I was really excited this year when Ben said he wanted to play basketball. I saw this as a great opportunity for him to learn about the game and how to be part of a team. I didn't count on just how entertaining watching 5 and 6 year old kids play basketball would be. Or at least how entertaining my son would be. Honestly it is some of the funniest stuff you will ever see.
First of all, the coaches are literally on the floor running back and forth with the kids. They really get a workout. They have to run up and down the court with the kids because for the most part the kids don't know what is going on. There is a lot of yelling "Hands in the air" and "Dribble the ball". There are a few stand outs who seem to already have a grasp on how the game is supposed to be played, but for the most part this is just kids having fun. The looks on their faces when they "accidentally" make the basket is priceless, even when the basket made is not on the correct end of the court. There are also those dumbfounded looks when an opposing player steals the ball out of their hands. When there is a "fight" over a ball, it is a true wrestling match and most of the team...well at least those paying attention...are involved in the battle.
Unfortunately for us, Ben is one of those players who starts out paying attention, but then loses it quickly. Tonight he seemed to forget he was there to play at all since he left the floor twice as his teammates ran the opposite direction. The first time, I guess nature called and couldn't wait. He ran off the floor. The coach didn't seem to notice he only had 4 players on the floor. By the time Ben came back, I guess he forgot he was supposed to be playing, because he went and sat down on the bench. I yelled his name until I got his attention and pointed to the game and he ran back onto the floor. He played with his mind on the game for about the next minute or so. Then, I looked up and he and the girl he was supposed to be guarding were at the opposite end of the floor than the rest of the players and seemed to be talking smack to each other. I could tell it was a heated conversation because she had her hands on her hips and her little pigtails were bobbing up and down. By the time they finished, the team was coming back towards them so they decided to play again. That was the first half of the game.
During halftime, Ben took another bathroom break. This was good, he would be ready to play, I thought. He sat on the bench for the first part of the second half and I was proud that as he sat there, he seemed to actually be watching the game. Then it was his turn to play again. Within about 30 seconds he managed to hit the referee in the face when he tossed him the basketball. The whole crowd made a sound. I just shook my head. The ref recovered quickly and the game resumed. Ben finally did some decent dribbling and had 2 great efforts at shots. Then, when I thought he had finally settled into the game, he left his team on the floor for the second time. He left the floor, walked right over to me, gave me a hug, then went back to playing. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I mean it is hard to turn down a hug from Ben.
Finally, the game was over. I have no idea who won because they don't keep score with this age group. All in all both teams had played a good and very entertaining game.
On our way out, I found out that during his second trip to the bathroom he had decided to check out the girls bathroom, because as we were leaving he told me the girls bathroom had white paint. I decided not to ask if there were any girls in there at the time. I was already mentally exhausted.
His last game of the season is tomorrow morning and I think I will have Jason take him.....I am not sure I can sit through it again and keep my mouth shut. One thing is for sure though, Ben has enjoyed playing. He is sad that tomorrow will be his last game and I am a little sad too. It will never be as simple and carefree as it is at this age.
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