THE
PLAYGROUND
PLAYBOOK
JOIN. PLAY. GROW.
THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR
PLAYGROUND SPORTS AND GAMES
By Todd Rosenthal
Acknowledgements:
I would like to thank the staff editors, illustrator Gene Wisniewski,
Joshua Griffler, Tim Palin, Liane Carter, the many children I’ve
worked with over the years, their parents, and all of my former
coaches. I also want to thank my parents, my sister Sharon, my wife
Lauren, and many other family members and friends for their help
and input, without whom this book would not be possible.
Copyright ©2014Todd J Rosenthal
Allrightsreserved.
ISBN: 149496404X
ISBN13: 9781494964047
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Introduction:
A Note for Parents about the Book
Feeling left out of playground fun hurts! However, getting into
groups or “pickup games” (which are games created spontaneously
by players who form the teams, make the rules, and referee the
action themselves) takes specific skills and know how.
There are common problems that kids experience. To answer the
needs of such children I’ve written The Playground Playbook. In it
I’ve described ways that can be used by kids of various skill levels
to overcome many basic game and group related difficulties.
No longer will kids see playing with others as such a mystery. No
longer will their questions remain unanswered. I hope that after
implementing some of my suggestions a greater confidence will be
achieved so your child can succeed and become a valuable member
of the play group.
Todd J. Rosenthal
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements: ................................................... 1
Introduction: ............................................................. 3
CHAPTER 1:
GET IN THE GAME .................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2:
THE FIVE LAWS ........................................................ 13
CHAPTER 3:
KNOW HOW GAMES WORK ........................................ 17
CHAPTER 4:
FIND YOUR ROLE ....................................................... 21
CHAPTER 5:
GAME BEHAVIOR ....................................................... 29
CHAPTER 6:
GAME LAWS ............................................................. 33
CHAPTER 7:
GAME STRATEGIES ................................................... 39
CHAPTER 8:
THE TOUGHNESS LIST .............................................. 45
Afterword: ................................................................ 51
About The Author: ..................................................... 53
CHAPTER 1:
GET IN THE GAME
“Can I play?”
The best chance for getting into a game is to ask, “Can I play?”
Whether it’s friends, people you recognize, or people you don’t
know well, the game may need more players. Find out. Asking takes
courage, but if you don’t try, you may not get the chance to play.
Don’t expect that others will invite you to play, especially if they
don’t know you. Be available, near the group, and ready to speak
up if you have to.
“I’m scared to ask them.”
It’s normal to be scared or afraid to ask another person for something.
You may hear, “No,” but you may hear, “Yes,” too. Those who don’t
ask and aren’t invited may end up watching a game they could’ve
played in! The more you ask, the less scary it’ll be.
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 1: Get In The Game
“I’m just watching.”
“No, you can’t play with us.”
Some of us are shy, quiet, and worried about how others feel about
us. It’s OK if you’re one of those types. We’re all different, and that’s
what makes the world interesting. Here’s another idea if asking is
too hard for you: Hang around close to where the game’s being
played. This way, others may notice that you’re interested while
you watch and learn.
Most of the time, when it comes to the playground, no just means
no. It’s often not personal. There can be many reasons that have
nothing to do with how others feel about you as a person.
Sit and face the game and players though. Make sure that you don’t
have your back turned to the group.
BLACKBOARD:
There are many reasons for hearing, “No,”
when you ask to join a game. Here are some
common problems and possible solutions:
1. Problem: The players have already picked
teams, and the game has enough players.
Solution: Tell the group that if a player leaves
the game, you’ll be happy to replace him/her.
2. Problem: You’re the odd number. (Games usually
require an even number of players, to be divided
into an equal number of teammates on each side.)
Solution: Ask if you can join the weaker team or
can grab another player to make it an even number.
3. Problem: Others don’t know you.
Solution: Show a few of your skills
quickly before the game starts.
4. Problem: The game has already started.
Solution: Ask to join the team
that’s losing or call, “Next!”
