Driveway Sports

Most of the memories that I have regarding sports usually is from teams in little league, youth soccer, or travel basketball. There are some moments that occurred in all of these sports that I will remember for the rest of my life, but the memories that are stuck on my brain come from sports that were played on the driveway of my house. Even though these experiences happened during my youth, I remember them like it was yesterday.

It all started one day when I was only five years old. I was outside with my dad when he got out a basketball and began shooting it at the basketball rim that was cemented on the edge of the pavement. After watching him shoot for a good five minutes, I decided to join in. I remember my dad lowering the rim to about six feet, which allowed me to shoot the ball without it coming three feet short of the basket. After I got used to shooting, my dad did something that I won’t ever forget. I can remember him lifting me up on his shoulders, then moving me right next to the rim so I could dunk the ball. When I dunked, I felt like I just did something amazing, even though it was more like me throwing the ball through the net. Nevertheless, that was an awesome feeling back then, but things got even better when my younger brothers began to play.

When I was ten, my brother Caleb, who was seven at the time, started to play with my dad along with myself. We would play games like ‘horse’ and ‘around the world’, which I think played a key role into me becoming an above average shooter. This was fun, but we started to actually play a real game when my youngest brother Noah, who was five, got a little older. Once he was seven, things got serious.

When we started playing 2 on 2, things weren’t all that bad. My brothers and I were about the same as far as talent. My dad, who obviously was better, would take it easy on us and barely try, which made it more even. This was a great time, don’t get me wrong, but the experience did bring out my aggressive side. You could say when my team lost, I would become a so called, ‘Detroit Bad Boy’. I would push and shove my other brothers, and occasionally pick up the ball and whip it at them from five feet away. Now that I’m older, I’ve been able to control my temper, and have become a better sport along the way.

Back then the games were unorganized and out of control, but now, it’s a completely different story. Now that I’m 18, with my brothers 15 and 13, our dad doesn’t play nice guy anymore. We have games now that are fun to play, and watch as well. We’ve all improved as players, which makes it even more enjoying. The best driveway game I’ve ever been a part of, however, occurred during my open house after graduation. With all of my family and friends in attendance, we had a 5 on 5 game, which was an incredible experience, considering the fact everyone was having fun, and a good time as well.

Like I said before, I’ve been a part of many teams in my life, but nothing compares to the excitement and enjoyment of playing driveway basketball with my family and friends.