Basketball 101 by Theodore Knutson Working for AmeriCorp/Campus Corps, volunteers will see every walk of life. Still, to really get those personalities amplified, work with kids! I’ve been coaching ten, 3rd grade boys the fundamentals of basketball for the Heisey Youth Center in Great Falls. Practices can be rough, and games can be even more hectic. For example, one of our practices was centered on learning all the different positions that players have on a basketball court (i.e. point guard, center, etc.). The kids were great; the caught on to moving around without the ball, getting in their spots, and setting screens relatively quickly. When it came to game time, one kid got stuck with the ball, and they all run up to surround him in a huge big circle, with their hands open and arms out, calling, “BALL, BALL, BALL!” The kid ended up sitting down and cradling the ball, refusing to give it to anyone....
Still, we are ending the season now, and I’m very proud of the work those kids have done throughout our basketball season. There is significant improvement in all of their skills, making me feel like I’ve passed along some of my love for the sport to a new generation. I hope they all continue to play, and I can’t wait to start next season!
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