It is my intent in the writing of this book to reveal a few of the many lessons (in life) that should be taught to our student athletes. We must be able to reach each individual's heart and mind through the understanding of these methods, concepts and ideas. I firmly believe we must develop the character of the student athlete first in order for them to achieve success in life and through this development of character the student athlete will establish a firm foundation on which to make sound decisions. The coaching of basketball allows an opportunity to teach and establish positive morals and values and in doing so will allow the student athlete a foundation from which they can reasonably expect success. We as coaches, parents and educators must help to develop the minds and hearts of our young student athletes if we are to succeed and flourish as a nation. It is my belief that through a successful sports program, such positive ideas, concepts and methods can be taught and expressed. I believe such ideas as setting goals, the development of a positive attitude and self-discipline are essential in the growth and well-being of our student athletes and our nation. Hopefully, through the teaching of these ideas and methods, individual growth will continue and with an expanded self awareness, selfishness will be replaced by selflessness. When this transformation of the heart and mind is complete and when we, as individuals, turn from selfishness to selflessness, all mankind will begin to fully understand the meaning of God's love. It is through the acceptance of God's love, we as His creation are drawn to Jesus Christ. For God is love and it is only through knowing Jesus Christ that love truly lives. I wholeheartedly believe, that with this new found knowledge of Christ, will come eternal truth, faith, hope and salvation. (John 3:16) Respectfully, Phil Ripton

RIP'S ROUNDBALL AND REDEMPTION

By PHIL RIPTON

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2010 Phil Ripton
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4520-6524-3

Contents

Introduction.............................................viiChapter I. The Beginning.................................1Chapter II. The A,B,C, D's (of life).....................9Chapter III. Applying the Concepts.......................21Chapter IV. As A Coach...................................29Chapter V. The Game......................................41Chapter VI. Good Students First..........................55Chapter VII. Dribbling...................................61Chapter VIII. The Basketball Court.......................69Chapter IX. Team Concept.................................81Chapter X. Motion Offense................................95Chapter XI. A New Beginning..............................109

Chapter One

THE BEGINNING

Psalm 71:17

O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare your wondrous deeds.

My Hallowed Ground

Often I find my thoughts will drift back to the earlier years in my life. A time when the "road of life" with all its ruts and bumps seemed to be a little smoother. Invariably my mind recaptures the hours I would spend on what I considered my "hallowed ground;" that piece of terra-firma I felt God had made specifically for me, my own paradise on earth.

My "hallowed ground", measured approximately 25' by 25'and consisted of a partially graveled driveway and lawn. The lawn over the years had deteriorated to clay, which when rain was added, turned to mud. Anchored into that ground was a scraggly old elm tree and attached to that old elm, approximately 10' off the ground, was the basketball hoop. The hoop was attached to the elm tree by a conglomeration of 16 penny spikes. This oval-shaped piece of iron held me like a magnet stuck to the refrigerator door. It was here on that muddy, and sometimes slippery, icy patch of ground that I visualized and worked toward my basketball dream.

I know most kids have dreams, but it seemed like my dream was all consuming and it kept pulling me day after day. It seemed like this dream drew me in and wouldn't let me go. I don't know the reason why I had such a strong desire to shoot a ball through a round piece of iron, but the craving to do so was overwhelming. I was never able to completely understand this desire, yet it burned within me constantly. This thirst for the game I have never been able to fully quench. Little did I realize, at the ripe old age of 8 that this game of basketball would mean so much to me. I believe that every child at one time or another dreams of accomplishing great things, whether they dream of becoming a doctor, farmer, fireman, plumber or teacher. It is our dreams that motivate everyone of us to try. My dream was to become the best player at my school. I know it wasn't a big dream, but it was my dream.

Basketball in the late 1950's and through the 1960's has sometimes been referred to as the "Golden Age" of basketball by basketball historians. In other words many basketball historians believe that during this period of time the game of basketball:

1. had the greatest number of great players.

2. had the greatest innovations to the game.

3. had the highest competition level.

It was during these early years, as I practiced day after day in the heat, the cold, the wind, and the rain, my dream seemed to come alive. This continuous regiment of almost daily practice was allowing me to develop outstanding eye/hand coordination, which in the future would serve me well. This faded, worn-out and discolored ball of leather seemed to become a part of my hand and each day after school and all summer long I would pick up that ball and practice on my "hallowed ground." Alone, I would dream of a time to come. I didn't have a coach, a court, a backboard, or a league to play in. I had no uniform or ever received any type of trophy or award. I played for the shear enjoyment and love of the game. This game of basketball served to inspire and motivate me every day of my youth. This game of basketball helped me to understand and relate to others, as well as instill hope within me. My dream pushed me towards its' destination, much like the wind propels a sailboat. This dream, I believe, also prepared me to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Of course having a dream and achieving that dream are at two different ends of the spectrum! Your dream must be able to motivate you through all the hard work to its' intended conclusion. The engine which powered my dream was an innate hatred for losing. Don't misunderstand me, I know that someone must lose; and to be honest, I never got any big thrill out of winning. I am not saying that the teams I played on won every game because that certainly did not happen. What I'm saying is I just had a very hard time to swallow a loss. I hated that feeling and was determined that whatever I could do to avoid that feeling I would do. It took me many years to come to the realization that not everybody I played with felt the same way I did. I couldn't understand how some of my teammates could so easily accept losing. I was forever asking myself, don't they care or what is the matter with these guys? I always felt the game gave me an opportunity to show everybody how much I loved it. I was willing to practice 18 hours a day if it would insure a victory on game night, and I had made up my mind to be the best teammate I could possibly be. I wanted to lead the team to victory!

Later on I came to realize basketball also motivated me in many other areas, including keeping good grades in the classroom. Of course, I got into my fair share of trouble, but the love of basketball kept my nose fairly clean and my grades enabled me to compete.

My 1st TEAM

My first opportunity to play on a basketball court came in the fifth grade. Mr. Wortman, the elementary school coach, allowed a couple of us to attend the basketball practice if we were willing to help break down the tables, sweep the floor and fold chairs in the cafeteria. My junior high school didn't have a separate gymnasium, our basketball court was also our cafeteria. Mr. Wortman, along with his brother and another male teacher roomed together across the street from the school. Each one of these three teachers coached at different schools in the area. This meant there was quite a rivalry between the three schools during basketball season. This gives you a little indication of the intensity of practices and coach Wortman expected excellence on the basketball court, as well as, in the classroom.

Our teams consistently won the league title and tournament. This consistency, I am convinced, was due to the uncanny insight that Mr. Wortman possessed. We didn't get a uniform and we weren't allowed to play in the games, but I didn't care, just to be able to attend was more than enough reward.

As I got older I realized his purpose for doing this. By allowing us to assume some responsibility, Mr. Wortman was insuring that his future basketball team would have players that:

1. developed good work habits.

2. have good character.

3. have good attitudes.

4. will follow instructions.

5. are "good listeners."

6. have great desire to compete.

7. understand discipline.

8. are willing to help others.

9. were eager to learn.

These lessons and many, many more were learned through the guidance of Mr. Wortman and this accounted for why our teams were consistently #1 in the league. I owe Mr. Wortman a great deal of thanks for...