Hoops!

We signed Dashiell up for basketball at the YMCA this winter, and it's been a big hit!  He was very, very nervous starting this new venture, but felt much better when we convinced his friend Crispin to sign up too.

Rick and I knew he'd love it, and we were right!  Within minutes of playing in the gym, he was grinning ear-to-ear and having such a great time!

 

Coach Cam and the boys

The class is structured with free play for the first few minutes until all the kids get there, followed by warm-up exercises, then they learn a new skill (so far they've covered dribbling, defense, passes and shooting baskets), then the last 20 minutes or so they play a game.  The coach is so good with the kids - he really tries to make all of them feel included and always notices when one of them is having a hard time with something or someone.  And he's very clear in his instructions, and repeats them multiple times to make sure all the easily-distracted 4 - 6 years olds actually hear him!

First day, dribbling the ball.  It's a work in progress!

 

 First game.  Also a work in progress.

He's steadily getting better, and what he lacks in skill he makes up for in enthusiasm!  And that is what will make him a good teammate!

 Third class, still working on dribbling but now in a special YMCA t-shirt!

 He made the shot!

We've already asked Coach Cam when the next session starts, since Dashiell wants to keep playing.  Woo-hoo!  I'm excited that he's found an activity he loves, and can't wait until Spring so he can practice outside (instead of in the house - in hindsight buying him a new basketball in the winter maybe wasn't the greatest idea!).  Go Dash!