5. Problem: Others fear you’ll be a job stealer.
Solution: Let others know that you’ll play any
position or handle any job the team needs.
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The Playground Playbook
Coach’s Tip:
Chapter 1: Get In The Game
Coach’s Tip:
If you don’t get picked because you’re late, then get to
where the action is earlier tomorrow.
“Does anybody want to play?”
If a group won’t allow you to join, that doesn’t mean you can’t play at
all. Start your own game. To be a good game starter, know the Game
Starter’s List. Some of the larger items (such as a basketball hoop)
may already be in the park for you.
If you become a game starter, be clear and fast. Explain
the simple object of the game, rules, and boundaries
in thirty seconds or less. Taking too long and explaining too much
will confuse your listeners.
CHAPTER 1 REVIEW
“GET IN THE GAME”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. If you want to play, just ask.
BLACKBOARD:
2. Being afraid to ask is normal. Try not to let it stop you from trying.
Game Starter’s List:
1. Playing equipment: ball, bat, glove,
basketball, soccer ball, etc.
2. Tools for boundaries: chalk, markers,
cones, etc.—even certain colored clothing
if you don’t have anything else
3. If you can’t ask, hang out close to the game.
4. Most of the time no means no, but not because others don’t like you.
5. If the group won’t let you in, start your own game.
3. The ability to explain game instructions
and boundaries quickly and clearly
(less than thirty seconds)
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CHAPTER 2:
THE FIVE LAWS
“You stink.”
Law 1: Not everyone will be nice. People are different and behave
in many ways. Some are nice. Others are less friendly and may play
rough or say mean things.
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 2: The Five Laws
“I’ll play any position the team needs me to.”
BLACKBOARD:
Even though it’s not OK, certain players may:
1. say, “No,” just to hurt your feelings,
2. say other mean things, or
3. behave the wrong way sometimes during games.
Pushing, shoving, holding, grabbing, cheating—it all happens.
Understand that others may act in ways that aren’t so fair. Some
do this to upset others on purpose. Never mind them. Stay concentrated on the game and your job for your team. Play hard. Don’t let
others who are trying to upset you succeed. Part of game playing
is learning how not to let others distract us!
Law 3: Be flexible. That means you’re able and willing to do what’s
best for the group, not only yourself. The opposite of a flexible
player is a rigid one. These types of players can become frustrated
or angry if they don’t get their way or can’t play the way they want
to.
“Do you really want me to play?”
Law 4: Don’t hesitate. If any group of players asks you to join in,
and you want to play, say yes. If they ask you, they need you. If you
take too long to decide, the group may ask somebody else.
“Why did he say that? Why did she do that?”
Law 5: You can only control your own actions. Don’t expect others
to be well-mannered all the time.
Coach’s Tip:
Try to avoid or end arguments with teammates or opponents. Arguments that go on for too long can sometimes
become mean and make us upset, angry, and distracted and affect
how we play.
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW
“THE FIVE LAWS”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. Not everyone will be nice. Accept that.
2. Other kids are nervous, too, not just you.
“I get nervous sometimes.”
Law 2: You’re not the only one who gets nervous. Playing games
can be nerve-racking at times, and other kids get nervous, too,
even if they don’t seem like they do.
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3. Be flexible, not rigid. This will make you a very
valuable game player in any group.
4. Don’t hesitate or ask why. Make a quick decision.
5. You can only control your own behavior.
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CHAPTER 3:
KNOW HOW GAMES WORK
When you join a game, try to know how the game works before you
start. Others will expect this and won’t always stop in the middle
of a game to explain things.
“How do you play? What’s out of bounds? How do you win?”
Know the Big 3 before the game begins:
1. Basic rules
2. Boundaries
3. Objects of the game (how to score, how to win)
Ways to Learn the Big 3:
1. Asking other players
2. Watching other kids play (before joining in)
3. Asking a coach or an adult
4. Watching the sport on TV
5. Finding how-to videos, web pages, and books
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 3: Know How Games Work
“I didn’t know the rules, and the other kids got mad at me.”
