This is what I think…and I also think I'm right.
The statement was: "At least this coach plays all of his players."
This isn't elementary or junior high basketball anymore. This is high school basketball. Just like high school football or other competitive and similar structured team sports; the players who put time into the game and develop skill play. I commend the efforts of a coach to play every player, but the players have all the time in the world to prove themselves in the off season. If coaches take minutes away from players who actually have skill and put in time, they are degrading the competitive nature of the team. If kids don't invest time on their own watch, how can they complain about their minutes?
The idea that everybody deserves playing time has undertones of socialism. In fact, we're seeing more of this now than ever: the entitlement mentality. This mentality is crushing the spirit of what made our country great. I know we're simply talking about high school basketball, but the logic being used here is alarming.
For Example:
If Jimmy spends the summer shooting 500 shots a day, jumping rope 500 times a day, work on ball handling for a half hour, and continues to push himself on his game; he can expect his investments will eventually pay off in better shooting, jumping, and ball handling. As basketball season comes around, little Bobby down the street (who hasn't put any time into the game) comes out for the basketball team. He's naturally athletic enough to contribute to the team, but only as a practice player. Through the season, little Bobby gets upset because he isn't playing as many minutes as Jimmy. Of course, at this point the last thing on Jimmy's mind isn't how many minutes he plays, his mind is on winning games. When Bobby subs in for Jimmy and continues to play in his place, Jimmy gets frustrated. He isn't upset because he's not getting minutes; he's upset because Bobby is turning the ball over, taking bad shots, not seeing opportunities to score, and ruining possessions in the course of the game. Because of Bobby's inexperience and lack of skill, the team's win is compromised. Jimmy is left frustrated and discouraged. He doesn't understand why little Bobby who really doesn't care about the game (he really just plays basketball to stay busy and be with his friends) is given the opportunity to be a detriment to the team. This ends up lessening Jimmy's work ethic and motivation to become a better player, and furthermore, his motivation to better his team. Not only is Jimmy's work ethic hurt, but so is the rest of the teams. Why would the team want to work on their game and individually become better (thus to be a better united team), if all the players are going to be played?
From this simplistic example, we can see why a "socialistic" basketball team can ruin the competitive edge of a team. The competitive nature of team is what makes these types of sports work.
The comment, "At least this coach plays all of his players," is one I have a hard time understanding, especially in the societal environment which we live. The former statement is ignorant and extremely shallow.
Obviously, high school and college sports programs are on completely different planes, but I wonder how many college basketball coaches play all their players. This is high school basketball, not junior high. This is a competitive sport, not a "have everyone play so nobody's feelings get hurt" sort of social club.
This isn't elementary or junior high basketball anymore. This is high school basketball. Just like high school football or other competitive and similar structured team sports; the players who put time into the game and develop skill play. I commend the efforts of a coach to play every player, but the players have all the time in the world to prove themselves in the off season. If coaches take minutes away from players who actually have skill and put in time, they are degrading the competitive nature of the team. If kids don't invest time on their own watch, how can they complain about their minutes?
The idea that everybody deserves playing time has undertones of socialism. In fact, we're seeing more of this now than ever: the entitlement mentality. This mentality is crushing the spirit of what made our country great. I know we're simply talking about high school basketball, but the logic being used here is alarming.
For Example:
If Jimmy spends the summer shooting 500 shots a day, jumping rope 500 times a day, work on ball handling for a half hour, and continues to push himself on his game; he can expect his investments will eventually pay off in better shooting, jumping, and ball handling. As basketball season comes around, little Bobby down the street (who hasn't put any time into the game) comes out for the basketball team. He's naturally athletic enough to contribute to the team, but only as a practice player. Through the season, little Bobby gets upset because he isn't playing as many minutes as Jimmy. Of course, at this point the last thing on Jimmy's mind isn't how many minutes he plays, his mind is on winning games. When Bobby subs in for Jimmy and continues to play in his place, Jimmy gets frustrated. He isn't upset because he's not getting minutes; he's upset because Bobby is turning the ball over, taking bad shots, not seeing opportunities to score, and ruining possessions in the course of the game. Because of Bobby's inexperience and lack of skill, the team's win is compromised. Jimmy is left frustrated and discouraged. He doesn't understand why little Bobby who really doesn't care about the game (he really just plays basketball to stay busy and be with his friends) is given the opportunity to be a detriment to the team. This ends up lessening Jimmy's work ethic and motivation to become a better player, and furthermore, his motivation to better his team. Not only is Jimmy's work ethic hurt, but so is the rest of the teams. Why would the team want to work on their game and individually become better (thus to be a better united team), if all the players are going to be played?
From this simplistic example, we can see why a "socialistic" basketball team can ruin the competitive edge of a team. The competitive nature of team is what makes these types of sports work.
The comment, "At least this coach plays all of his players," is one I have a hard time understanding, especially in the societal environment which we live. The former statement is ignorant and extremely shallow.
Obviously, high school and college sports programs are on completely different planes, but I wonder how many college basketball coaches play all their players. This is high school basketball, not junior high. This is a competitive sport, not a "have everyone play so nobody's feelings get hurt" sort of social club.
I think Ken has been doing an excellent job this year, good work coach! A 16-4 record is amazing. I have had a great time watching through the season. Good luck to Ubly in Districts!
1 comment:
I love the socialist topic. This is exactly how I make the same argument. Isn't the point of high school sports to make our young men and women more prepared to be adults in a competitive world? How does telling them they will be rewarded without putting in the time offer them any benefit in the long run? Great post!
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