“One day of practice is like one day of clean living. It doesn’t do you any good.” – Abe Lemons

You might ask, “Who was Abe Lemons to make such a claim?”

Well, Abe Lemons is an Oklahoman who put Oklahoma City University on the map – basketball wise. He was also the president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named the National Basketball Coach of the year in 1978. The man ranked 5th among the winningest active collegiate coaches. He had a little experience, I think!

The WWII veteran had a perspective on life and basketball. He considered himself a teacher of men, not just of sports – as evidenced by the quote above.

Good basketball teams build on the same qualities as those that build good character in men. That is a sentiment expressed over and over. But I like how Lemons expresses what is needed to build good teams and good character – it takes practice.

Parents know this, and that’s one of the reasons we get so many calls here at the Basketball Goal Store to talk to so many parents about installing a Goalrilla Goal Basketball hoop at their homes.

They want the time together as a family to teach and practice those skills for the sport and for life. Sometimes they know the features that make a Goalrilla Goal perfect for families like the ability to adjust the height from 7.5 to 10 feet, or that the handle of the height actuator is removable for safety and security. They may also understand the safety factors in the one-piece pole system or the breakaway rim, preventing injury to players and damage to personal property.

But the thing most of them know for sure is that a basketball court at home is a place to exercise the mind, the body and the spirit. It’s a place to guide their children into maturity. We hear it said in many different ways:

• I want my kids to understand teamwork.
• I want my kid to realize that practice really does provide results – and builds confidence.
• I want my sons to get the positive self-image that comes with the confidence of knowing how to make the moves.

It’s all about teaching skills, yes. But then being able to apply them in on the court and in different facets of life.

-Elaine of the Basketball Goal Store Blog Team