Don’t expect all kids to be nice if you forget or don’t know certain
rules, go the wrong way, kick the ball toward the wrong goal, or
shoot at the wrong basket. Even though you may be learning as
you go, not every kid will be so kind about it. If they say a few
mean things to you, don’t worry about it. It happens to everyone
who makes mistakes starting out. They had to learn how to play
at one time too. Just keep playing. You’ll never improve unless you
continue. It can be a bumpy ride in the beginning, but we all go
through it.
“Am I allowed to do this?”
During the game, if you don’t know or understand a rule, boundary,
or object, then ask another player. (Doing it before the game is always best, but sometimes that’s not possible.) Don’t ask to stop play
unless you must—try to wait for a break if you can, and then ask.
Coach’s Tip:
Don’t enter or continue to play in a game if you’re very
confused about the Big 3.
“Sure, I’ll play again.”
The only way to get better at anything is to do it over and over
again. Don’t worry too much about having a bad day or a bad game.
The only way to get more comfortable in game situations is to play
again, even after a bad game.
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“Now that it’s over, what should I do next time?”
Remember, it’s always easier to correct mistakes after a game. Be
sure to take a moment after the game to think about what happened so you can play even smarter next time. Whatever mistakes
you made, clean them up tomorrow. And try to repeat the things
you did well.
Everything slows down after a game ends because the excitement
is over. That is why it’s easier to review afterward, with yourself or
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The Playground Playbook
others. It’s difficult to think clearly about what you’ve done while
you’re excited.
Coach’s Tip:
If you want to be more than just a good player, then become a student of the game: Watch the sport you’re
playing—at the park, on TV, at the stadium—even if you aren’t in
the game yet. See how others perform and behave. Pay attention
and learn.
CHAPTER 4:
FIND YOUR ROLE
CHAPTER 3 REVIEW:
“KNOW HOW GAMES WORK”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
“Where do I fit?”
1. Know the Big 3: basic rules, boundaries, and objects.
No two games are the same. As different players of various ages
and skill levels enter and leave the game, remaining players must
change their styles to fit the situations.
2. Not all kids will be nice if you forget the Big 3.
3. If you’re confused about the Big 3, ask someone.
4. Play games more often to become more comfortable with them.
5. Review each game afterward to learn and to play better the next time.
Sometimes you’ll be asked to do more, other times less, depending
on the flow of a game that day, your skills, and the skills of the current opponent. Each player has a role on the team, a part to play.
Find the role that best suits your team for each given moment. It
may not be the same each time (this goes back to being flexible).
“Who am I?”
Try to figure out quickly what you can and can’t do as a player each
time a new game begins. The answer should come not just from
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 4: Find Your Role
what you typically do well and not so well, but what your current
teammates and opponents are able to do as players, too.
usually happen less often. It’s best for rookies to take on main roles
only when they’re ready to handle them.“I know how to play.”
Maybe one game you’ll occupy a busy position and handle the
ball quite a bit. Another game may call for you to have less activity
with the ball but may call for you to handle other jobs well, such
as defense instead of scoring.
Type 2: Veteran—Veterans are experienced players who know how
to play and have done so many times before. You can only be a
veteran by playing a lot.
Coach’s Tip:
No matter what position you are playing make sure to
pay attention during game action. Always know where
the ball is for strategic and safety reasons.
Veterans are able to take on main roles thanks to their advanced
knowledge and experience. They’ll help teams play well by not
making the same mistakes rookies may make. Veterans should be
patient with rookies and help them by offering advice and encouragement during the action.
PLAYER TYPES:
There are three player types. Let’s look at each one. Can you find
the level you’re at in each of the games you like to play?
“I don’t really know how or haven’t played much but would
like to join the game.”
Type 1: Rookie—Rookies are new to the game and are still learning
the rules and how to play. Even experienced players were rookies
once. Learning how to play well takes time and practice.
