If your new to our site then WELCOME...Check us out! This poem is one of mandatory reading assignments. The kids have to read the poem and write lesson learned in their playbooks and we facilitate a group discussion where the kids can freely share their thoughts and opinions with their teammates. Feel free to share it with your players.
It was only one possession, why must my coach scream?
My poor defense permitted the basket. But what can one hoop mean?
As the pass comes in my direction and I fumble it into the stands,
my coach's voice rings loud and clear, "Catch with your eyes and your hands!"
C'mon, coach, it's a single possession, our team will be okay.
It's just the first two minutes, my gosh coach, we've got all day.
At the 10-minute mark I remember that their center is strong and stout.
A put back for two, quite simply due, to my failure to turn and block out.
But it was only one possession coach, I didn't commit a crime,
My team is ahead and I'm playing well and there's still plenty of time!
As the halftime buzzer is sounding and I watch the ball bank in,
I know that I will hear from my loving coach about my lack of effort to defend.
But it was only one possession, Coach - don't have a heart attack!
We're down by one, but we're having fun, I know we'll get the lead back!
The second half mirrors the first, but it's early, it's not a big deal.
That my failure to use a pass fake results in an unlikely steal.
But quickly I sink a jumper and I'm greeted by high fives and slaps.
But on the next possession I give up a lay up while suffering a mental lapse.
But it's only one possession c'mon, Coach, just chill out.
It's crazy to see you disgusted as you slap the clip board and shout,
"Victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes"
Single possessions are the key. So treat them like gold and do as you're told, And play with intensity."
I step to the line for a one and one but I have a concentration lapse.
The ball soars through the air and it hits the glass so hard I'm afraid the supports will collapse.
In the post game I sit at my locker pondering what more I could do.
I realize the value of each possession,
What a shame that we lost by two!
