What a Year!

What a memorable season the 2019-2020 season was. Taking the year off due to Covid put it all on the back burner. The A Game club was thriving with multiple team championships and a growing program, my Balboa boys team won their 3rd Middle School Championship in a row, and of course the tragedy of Kobe’s passing hit us all. I saw him leaving the Mamba Center, where our children were playing in a tournament, in his SUV the night before his passing, yelled out, “Go Lakers, go Kobe!” And in return got his eye contact and he gave the peace sign. One of the last to witness his next level presence. 

Now that we are getting back into the groove, it puts it all into perspective. Why I love this game... The life lessons, the team first mentality, the shared experiences. For all that I have given to the game, I have received 10 fold! Happy to be a part of so many great players, coaches, teammates, and families lives! 

We have been back to practicing and games for almost three full months, it is easy to block out the year plus that we just got through and to just focus on what we are doing right now, getting caught up in the moment, which is all we really have, but it is always good to think back to what we were not able to do to keep perspective on how fortunate we are to be able to participate in such a rewarding activity such as basketball. Play/coach every game and every practice as if it will be your last!

Larry Anter
A Game Basketball
agamebball.com
Facebook.com/AGameBasketball

Christine Cardoso-Moore - Keller Williams Realty, Kate Turner, Realtor - Comfort Real Estate Services, Inc, Oaktree Property Management, Pizza Chief, Hermance Law, Drapery Affair & The Floor Store, Play it Again Sports - Ventura, Kurt and Kyle Pest Control

Helping to bring quality basketball training to the youth of Ventura County.

Kobe

It was around 3pm, Saturday, January 25th when I walked my wife, two daughters, and good friend and his daughter to our min-van to see them off after we just finished a great, competitive game at the Mamba Cup tournament in Thousand Oaks. After saying our goodbyes, I started walking back to my truck. I knew I had a couple of hours before I was going to coach my next game, so I wasn’t in any hurry. As I climbed the steps from the parking lot I was coming from to the front entrance of the Mamba Center, I couldn’t help but notice Kobe Bryant and what had to be some of the players and parents of his daughter’s club team that he coached. I paused, soaking in the Southern California winter sun and crisp air, genuinely feeling in the moment and appreciating the magnitude of this man’s presence and the mark he has made on our world. At the same time, appreciating the simplicity of a father coaching his child in a youth basketball tournament. As a lifelong Laker fan, it was simply a cool moment that got even better… I watched him get into his black SUV on the passenger’s side and as they started to drive towards the exit they curved around in from of me and I was inspired to shout out, “Go Lakers, go Kobe!” In return I got his eye contact and a peace sign with his hand. By no means am I a fan boy, but it was definitely a special moment. I couldn’t help but call my wife and relay the experience to her, laughing about the randomness of the encounter. Fast forward to the next morning as we are back at it, competing again in the second day of the tournament. It was after a time out that the referee and friend, informed me that Kobe had passed. In disbelief, I immediately grabbed my phone to confirm the news. Sure enough it was all over social media. As the game continued and in shock I quickly noticed the adults in the crowd berried in their phones, not really paying attention to the game at hand. We finished the game, doing the traditional “good game” handshakes and as I met eye to eye with the opposing coaches, who happened to be friends of mine through the game of basketball, it was a quick acknowledgement of the surreal moment. All three of us coaches share a passion for the game and have daughters that we are sharing that passion for the game with. Just like Kobe and his daughter Gigi… Passion… that is what comes to mind when I think about Kobe… The Mamba Mentality… Work ethic, desire to be the best, never give up, always believe, always compete! Maybe this is why it is hitting me so hard, maybe it is the connection of being a father coaching his kids in a game that we shared a passion for or maybe it is the compassion for his wife, kids, parents, family, and friends, but I guarantee that this event will only inspire me to continue to work my tail off in all that I do, sharing my passion and love for the game and its teachings, pulling out the best in all of my players and reminding myself daily that, “All you need is Love” and that every day is a gift. Make it your masterpiece… I am thankful to have experienced so many Black Mamba moments and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my passion for the game of basketball. This is the ultimate “Next Play” moment. We can’t change what has come to pass, but we sure can appreciate his contributions and harness the essence of what he stood for. As he said in his speech at his last game, “Mamba out!” Rest in Peace Kobe Bean Bryant! 1978-2020.

Are You Watching?

Playing the game of basketball is hands down the best way to get better, but that's not always possible. When you aren't playing, are you talking about it, reading about it, and are you WATCHING it. From the pros on down, there is valuable lessons to be learned just by watching the games. You can pick up new moves, learn about the various rules of the game (From one level to another it can be very different), and you can definitely learn what not to do. The bottom line is the more you watch the more you absorb. You hear the term "High basketball IQ"... That's just a fancy way of saying somebody that "knows" the game and knowledge of the game is one of the factors that can keep you on the court. It will help increase your playing time!

For any youth basketball player, I would suggest you get out to some local high school games as well as watching the pros and college games. The high school level is much more in line with the style, skill, and athleticism that most youth players are at. If you can get to a good cross town rivalry game you will enjoy a competitive and spirited community focused on something positive happening. I fear, in a lot of places, we have lost that local sense of pride in our high school athletic programs. I know in Ventura County, where I live, there are quite a few that are still alive and thriving. In the city of Ventura, the Buena, Ventura games always pack the house. Games like these can be very inspiring for the younger elementary and middle school players. It gives them something to look forward to and work towards. And it gives them a great sense of the increased speed, skill, and complexity of the game at the next level.

