Bucks' clinic was a real thrill

IT WAS a great experience meeting the players, coaches and staff of the Milwaukee Bucks. I was so excited, I had to tell everyone I knew that I was going to be in a clinic sponsored by the YMCA and the Milwaukee Bucks.

My mother and sister were so tired of me talking about the things I was going to do at the clinic, the questions I was going to ask and the autographs I was going to get until they just stopped talking to me.

My sister said she would literally punch my lights out if I said one more word about the Bucks Tip-Off Rally. I was so pumped for this clinic.

There were several stations when we started out. At the passing station, I remembered you must keep control of the ball to pass it on. You must be alert and keep a plan in mind when passing. You want to get the ball down the court as quickly as possible without the other team getting their hands on it.

When we got to the defense station, I was so excited I thought I was not going to remember the pointers given to me. You have to "be aggressive with the player and the ball," we were told.

I learned you do not have to be tall to get a lot of rebounds. You just concentrate, think fast and go for what you know.

I was able to explain to one of the coaches how our basketball team coach shows us different ways to improve our defense and offense skill. In return, the coach from the Bucks showed me how to improve on my boxing out.

I play in a fifth grade boys basketball league. I can't wait to get to practice to show the other team members the skills and ideas that were shared with me to help us beat our next opponents. We are going to beat them like you would not believe.

I enjoyed every minute of the clinic. It was an experience I will never forget. Again, my mother and sister had to listen to all the things I experienced at the clinic. They weren't so upset with me after the clinic because I had so many different experiences to share with them and they were glad I enjoyed myself.

I wish clinics like this could be held regularly. I felt important and special after the clinic was over. Programs like the YMCA and Bucks Tip-Off Rally are good for the youth. It keeps the youth out of trouble and off the streets.

Copyright 1995
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