(Did you sing that title? They’re playing bas-ket-ball. We love that bas-ket-ball. Lil Bow Wow. Anyone?)

Kyndall just wrapped up another season of basketball.  She LOVES playing basketball.  And when she plays, she plays hard.  She leaves everything she has on the court.

I know these girls are only nine and ten, but they played for keeps.  Practices were tough.  Can I tell you how much I love girl sports?  They develop bonds between friends that last lifetimes.  And, according to this study, women who play sports are 74% more likely to succeed in business.

This year, Kyndall’s team did really well.  I think they finished the regular season with 10 wins and 4 losses, or something like that.  On Saturday, they played in the West-side championship for Morgan County and brought in second place.  It was a good game, but they just couldn’t pull in the win.

During this season, I’ve realized some life lessons that are taught through basketball.  In no certain order, here they are.

• You win some, you lose some, but you should both win AND lose graciously.  Play your hardest and accept the outcome, either way.  Don’t sulk.  Don’t cry.  Don’t blame the ref.  Don’t be a sore loser.
• If you keep running the same play, you’ll get the same results.  Sometimes, we have to re-adjust the game plan.
• Be a team player.  Pass the ball.  Cheer for your teammates.  No one person can win a basketball game.
• Don’t be afraid to take the shot.
• Hustle.  It doesn’t matter if you have a controlled dribble or a great layup if you can’t beat the other team down the court.
• Passion beats talent 90% of the time.  It doesn’t matter if you can make the shot if you don’t care to make the shot.
• Respect the coach.  Even if you don’t agree with their decision, the coach is in charge.
• You are responsible for yourself.  If another player gets mad and acts a fool, that’s on her/him.  How you act is on you.
• It takes a minute to shake out the nerves.  At the start of every game, every player is nervous.  Give it a minute and a few good plays and those nerves work their way on out.

Would you add anything to my list?  What lessons have you (or your children) learned from playing youth sports?