I made every basketball team I ever tried out for because I was tall. My job was to rebound and block shots. Period. Under no circumstances was I to dribble a ball down the length of the court. During practice when attempts at dribbling were made I’d hear snickering coming from the direction of my coaches.
I didn’t get it. I was a decent player, albeit not an all-star, but I kept up with the team. I could do lay-ups. I was semi-coordinated. So why the snickering?
“YOU are a FINE dribbler” my Mom would assure me, “in fact…wow. Just WOW at your game tonight…you are aMAZing!!! The way you move and get in there and get that ball…unbelievable!!”
Mom had never played a game of basketball in her life, but I felt she was on to something. She was right. I WAS amazing. I COULD dribble and DAMMIT…I was going to prove it.
My moment of glory came during a close game with one of our biggest rivaling teams, the Pirates. The score was too close for comfort and the game was drawing to an end. Every basket mattered. As I raced down the court to defend our basket I turned to see the opposing point guard at my heels with the ball. A teammate and I managed to corner her and before we knew it the ball was in my possession.
I ran.
I ran alone, not a Pirate in sight.
I ran WITH the ball.
I ran WITH the ball and DRIBBLED.
My mind was racing even faster than my feet. This was my MOMENT!!! I knew it. I would prove to my coaches and my teammates and the entire crowded gym that I COULD dribble. I could dribble AND I could score a basket that would give my team a much-needed leg up on the competition.
I was going to score a basket and EVERYBODY would cheer and I was going to be a hero and my coaches would NEVER snicker AGAIN!!
And then it happened. The ball hit the toe of my foot and shot across the rest of the length of the court, out of bounds and into the possession of the Pirates.
I was mortified. How did that happen? As I turned to face my coaches I saw them cracking up on the bench.
I just blew it. Nobody would ever take me seriously again.
Except my Mom who would later INSIST my shoes were too big and that we really did need to go find me a better fitting pair.
My team lost the game that night.
And I. My dignity.
Now it’s your turn!
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The Prompts:
1. Write about something you like to collect.
2. Did you play sports as a kid? Write about a memorable game.
3. If you were forced to move from your home today, what type of home would you look for next?
4. Share something that made you laugh this week.
5. Pull up one of the most recent photos you took and let it inspire a blog post.
Cathy Kennedy says
Kat,
I loved reading your story!! The only sports I played in school were the ones forced upon me in PE class. I lack the speed and agility to be an athlete. The only thing I can say is I was a cheerleader and a majorette but I never considered myself super good doing either. By the way, did you ever get better fitting shoes? I’m sure that’s all you needed. ;) Great fun, post!
John Holton says
I was one of the worst basketball players ever, so the fact you could dribble the ball halfway down the court without bouncing it off your foot puts you way ahead of me. Of course, I’d get on a breakaway like that and my brain would be screaming “What in the world are you doing?”
Kimberly says
Oh no! I do love this post and it reminds me of my nephew who is 6’8. They had him play on the basketball team to just stand there and be a massive wall. He is the most absolute sweetest kid ever.
Patty says
I love that you’re tall and that you gave it your best. Period.
I also love that your Mom did what all Mom’s should do…she supported you and, I hope, took you for new shoes.