PEN TO PAPER: Rising Phoenix
As I was searching for a writing prompt photo I saw this picture and it reminded me of a young woman in the movie Rising Phoenix. She fences with no arms and no legs, and is just one of many amazing athletes who share their stories in this powerful movie. The movie covers how Paralympics first began, the road that it has traveled and how it has changed the way the world thinks about disability and the human spirit. Check out this powerful documentary the next time you are looking for a movie.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Look at the photo above and write.
WRITING PROMPT #2: Watch Rising Phoenix and write about it.
WRITING PROMPT #3: Veronica thought she would never…
PEN TO PAPER: Backwards History
Years ago, for a class writing exercise, we wrote our life story backward. There were no rules and it didn’t have to be perfect. Let’s give it a try. You can add a lot to each section or do the exercise several times for different parts of you life. (jobs, relationships, hobbies, etc). However you do it, it’s always interesting.
Example 1:
I am a divorced mother of three and a restaurant owner who loves to play tennis
Before that I was married, I waited tables and watched tennis on tv.
Before that I was single, I was in culinary school and I played tennis almost every day.
Before that….
Example 2:
I am a husband and I import toys from Europe.
Before that I was single and I traveled the world with my best friend.
Before that I barely graduated from high school.
Before that…
You get the idea. Give it a try
WRITING PROMPT #1: Write your life’s history backwards. I am____________. Before that….
WRITING PROMPT #2: Simply write a story from your past
WRITING PROMPT #3: Daniel looked at the old photo album and…
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Improve Your Shooting This Summer
During my first season playing high school basketball, I averaged 3 points per game. The next year I averaged 17 points per game and was one of the leading scores in our league. What changed? I set a goal to become a better shooter, worked on my shot and tracked the whole process.
Improve your game this summer by setting goals and using a habit tracker…[LEARN MORE HERE]
PEN TO PAPER: Reading Rituals
I wasn’t always a reader. And I still don’t read nearly as much as I probably should (being a writer), and for sure not as much as I would like. But I read more than I ever did when I was young.
Since I’m a slow reader, Audio books have helped speed up my pace. All I have to do is open my library app and put in my AirPods when I walk my dog or run errands, and I knock off a couple of chapters. Still, my favorite way to read is to hunker into a cozy chair with tea and a good old fashioned book and just immerse myself in the experience.
How much do you read? And what is your favorite way to do it?
WRITING PROMPT #1: When I read I…
WRITING PROMPT #2: Write “BOOKS” at the top of your page, or document, and start writing.
WRITING PROMPT #3: Jenna picked up the latest book by _______________ and….
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
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PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Connect With Your Teammates
Is there a player on your team who drives you crazy? That is too serious or goofs around too much. Maybe teases you or doesn’t pass you the ball. Or maybe there is some other reason that you don’t see eye to eye. If you have one of those players on your team, it’s time to look for a connection.
You may not care to make a connection. You may think that you have nothing in common with the teammate, but I think you’d be surprised. You can often find common ground if you make an effort, and doing so is one of the best ways to make your team stronger. Hopefully your coach is helping you and your teammates to get to know one another better by doing teambuilding activities and spending fun time together, but if not, try reaching out to your teammates more and see what happens.
It doesn’t […]
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Coaches Don’t Know Everything
After nearly 30 years of coaching, and many more playing basketball, I have learned a lot. But the most important thing that I learned, is that I don’t know everything.
I always loved attending coaches clinics because it gave me the opportunity to grow my knowledge. Even with volunteering again as a coach since Covid, I’ve had new surprises and insights. I hope that bits and pieces of my most recent coaching articles, How To Motivate Your Team, How To Teach Leadership and The Best Team Building Activities, will augment your knowledge of the game. Enjoy! (NEW LINKS COMING SOON)
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Inspiring Basketball Coaching Memoirs
There’s nothing better than a good book to bring you closer to the game and learn about life. As a writer and coach I appreciate what it takes to weave a person’s history into an inspiring story. So I’ve put together a list of must-read memoirs by basketball coaches. The memoirs are filled with heartwarming and thought provoking stories that will also help you be a better coach.
If you don’t have time to sit down and read, then give an audiobook a try. Most of these are available through your library and online book sources. Download them and listen while you walk your dog, clean out your garage or sweep the basketball court before practice and learn a few more things about life and the game.
Written by: Coach Pat Summit with […]
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