November is ball control month. Catch it, keep it, and pass it.
Why Ball Control Matters
You can't pass or shoot a ball you don't have. Plenty of turnovers happen because of a bobble or an imprecise touch, not because the other team did anything special. Clean ball control also buys you time, and time is what lets you look up and see your teammate standing open.
It's also the least glamorous part of the game, which is why it's worth a month. Nobody posts a clip of a tidy pickup along the boards, but everyone notices when it keeps going wrong.
Ball Control Focus for November
Here's what we're paying attention to at pick-up this month:
Picking the ball up cleanly along the boards and in open court
Keeping the ball close while riding through traffic
Controlling the ball through a turn in both directions
Receiving passes without dropping them
Using both sides of your bike, including the dark side
Staying calm when someone is closing in
Fumbling the ball in front of people is a normal part of learning this. Everyone on the court has done it.
Bingo Card
The November card leans on touch and composure. Many squares will fill in during regular games.
What “Success” Looks Like
Success in November doesn’t necessarily mean flawless handling. It might look like:
Picking the ball up on the first try more often than last month
Making a turn without losing the ball
Trying something on your dark side during a game, even if it goes badly
Taking an extra second under pressure instead of panicking
Come play with us at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest on Saturdays at 2pm. Try a drill, fill in a BINGO square or two, or simply enjoy the company.