Again, the best way to get better is to put the time in doing it, but spending a good amount of time just watching sure can help too... Especially if you have somebody to watch with who can help you break down the various aspects of what you are seeing.

So put down the electronics and turn on a game, or better yet, get out and see some games live!

Having "Fun" Vs. Working Hard

As we enter our second month of the club season with two brand new teams, four that have only been together a few months, and a couple that have been together a year or more, we are at the stage in our practices and games where we have a lot to learn in regards to the game of basketball. Yes, the game is a simple game... Put the ball in the hoop and you score. The team with the most points at the end is the winner, but there is so much more that goes into competitive, club level basketball. Skills, athleticism and knowledge of the game all play a huge role in a teams success. Combine that with getting the 5 players on the court to work together with subs coming in and out throughout the course of the game. Half and full court offenses and defenses, in bounds plays, end of game situations, etc, etc. So much to teach... so much to learn.

So how to get through all the material while keeping the game fun along the way? Because if it isn't fun, the players won't want to come back for more.

Like most aspects of life, it’s about striking the balance. There will be times that you have to focus on the skills, times when they have to work on the plays, and times when you just have to let the kids go for it, playing the game without worrying too much about anything other then playing their hearts out.

Ultimately individual and team success depends on how badly the players want it. How much extra time do they spend working on their games? Is it just at practice or are the players working on their games on their own also. How much do they take it upon themselves to learn the details? Are they watching “ how to” YouTube videos, reading books about it, or talking the details over with Coaches, teammates, parents, and other family and friends that enjoy the game? How much do they get a group of friends together at a park and just play the game?

It really just comes down to the fact that we are all different and in the end all of our approaches to the game are different. There will be those that are just happy to be involved and a part of something "fun" and those that will do anything and everything possible to be successful, to be a winner, to be the best. The beauty in all of that is, as long as you are being true to yourself and you are approaching the game in the best way that fits you and who you are, then you are striking the balance between having fun and working hard. For some it is about being a part of the group, having fun playing the game, and goofing around with your teammate/friends, while for others it is about being competitive, pushing yourself to be your best, and winning. And there is every shade of gray in between. As a coach, my job is to know my players, to understand where they are coming from, and to help them strike that balance between “having fun” and working hard, because that is what is going to keep them coming back for more!

Larry Anter
A Game Basketball
agamebball.com
Facebook.com/AGameBasketball

Sponsored by: East Ventura Optimist Club of Ventura, Kate Turner, Realtor - Comfort Real Estate Services, Inc

Helping to bring quality basketball training to the youth of Ventura County.

Year Round Sports - Pros and Cons

After taking the month of August completely off from running A Game Basketball, a Ventura County youth basketball travel club, we are now back at it, continuing where we left off with our Girls 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and Boys 6th and two 8th grade teams. We are also holding tryouts for various grades with limited available spots for each. One of the many challenges for any youth sport is competing for athletes with all the other sports teams and activities that our young people are positively involved in. If you ask me it’s a great problem to have because it just means so many of our youth have activities to be a part of. Yes, the more opportunities the crazier it gets for parents, carting their children around and finding a way to budget for it all, not to mention the strain it can put on our children as they try to balance all of their activities with school work, social events, and just being kids. Gone are the days of true seasons because with all sports there are now opportunities to play year round. So how do we manage all of this. Some families still find a way to limit their children’s activities to certain times of the year and some cram it all in. One aspect of A Game Basketball that I take pride in is our willingness to work with families and their hectic schedules. Of course we want and need a certain level of commitment, but during the fall and spring especially, we know there are other popular sports going on. One way or the other we find a way to strike the balance and often times the challenge of trying to do it all just encourages the athletes and families to narrow their focus, allowing for the mental freedom of simplifying our hectic lives. If nothing else, I encourage families to talk to the coaches they are working with to find out how flexible they are willing to be. The bottom line is being a multi-sport athlete is a good thing, as long as they are not trying to do too many all at once. A child first coach will understand the need for flexibility and that is definitely what you can find with A Game Basketball. For tryout info, visit our website at AGameBball.com.

Sponsored by: East Ventura Optimist Club of Ventura

Stick With It!

Perseverance... determination... mental toughness... Theses are the traits coaches are looking for when  the competition is tough. These are traits that will serve you well in life. As we all know, things don’t always go our way, but having these traits sure does help you to get through it and, hopefully, to overcome what ever “it” may be. I know for me, being involved in youth sports when I was growing up definitely helped me to stick with things even when it got tough or wasn’t going my way. Sports mirrors life in many ways. Persevere, be determined, and have mental toughness and you will increase your chances for success, whether it is on the court or in life. This post was inspired by some of the recent road blocks and challenges I have faced while starting A Game Basketball as well as other personal projects. Whether I have met those challenges or I’m still in the middle of doing so, it is good to remind myself that it will all work itself out and to just keep moving forward, focusing on the parts that I can actually do something about and to not worry about the things I can’t control. Just give it everything you have and let the chips fall where they may.

Sponsored by: East Ventura Optimist Club of Ventura

Welcome to A Game Basketball

I started A Game Basketball in the spring of 2019. With basketball being my first passion, I have been around the game of basketball as a player or coach for almost 40 years. It is my desire to provide the A Game Basketball players with a solid foundation for the game of basketball, emphasizing the skills and knowledge of the game, as well as having a team first mentality.  It is my goal to leave a lasting impression on my players that through hard work, passion, and integrity one can achieve great things and have a blast doing it!

Sponsored by: East Ventura Optimist Club of Ventura