Playing Up

The Warriors in action

Yesterday was the last day of his summer basketball season, which was a character-building exercise referred to as playing up.  Playing up means his team (the Warriors) comprised mostly of 7 and 8 year olds was pitted against taller, stronger and more experienced 9 and 10 year-old teams.

Their coach said, "What doesn't kill them will make them stronger."  From the stands, it was difficult to tell which was happening.  It was sad to see a couple of the kids who were stand-outs from the regular season regress under the pressure.

There is a happy ending to the story, though.

They won the last two games of the season!  Both games were against the same team.  We, the Warrior fans, shook our heads knowingly, "They're playing up too."

Also, although my son's enthusiasm exceeds his on-court talent, his skills and tenacity notably improved during the season.

After one game, his coach texted my husband to say our son was the star of the game.  He "played smart and hard and didn't quit or get frustrated."  He later told us that he'd welcome our son on any team he coaches in the future, calling him 'very coachable.'

That really makes me happy.  Like Mark Twain, I can live for two months on a good compliment.  Especially when it is directed toward my kids.