I played basketball last night - full court, slow break - for the first time in...let me see...about 20 years. The last time I played I worked as the night manager at McSalty's on Delmar street in Springfield. We would get done at about 11 pm and get a pick-up game over on SMSU campus' outdoor basketball facilities. There were no refs and we played a friendly game, for the most part. The players who took it a little too seriously or started calling ticky tack fouls or worse, giving hard fouls just didn't get invited back. If they happened to show up and asked to join in, no matter if we were playing 2 on 2 or 5 on 5 we would politely tell them that we had enough players and thanks for stopping by.
Anyway, last night was outstanding! I played probably 70% of the time - it is only a one hour game. I was laughing, playing hard, rebounding and congratulating the other players when they would make a good play or shoot a good shot. Heck, they even had a girl on the team! It was a lot of fun! Even though we lost, the team seemed to be in good spirits and at the end, we shook hands and went to have some beers. But that was the point: having fun. I hope we can keep doing just that and enjoying the play time together. Who knows? Maybe I will get the basketball bug and go start a pick up game on MU campus...
3 comments:
Yup - having fun is the name of the game. No pun intended. That's why I am involved in several "small" groups, doing things I like and having fun. Good for you and your friends for playing a good game and having fun!!
I tried to be as friendly with the other team as possible, too. Telling them "good shot" and "nice move" when we were going back down the court. I think that people are still too competitive to really appreciate the compliment.
People generally don't know how to react wgeb they are complimented. Perhaps that's why they don't seem to appreciate it. By doing what you did, you may help them realize that they have value as a person, and not just another player. You go, son!!
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