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RIP'S ROUNDBALL AND REDEMPTION

AuthorHouse

Contents

Introduction.............................................viiChapter I. The Beginning.................................1Chapter II. The A,B,C, D's (of life).....................9Chapter III. Applying the Concepts.......................21Chapter IV. As A Coach...................................29Chapter V. The Game......................................41Chapter VI. Good Students First..........................55Chapter VII. Dribbling...................................61Chapter VIII. The Basketball Court.......................69Chapter IX. Team Concept.................................81Chapter X. Motion Offense................................95Chapter XI. A New Beginning..............................109

Chapter One

Psalm 71:17

O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare your wondrous deeds.

My Hallowed Ground

Often I find my thoughts will drift back to the earlier years in my life. A time when the "road of life" with all its ruts and bumps seemed to be a little smoother. Invariably my mind recaptures the hours I would spend on what I considered my "hallowed ground;" that piece of terra-firma I felt God had made specifically for me, my own paradise on earth.

My "hallowed ground", measured approximately 25' by 25'and consisted of a partially graveled driveway and lawn. The lawn over the years had deteriorated to clay, which when rain was added, turned to mud. Anchored into that ground was a scraggly old elm tree and attached to that old elm, approximately 10' off the ground, was the basketball hoop. The hoop was attached to the elm tree by a conglomeration of 16 penny spikes. This oval-shaped piece of iron held me like a magnet stuck to the refrigerator door. It was here on that muddy, and sometimes slippery, icy patch of ground that I visualized and worked toward my basketball dream.

I know most kids have dreams, but it seemed like my dream was all consuming and it kept pulling me day after day. It seemed like this dream drew me in and wouldn't let me go. I don't know the reason why I had such a strong desire to shoot a ball through a round piece of iron, but the craving to do so was overwhelming. I was never able to completely understand this desire, yet it burned within me constantly. This thirst for the game I have never been able to fully quench. Little did I realize, at the ripe old age of 8 that this game of basketball would mean so much to me. I believe that every child at one time or another dreams of accomplishing great things, whether they dream of becoming a doctor, farmer, fireman, plumber or teacher. It is our dreams that motivate everyone of us to try. My dream was to become the best player at my school. I know it wasn't a big dream, but it was my dream.

Basketball in the late 1950's and through the 1960's has sometimes been referred to as the "Golden Age" of basketball by basketball historians. In other words many basketball historians believe that during this period of time the game of basketball:

1. had the greatest number of great players.

2. had the greatest innovations to the game.

3. had the highest competition level.

It was during these early years, as I practiced day after day in the heat, the cold, the wind, and the rain, my dream seemed to come alive. This continuous regiment of almost daily practice was allowing me to develop outstanding eye/hand coordination, which in the future would serve me well. This faded, worn-out and discolored ball of leather seemed to become a part of my hand and each day after school and all summer long I would pick up that ball and practice on my "hallowed ground." Alone, I would dream of a time to come. I didn't have a coach, a court, a backboard, or a league to play in. I had no uniform or ever received any type of trophy or award. I played for the shear enjoyment and love of the game. This game of basketball served to inspire and motivate me every day of my youth. This game of basketball helped me to understand and relate to others, as well as instill hope within me. My dream pushed me towards its' destination, much like the wind propels a sailboat. This dream, I believe, also prepared me to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Of course having a dream and achieving that dream are at two different ends of the spectrum! Your dream must be able to motivate you through all the hard work to its' intended conclusion. The engine which powered my dream was an innate hatred for losing. Don't misunderstand me, I know that someone must lose; and to be honest, I never got any big thrill out of winning. I am not saying that the teams I played on won every game because that certainly did not happen. What I'm saying is I just had a very hard time to swallow a loss. I hated that feeling and was determined that whatever I could do to avoid that feeling I would do. It took me many years to come to the realization that not everybody I played with felt the same way I did. I couldn't understand how some of my teammates could so easily accept losing. I was forever asking myself, don't they care or what is the matter with these guys? I always felt the game gave me an opportunity to show everybody how much I loved it. I was willing to practice 18 hours a day if it would insure a victory on game night, and I had made up my mind to be the best teammate I could possibly be. I wanted to lead the team to victory!

Later on I came to realize basketball also motivated me in many other areas, including keeping good grades in the classroom. Of course, I got into my fair share of trouble, but the love of basketball kept my nose fairly clean and my grades enabled me to compete.

