Monday’s Pen to Paper: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
A picture is worth a thousand words, or at least one hundred. Take a look at the photo and let your imagination get to work. Write on!
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…
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 Friday: Dancing at the Tournament
It’s tournament time! Both the boy’s and girl’s team at West Seattle, where I used to coach, are headed that way. I can’t wait to cheer them on. When I was coaching, playoffs, League, Districts and the State Tournament meant a different kind of fun, a hunker in and take a closer look at our team type of fun. What makes us successful? How do we build on that and make our base stronger? Of course, I studied our opponents but in the end I focused on our team, our fundamentals and our strengths. As my father-in-law (Hall of Fame Coach) used to say when it was time for State, “Dance with the girl who brung ya’.” (Read more)
Go West Seattle Wildcats!
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Back Off
Back off. This is an important lesson that I learned during a coaches clinic years ago.
As a season progresses and a team is nearing playoffs, it’s time to back off. Really? Yes, really, but not with the intensity during practice, with time on the court. Brains and bodies are tired. If players were prepared properly, pushed to their limits and worked hard all season, then cutting practice time down will not hurt them but in fact will help them. The season is long, and often near the end of the season high school players are also dealing with finals, they need time to study and to rest their bodies. If you’re a coach, reduce practice time as you near the playoffs, but make sure to keep the time on the court focused and intense, optimizing your time by working at game speed. And don’t forget […]
Book Signing at Alair Neighborhood Gift Shop – January 14, 2017
I’m excited to take part in Alair’s Grand Opening this Saturday, January 14th! Alair Neighborhood Gift Shop is new to West Seattle and has a variety of gifts from baby onesies to books. (I was lucky enough to find the store in time for my Christmas shopping). I will be at Alair signing book from 12:00 to 3:00pm and the event goes all day (12:00 – 7:00pm). There will be tons of raffles, samples and giveaways….and Nibbles Food Truck and drinks! I hope to see you this Saturday. Come celebrate this new local business with your West Seattle neighbors!
Alair Neighborhood Gift Shop – 3280 California Ave SW, Unit A, Seattle, WA 98116
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