The "Sweet-Shot Caden" Story

Caden dribbles down the floor.  A look at the gym and all the players.

It was an ordinary day.  Just congratu- 
lated my grandson Caden on a great game.  He is covered from head

Jump shot from the corner.

to toe in sweat and his face is about the shade of the red pinnes that the other team just removed.  Must have scored at least half a dozen baskets, but who's keeping count …. besides me.  The Hempfield School District in Lancaster County, PA  sponsors a youth basketball program and this is Caden's first year in the program.  He is 8 years old and close to 6 inches taller and 25 pounds larger than most of the other boys and girls he is playing against today.  Some are so excited to be there and compete, while others you can see are doing it because they are made to participate.  The court is much smaller than a regular basketball court and the baskets have been lowered to  match the size of the players.  There are no officials, but the coaches from both of the teams watch over and instruct the boys and girls as they play.  

Dribbling without looking at the ball is tough at 8 years old.

They play four on four rather than the usual five on five because of the floor size.  Each team today has a few extra players who will take turns on the floor after every five minutes of game time.  After about 15 minutes of drills in passing and shooting the teams line up at half-court to receive their defensive assignment.  The game is played with a man-to-man defense (I know its boys and girls playing, but there isn't a defense called that) and the game clock is started with 20 minutes on it.  The clock is only stopped after every 5 minutes or close to that if the official on the clock happens to be texting or talking on their phone at the time.  

Another shot from the corner.
Surprisingly many went in the basket.

Sides change and new assignments are made and the clock begins again.  There is no scoreboard and the rules are rather vague, at least they are to me.  Double-dribbling and even dribbling with both hands at the same time is allowed and passing isn't the fad in this game.  There are no boundaries and the game stops only when the ball bounces off the wall or into the spectators along the sideline.  Some players make a casual attempt to take the ball from one another, but most times the players don't violate another player's space.  At times some just stop, hold the ball and look around to make sure they are going in the correct direction.  Minor injuries are cause for a halt in play as is trying to figure if you are going towards the correct basket.  

And, again.  I'm sure the one-on-one with his dad in the
driveway might be a factor in his athletic appearance.

All the time the clock is running.  Well, the 20 minutes has expired and I look at the tired faces and sweaty bodies, but it looks as if everyone had a good time.  But, wait!  It's only halftime!!  Oh my gosh, they have to do this for 20 more minutes.  These metal bleachers are murder!!  During this half a few participants decide to sit in the stands with family while injuries take their toll on others.  The game did finish with four against four, but you could tell they weren't ready for anymore running and jumping.  Great physical activity and a good way to learn how to compete against one another in a somewhat disciplined atmosphere.  But not the type of atmosphere that will discourage them from wanting to try it again sometime.  As for my grandson, he thoroughly enjoyed the game and the fact that he is taller and carries more weight than most made it somewhat easier.  He was one of the few who enjoyed finding the open player and passing to them as well as not shooting every single time he had the ball.  But, that's his Tampah speaking!  And, you know how Tampah's are.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.