First Practice In The Gym

The basketball team at Southlands Christian School, the school I play basketball for, had their first practice in the gym. We usually have our practices outside at the outdoor courts because the girls volleyball team has their practices in the gym for their season. This was the first time where we had a better place to practice where we wouldn't be slipping on the floors and where it wouldn't be hot. This was also the first time the head coach of the varsity team Coach Will, my mentor and coach, would be watching us and helping us with our game because he is helping the football team during their season. Not that many people came to the practice because it was during the week the students of Southlands had a mandatory retreat to go and the day we had the gym was the day they came back.

After practice had ended, I got a chance to talk to Coach Will about mentorship that included coaching plans and coaching ideas and other things that were basketball related. He had seen the film of our first Fall League game where we were having a conversation about the things I could improve on. He said that I could work more on the agility on my feet where I should get my feet to be able to move faster on the court and about getting in shape for the season. He said there was great potential in me and in our team that we may do well this season.

During practice we did many running, shot many free throws, and finished with a scrimmage/four man shell drills. As you can see in the photo, not many people had attended that practice. Coach Will is in the corner talking to other players on the team.

Blog 6: Second Interview

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?

Will Robbins - Head Coach for the Varsity Basketball Team at Southlands Christian School

2.  What five questions will ask them about their background?

• What are some of the challenges that come with coaching a high school basketball team? Why are they so challenging?
• What do you like most about your job?
• Why did you decide to become a basketball coach?
• How long have you been a basketball coach and how did you get to your position?
• What kind of philosophy, or way of coaching, do you have when it comes to basketball?

Blog 5 Project Reflection and Working EQ

Content:  

So far, you have: completed your summer mentorship, started doing some research, maybe completed the interview and hopefully found a mentor.

Using what you have done so far, answer the following 5 questions (be specific and use examples).

The Pentagon:
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

I have been able to play much basketball, which is something I enjoy a lot, in the time since I have started the project. I was able to find many people to interview and people who are very knowledgeable in my topic through playing basketball at Southlands.

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?

My first interview had helped me improve my understanding in my topic by showing more resources that I can use to help me find more research. Coach Mike, my first interviewee, told me many about many people that are also knowledgeable in the story of basketball as well add other resources such as books and videos.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

The things that have worked so are finding a mentor and doing the research checks. They have given more knowledge about my topic.

(4) What hasn't worked so far? 

The things that haven't worked so far are trying to keep everything on task and trying to do all the assignments on time.

(5) Finding Value: 
What is a potential question you would like to study this year?  (working EQ)
What do you plan to do for mentorship?  If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to to find it.

EQ: What is the best way to coach a high school basketball team?

For mentorship, I plan to play for the basketball team at Southlands and try to absorb all the things that my mentor, Coach Will, will teach me when I am on the team and see the way that he coaches the team.