PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: “10 to Win” Rules of Defense
I love defense. When things aren’t going right on offense (maybe my shot is off or I’m having trouble handling the ball), the one thing that I can ALWAYS count on is my defense. It’s a little more difficult now that I’m not in great shape, but during my years on the court as a player I focused my energy on this part of the game, and as a coach I did the same. To help my players, I took what I have learned on the court, and from the coaches who I assisted (and those I read about and listened to at clinics) and put my favorites rules of defense together in a “10 to Win” list. If you play, or coach the game, these rules won’t be anything new to you, but it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder, and it’s always nice to have them all listed together in one place. When I was coaching, I had the list plastered around our locker room, as the Westside “10 to Win” Rules of Defense, to remind our players what we expected from them on the court every day in practice and in games.
- See ball – See man
Always keep your eyes on the basketball as well as your player (point one hand at the ball and one hand at your man or on your man).
- Jump to the ball on a pass
Unless you have been designated to face guard your player, you should jump in the direction of the ball when it is passed (still seeing your player and the ball at all times). This gets you in the right position for defending your man if he cuts, and it keeps you in good […]
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Get Ready for a Wild Ride
There is nothing more exciting than the playoffs. They are fun to watch, and to be a part of, because the level of talent increases, as well as the pressure, and anything can happen. We play basketball, and sports, and watch the games, because you never truly know what will happen.
Things can get crazy, and that’s why as a player, and as a coach, you have to go into every single game with intensity. I used to tell my girl’s, “Leave it all on the court ladies.” Meaning, give one hundred percent (and maybe a little more), and understand that if you give your best, that no matter the final score, you should have no regrets. Sadness and disappointment, yes, but regrets? No.
So if you’re a player or a coach heading into playoffs. Pull up you boot straps (or should I say tie up your hoop shoes) and get to work, give it your all, and have a blast. And, if you’re a fan…hold on for a wild ride.
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Celebrate Each Precious Moment
It feels like spring this morning. It’s cold and crisp but it’s lighter outside and there’s a different feel in the air. Oh, I know that this will not last long. That we will get hit again with day upon day of non-stop rain and darkness, I live in Seattle after all.
But does it matter? What is important is to take this spring teaser, this bright moment, and each precious moment in our life, and celebrate.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Write about those things that bring joy to your life.
WRITING PROMPT #2: When Eric reached the end of the trail he…
Interviews Coming Soon
Stay tuned for interviews with people that have inspired me. I hope they will inspire you as well.
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.
Blog
The Writer Is In
2017 is the year of my novel. There, I said it. Now I’ve got to get to work. I even bought myself a gift that will be my daily reminder, a new “The Writer Is In” mug. (I got one for my daughter too.) These four words are helping me to keep my writing as a priority even as other distractions (some also important) continue to pull me in other directions. I have learned that this is life, this balancing of to-do’s, wants, needs and desires, so I try to evaluate and adjust my priorities on a regular basis, and one thing I know for sure, is that in 2017…The Writer Is In!
For the perfect start to you writing day, have your coffee in an inspired mug. Find “The Writer Is In” and other inspiring mugs at The Write Life on Etsy!
For […]
Write On! Workshop with Jenny & Sonya
Are you looking for the perfect gift for a writer in your life? Wife? Husband? Friend? Or maybe a gift for yourself, one that will help you start 2017 right? Check out the Write On! Workshop. Register Today and you or your special someone will join my friend and blogger Jenny McGlothern (mamaneedsarefill.com and heartwriter.com) and me for a workshop designed to inspire!
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Light Up the Court with More Shots
I haven’t been able to play basketball since July and last week when I was at the YMCA doing rehab on my shoulder I found myself wandering onto the basketball court. I dribbled the ball around, allowing my shoulder to soften and relax with the controlled motion. Then with my good arm I shot one-handed for a bit. I’m sure it looked a bit odd, as I have to leave my left arm down by my side, but it sure was fun. And then, when I was done shooting around I went to the other end of the court to see if the young kid, who’d been shooting since I got there, wanted a rebounder. I couldn’t help myself.
I stepped under the hoop and asked as I snagged incoming balls out of the net and off the backboard and passed them back […]
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