A big bonus to the tournament is that it all occurs in one morning or afternoon, it is not a delayed all weekend adventure. Today's event had only twelve minute games. You would never think that twelve minutes could last so very long. The pace of the game is really quick too for one reason because the games are generally played on only half of a court. Also boys (& girls) must master the art of the pick and roll to be successful. One man takes the ball to the top of the key while another sets a pick for the top man to roll out to one side. The third man goes under the basket opposite the first man for a quick pass from the first guy. Then the third man rises up for a quick shot at the basket. Once this is happening on a regular basis, the players must then switch to shooting threes. Mostly the first guy, the one at the top of the key, passes to a wing, who then shoots the basket. Scoring is different in 3-on-3 games as well. A regular shot is one point, a three point shot is worth two. Some tournaments shoot one for a shooting foul while others just give it to the other team at the top of the key. As far as the point system today I appreciated that as soon as a team, if at all, reached eleven points the game was over, no matter how much time was left.
Managing themselves is key to these games since there is no real coaching. Some Dad coaches help out by time management with the subs, but overall their role is more about making sure the boys are on the right court at the correct time which to me makes it all the more fun because I don't worry if I offend the coach with a lot of cheering.
We came home with a very sweaty exhausted player. He scarfed down some food, guzzled a root beer and fell fast asleep with his medal around his neck.
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