Below the 8-Foot Rim: Hoops, Dreams, and a Season Inside U8 Rec Basketball will be available on February 18.
You can pre-order the eBook now or wait for the paperback on the 18th.
Some are calling it the greatest thing since sliced bread. Here is an excerpt.
Keys to the Season
In seven seasons of coaching, I’ve created a little routine for myself on the Friday night before our first game. I pour a mix of gin and tonic, watch a medley of basketball highlights on YouTube, and reminisce over basketball moments past while anticipating ones to come.
Sometime during the night, after enough gin and enough reminiscing, I grab a pen and a few old index cards, think about the upcoming season—the weekday practices and Saturday games, the trials of learning to dribble left-handed and the joyful screams for every made basket, the relay races, free throw shootouts, post-game snacks, and pre-game jitters—and write little reminders to myself.
Usually nothing special, just helpers, you could say, for good vibes and a good season.
Here’s what I wrote this year . . .
Coach with a smile.
Energy, enthusiasm, effort, and care are infectious. And they start with the coach.
Practice counts. So, practice joyfulness, positivity, compassion, and fun.
Authenticity matters. Don’t try to fake it. Kids will spot a phony from miles away.
Live in awe of the present. Each moment could be their first memory of that experience on a basketball court. The first layup, inbounds pass, backcourt violation, or jump shot tried while defensive players wave their arms wildly and parents holler from the stands. The first time wearing the jersey of their team. Celebrate all of it.
Laugh, a lot. And when in doubt, roll the ball out and just play. No matter what age you are, laughter and play go a long way.
“Win” at having fun.
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