Anonymous
Years ago
What to do with an under 14 child that obviously has immense talent.
But has dropped the bundle somewhat.
Do we push, or do we let go. What are other parents views on a Basketball mastermind, that would rather play around with friends ??
Bo Hamburger
Years ago
Here's what you do. You blame the coach, and then you get nasty - you either pull a gun, or you can round up like-minded parents and sue the coach's arse.
Speaking of getting nasty, how would you like Shaq bursting in through your front door as part of a SWAT team which had mistaken your house as being part of a child porn ring? It seems a Florida family's already lived the dream.
I would say, dont push your kid into doing something he/she may not be ready to do. If your force him/her to play basketball, then they may end up hating it.
On the other hand, maybe get his/her friends to come watch him play, that way he can hang out and if he's talented, they are going to see that, and encourage him.(hopefully)
DaddyO
Years ago
First - the bad news. Despite the obvious immense talent, your child may not play for the Australian senior team or get an NBA/WNBA contract.
The good news, the kid is enjoying playing with their friends. So they may want to continue playing.
Help them enjoy playing sport - and not just basketball. If they love the game, they may just get hungry enough one day to reach the top.
Make sure they are playing for themselves and not for you. Help them "drop their bundle" & take the rest of the summer season off. It may be the biggest boost you can give to their game!
Incorrect...push,push,push. Kids today are lazy little so and so's. If you don't set them on the right path, they will grow up hating you and wonder why you were so pathetic as a parent!
defensive stance
Years ago
If the child is talented, then nurture the talent. Ensure they get proper coaching in technique.
Think of the advantage they will have when their understanding of the game developes to the stage that they can harness the talent in a game.
Encourage their game play, but it is secoundary at this age.
Magpie
Years ago
That's why they are kids, they are not emotionaly mature enough to make life decisions at the moment.
If your child cannot stand to play Bball anymore, I dont think there is much you can do about it; but if he is still playing but has a yerning to play with freinds, then there seems to be room for a compromise.
I have encountered it once with my kids and did the old "you are part of a team & have commited to that team. You play out the season"
2 years on he is still playing Bball, and loving it more than ever.
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