From the Sidelines: The experience of coaching, Part 1
Sports reporter
From now until February I will randomly use this space to write about my newest coaching experience: F & R Swine sixth grade boys' basketball team.
I was offered my first head coaching position this past week. While it wasn't the dream job of managing my beloved Detroit Tigers, it should be fun.
F & R Swine sixth grade boys' team head coach will be my official title from here until February. It's a little misleading since my assistant, Marion High School basketball player Jeremy Vondenkamp, is the one who really knows basketball and how to run a practice.
I mean I'm a baseball guy at heart, but I love basketball and sports in general, so with Jeremy's help I'm going to see what these boys can do with a few practices before the season begins Dec. 3.
At our first practice Friday all six boys showed up. That's right six. Which means they are going to have to run. Our version of conditioning at high school baseball practice consisted of legging out a double. So I let Jeremy take care of that aspect.
With only one player not on the court on game day, they are going to be tired. So we made them run a few suicides (not too much, we don't want any puking the first day) and they told us they weren't tired.
That could be a good sign. Of course it means we'll have to run them harder at the next practice.
After running we went to the basics: layups, dribbling, passing, short jumpers, and they all seemed like they had at least shot a ball at home once or twice since last season.
So for now it looks pretty good. We can't promise an undefeated season, but Jeremy and I can promise it will be a fun one.
I'm still working on my contract situation, Marion REC doesn't think I'm worth $4 million per year.
At least if we do well I can get an endorsement or two out of the deal.