My 1st TEAM

My first opportunity to play on a basketball court came in the fifth grade. Mr. Wortman, the elementary school coach, allowed a couple of us to attend the basketball practice if we were willing to help break down the tables, sweep the floor and fold chairs in the cafeteria. My junior high school didn't have a separate gymnasium, our basketball court was also our cafeteria. Mr. Wortman, along with his brother and another male teacher roomed together across the street from the school. Each one of these three teachers coached at different schools in the area. This meant there was quite a rivalry between the three schools during basketball season. This gives you a little indication of the intensity of practices and coach Wortman expected excellence on the basketball court, as well as, in the classroom.

Our teams consistently won the league title and tournament. This consistency, I am convinced, was due to the uncanny insight that Mr. Wortman possessed. We didn't get a uniform and we weren't allowed to play in the games, but I didn't care, just to be able to attend was more than enough reward.

As I got older I realized his purpose for doing this. By allowing us to assume some responsibility, Mr. Wortman was insuring that his future basketball team would have players that:

1. developed good work habits.

2. have good character.

3. have good attitudes.

4. will follow instructions.

5. are "good listeners."

6. have great desire to compete.

7. understand discipline.

8. are willing to help others.

9. were eager to learn.

These lessons and many, many more were learned through the guidance of Mr. Wortman and this accounted for why our teams were consistently #1 in the league. I owe Mr. Wortman a great deal of thanks for helping me develop into a better person. He taught me the "foundational principles of life" from which I could build and rely upon.

Coach Wortman realized in order to become successful, there are certain qualities and character that must be learned; qualities that must be engrained in our hearts and minds. These principles and characteristics are what allow us to achieve, to grow, and to thrive in adversity.

High School Years

Each day of practice helped me to develop the skills and character I needed to achieve my small dream. By having a dream and not allowing anyone to take it from me, I was slowly, but methodically, developing the characteristics I needed to achieve my dream. Notice I stated, "I was developing the character I needed." I believe positive character traits must be taught to every individual. We as human beings are not born with the positive character traits that will naturally lead us to success. If you have any doubts about this statement, then ask yourself this question. Did your father, mother, caretaker or teacher ever have a discussion with you on how to lie, cheat, steal, cuss, etc., etc? I would guess not. Then ask yourself, where did you learn these behaviors? I believe we are born with, "let's say less than ideal" character and that positive character traits and habits must be learned! Good habits and behaviors take hard work and self-discipline to achieve and it is far easier to develop and exhibit negative habits than positive ones. For example: Is it easier to start smoking or stop smoking? Is it easier to start drinking or to stop drinking? Is it easier to gain weight or lose weight? I could go on and on with various other examples. My point being bad habits are easy to learn, but developing good habits takes self-discipline, commitment and hard work. These are the reasons why I believe success principles have to be learned. A young person isn't going to pick them up beside the road. There must be a concentrated effort on the part of parents, coaches, teachers and communities to teach these principles if we are going to give our student athletes a reasonable chance for success. These principles must be learned in order that our student athletes have the necessary tools to achieve their dreams. I also believe that having a dream and learning these success principles will allow the doors of the mind to be opened. We, as adults, then must be able to guide them through these doors by continually encouraging them to develop the character and principles needed to attain their dreams. Hopefully, after a few years our vigilant guidance won't be as necessary.

The development of positive characteristic traits is essential for the continued personal growth of our student athletes. If these young people are not taught these success principles, growth cannot take place and the student athlete will become mired in mediocrity, which could possibly result in little or no personal growth at all. Hopefully, the development of positive character traits and success principles will give them the tools necessary to dig themselves out and to overcome adversity in life.

As a student athlete, the development of your character, will go a long way in earning respect from your teammates, parents, teachers and coaches. Remember, a sign of maturity is when you, as a student athlete, begin to think about the other person first. This is one of the first major steps in attaining your dreams. Always think of others first and what affect your actions will have on them. It was only when I started to take great pleasure in the success of other teammates that I began to truly understand the game of basketball. I felt it was my job to get them involved in the game and I came to realize that every basketball team is only as good as that teams' weakest player. If you are willing to help the weakest player on your basketball team improve, then you and the entire team will improve.

