A new Urban Family weekly series where we ask a Shanghai based community organization or individual to tell us 5 things our readers must know. Riley Van Patten works with Little Brothers Entertainment who will be hosting a Shanghai Basketball tournament from October 17-18. As an avid basketball fan, he explains why your child should experience playing youth basketball.
1. MEMORY: You’ll never forget that one game
Youth basketball leaves memories that stay with you forever. I’ll never forget the shot I hit against Pasadena High School, or my team’s incredible upset in 3rd grade. I also won’t forget the time my team travelled 500 miles to be crushed in the “1999 Big Time Tournament”!
2. SELF CONFIDENCE: Sometimes you’ll have to miss 5 shots before you make 1
While playing any sport you face risks; the risk to miss a shot, move the wrong way, or make the wrong decision. Believing in yourself enough to accept these risks and still achieve success is a powerful tool in building self-confidence. It takes belief in yourself to set goals, whether or not the goals are achieved the confidence never leaves. Self confidence is something that is important to instill in a child as early on so they can be comfortable with themselves and their talents.
3. SOCIALIZATION: Brothers and sisters in arms
Everything you experience in a basketball will be with your teammates. On the court and off, a bond is built over the course of time that always stays. Teamwork and camaraderie is key to playing youth basketball. To this day some of my best friends and memories are playing with guys when I was 12.
4. DETERMINATION: There’s always a challenge
Inevitably, a team and its individual players are challenged. How that challenge is accepted shapes outcomes of games and players as people. The more challenges you face throughout youth, the better you become at accepting those challenges. This makes you more prepared for future challenges. Whether it’s a missed shot, tough opponents, our individual circumstances---attitude is everything.
5. PREPERATION: Something unexpected always happens
Basketball, much like life, is extremely dynamic. Nothing ever happens exactly as planned (especially in high-pressure high-stakes situations). However, you learn that with sufficient preparation you can provide yourself the tools to best handle those circumstances. You may be caught off-guard and have to shoot a last second shot to win the game! With enough preparation you’ll surprise yourself with how you prepared you where for the unprepared!
To join in and get your kid involved in youth basketball, check out the 1Ball Fall Slam event this weekend! Details below...
//1Ball Fall Slam, Oct 17-18, 9am-3pm, Shanghai American School Pudong, (18516080350, javierterren@hotmail.com)
