, "Hey, why don't I have a shooting chart taped on the wall for me?" 

"I didn't know if you wanted one." I said, dropping the last dirty fork into the dishwasher.

"Yes, I want a chart." she said grabbing a ball and heading to the court.

I smiled as I filled the dishwasher with soap and closed the door. 

Never mind that she shot in her bare feet the first day. Never mind that she decided to go with shots taken, not shots made. She's out there shooting, having fun. And better yet, part of the time, I've been out there with her. I've been keeping quiet and keeping it fun. Well, maybe I've let out an occasional "don't forget to square your shoulders to the hoop," how could I not. But I'm staying quiet enough that she's smiling and now she has passed me by about 300 shots. I've got some work to do tomorrow...

4950 shots to go!

Yes, I did it! 50 shots! I even wanted to shoot more, but I had motherly duties to attend to, school pick ups, snacks, chauffering and the like. While shooting in my driveway/sidewalk/grass court, I did a little thinking. (which I occasionally like to do) Did I write in the PLB Shooting Challenge information that a participant should record makes or simply shots taken for the PLB Shooting Challenge? I pondered as my next shot bricked off the rim and I turned my ankle on the parking area that doubles as my court. Maybe it should be shots taken? In the end I decided recording the shots made is in order for anyone who has been playing for a while, but for young kids, shots taken is good. The Challenge should be good for your game and fun!

And I'm glad to have Jenny joining the fun! Yes, you can use our basket anytime! I will even move "Bob's" car out of the driveway and join you!

Photo: My court - proving you don't have to have a perfect place to practice...just get out there and do it!

Peace.Love.Basketball Summer Shooting Challenge

I now have a reason to blog. Or should I say a motivation to blog. I have a lot of good reasons. I designed a line of basketball t-shirts that are for sale on my website peacelovebasketball.com. The team I'm playing on, AWU (All Washed Up) won the Sheryl Swoopes Tournament and our league. I started writing my next book. I could go on. But I'm motivated to blog again because I'm taking the Peace.Love.Basketball Summer Shooting Challenge.

I was talking with a friend about the 5000 shot club I was a part of the summer before I went to high school and how much it helped my shooting when a light bulb went off. I could start a 5000 shot club on my website. The PLB Summer Shooting Challenge was born and will be a part of my website next week. I hope it will encourage young ball players to get out, have some fun on their own, and shoot the ball. Kids (or adults) can download a free calender and track their shooting this summer. If they register ($10) they will receive a Peace.Love.Basketball Summer Shooting Challenge T-shirt and PLB Sticker in August. 

How could I present a challenge and not take it myself. I will update my blog on my progress. And please let me know how the challenge is going for you, or your kids, if you choose to join me. Get out there and have fun playing ball! I think I'm going to hit the court today and get started. Enjoy the summer!

photos: Peace.Love.Basketball Scoop Neck T-shirt and Sonya Elliott in her "stylish" 5000 shot club T-shirt, 1981