Proverbs: 2: 9&10

    Then you will discern righteousness and justice
    And equity and every good course.
    For wisdom will enter your heart
    And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul

My step-father and Coach Thompson

Over the years, I am continually amazed how the good Lord will insert certain people into our lives when we most need them. Throughout my life He has given me outstanding role models from which to listen and learn. My step-father, Elmer Ballard, is just such a role model and he is still one of the best men I have ever known. As a young boy and throughout my life, he has always exemplified what a person of character should and can be. He was an outstanding baseball player in high school and played on two "State Championship" teams. He understood the necessity for hard work, self-discipline, good character, as well as setting and maintaining boundaries. My step-dad was the one person who could deal with my continuously bad behavior when I was very young. He would always lead by example and he would never expect anything from you that he didn't expect from himself. He set my boundaries and he enforced them and I thank God that the rules never changed, but I did. He was a loyal husband to my mother and a great provider for our family of five children. He taught me the meaning of competition and how to achieve. He loved me enough to discipline me every time I needed discipline and I owe him my devotion, respect and love.

Another very influential person came into my life when I was a senior in high school. Coach Thompson loved the game of basketball as much as I did. He recognized my abilities and allowed me to use them to the fullest. He was the first coach I ever played for who allowed me to make my own decisions during the game. He always trusted me to do what was correct and I tried never to let him down. He hated to lose and I related very well to that. He wasn't only my coach, he also became my life-long friend. Just recently, Mr. Thompson was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His beloved wife Mrs. Thompson is now again by his side. I will never forget him, I miss him. Like my mom did when she passed, Coach Thompson took a piece of my heart with him. I will forever be grateful for some of the memories he made possible for me to have. He shared his life with me and I am forever thankful for his friendship and guidance. I miss my coach and my friend. He and his beloved wife will live forever in my heart and mind.

Over the years I have constantly bumped into people who remember certain shots I made or games that I played in. The game of basketball elicits many different responses from the fans and I constantly remind my basketball players the importance of the game to the fans. I always ask them to give their finest efforts when playing, because it is the fans you are ultimately playing for, not yourselves. Every person at the game is hoping to experience the excitement of the contest and it should be the student athletes pleasure and obligation not to disappoint them. It could be a certain play or shot, during the basketball game, that they will remember throughout their entire lives. The basketball player must always strive to give the fans happy and exciting memories. It is this inherent ability of the game of basketball to bring people together that has always intrigued me. How could such a simple game mean so many different things to so many different people?

Let me recap for a moment: You as a player must develop a solid foundation on which to build your dreams. Also, it is essential for every student athlete to develop positive characteristics and this positive approach should accompany you on and off the basketball court. In the following chapters I will try to relate a few ideas, philosophies, concepts and methods I have either developed or borrowed to teach the game of basketball. Always remember, basketball is more than just a game!

Proverbs: 1:8

    Hear, my son, your father's instructions
    And do not forsake your mother's teachings.

James: 1: 25

    But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law
    of liberty, and abides (lives) by it, not having become
    a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will
    be blessed in what he does.

Chapter Two

At various times over the years, I have given lectures and instruction on the game of basketball. Speaking before many student athletes and adults, the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how eager student athletes and those in attendance were to learn. Remember, these audiences are just like basketball players, they came voluntarily to hear your message. They were not forced to be in attendance, they wanted to attend. As a coach, we should take advantage of this and be prepared to teach them. We should always be ready and willing to answer any and all questions about the game we love.

I have discovered that it is very important for the message to remain the same year in and year out. In other words, the messenger may change, but the message should not change. This means; every year, every player who participates in basketball must receive the same information. Every player must:

1. develop and maintain a positive ATTITUDE.

2. develop a BELIEF in coach and his/her message.

3. give complete COMMITTMENT to learn.

4. have an outstanding DESIRE to achieve.

My (A) Attitude, (B) Belief, (C) Commitment and (D) Desire approach will establish a foundation from which the student athlete is able to achieve. Now, I am not advocating that your practices for grades 3-5 be like those in grades 6-8 or 9-12. What I am advocating is the same message and information needs to be taught every year. This message must be clear, concise and consistent. This repetitive approach reaffirms to each student athlete the necessity of retaining a positive Attitude, consistent Belief, the importance of Commitment, and maintains a Desire to achieve.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from RIP'S ROUNDBALL AND REDEMPTIONby PHIL RIPTON Copyright © 2010 by Phil Ripton. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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