Rookies shouldn’t be forced to take on big responsibilities. Some
rookies have played the game before, know the rules, and can play,
but they lack experience. Rookies sometimes forget rules or how to
do things they already know. As rookies play more, those mistakes
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 4: Find Your Role
“I can help with the harder stuff.”
Type 3: Leader—Leaders not only play well but also inspire their
teammates to play better, too. Leaders are great examples of how to
be a good teammate. They help, teach, encourage, and support their
teammates, even when the team makes mistakes. They think about
the team first, not themselves, and other players look up to leaders.
Leaders sometimes give out jobs and other assignments to teammates, but they do so to make the team play at its best. They make
sure all of the players are involved, because they know a great team
is one where everyone contributes.
Rookies can be leaders, but it’s rare, because they’re often still
learning many of the basics of a game as they play it. Leaders don’t
have to be veterans, but experience helps anyone become a leader.
Whatever their experience, leaders must earn their positions.
Leaders handle pressure roles for the team, like the big shot or the
big kick, when winning or losing depends on it.
Coach’s Tip:
Being bossy and telling others what to do won’t make you
a leader. It may even make others angry with you. You
must prove you play well and can help others on the team before
you become a leader.
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BLACKBOARD:
The type of player you are may change with each
game. To figure out your playing type each game:
1. be honest about what skills you have for
the game compared to your opponents;
2. recognize the skills your teammates
have, too (are you a rookie, veteran,
or leader with that group?); and
3. try to find the role that best
suits you and the team.
After giving yourself this test in your mind, you’ll end up with either
a main role or a supporting role, like actors and actresses in movies.
Those with main roles may be more part of the action and pressure
moments. Those who take on supporting roles are called upon to
help out, but not as often.
To succeed over and over, a team needs all its players, including
main and supporting roles. All players must do their jobs well in
order to make a team super strong and hard to beat!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie, a veteran, or a leader, a player
with a main role or a supporting one—be ready. You never know.
Sometimes, winning the game will depend on you!
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 4: Find Your Role
“Gimme the ball. I can do it!”
As we just discussed, main roles often come with more pressure
attached to them during crunch time. Crunch time is a critical moment near the end of a game when quick decision making and
success are needed in order to win. Failure in crunch time means
the team may risk losing the entire game.
For example, the score is very close and the game is almost over.
You have the ball! If you score, your team will win. If you miss, your
team will lose. Are you ready to take “the big shot”?
Are you ready to accept that how you perform during this one moment may decide who wins or loses? If you’re ready to accept that
you may fail, then you can take on a main role. If you’re worried
that you’ll make a mistake that will cost the game and upset your
teammates, then you aren’t ready for a main role yet.
CHAPTER 4 REVIEW:
“FIND YOUR ROLE”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. Roles may change with each new playing group.
2. Rookies are new to the game.
3. Veterans have experience and advanced knowledge.
4. Leaders play well and help others around
them feel relaxed and play well, too.
5. Take the Role Test. Are you a rookie, a veteran, or a leader?
Will you have a main role during the game or a supporting role?
Learning how to relax during crunch time and accept success and
failure in this crucial point takes time and experience. Don’t expect
to feel comfortable as a player in crunch time overnight.
Coach’s Tip:
During any game, always do what’s best for the team.
This could mean taking on a bigger role or a less involved
role than you normally do.
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The Playground Playbook
CHAPTER 5:
GAME BEHAVIOR
Playing games is similar to table manners. There’s a right way and
a wrong way to behave. No matter what we order at a restaurant,
we don’t just throw our forks and spoons around when we’re upset.
The same goes for behavior in games. Play hard. Play fair. Play to
win—but always respect others. Never threaten others with violence or abusive language. Never try to hurt anyone on purpose.
Without others, there’s no game.
“Don’t try to scare me.”
Bullies are mean and make people uncomfortable—teammates and
opponents. They scare and intimidate other players to try make
them play worse or to make themselves feel better. It’s never OK
during games to act like a bully by making others feel bad or scared
of being hurt physically or emotionally.
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The Playground Playbook
Coach’s Tip:
On the other hand, try not to react or get too upset
over every comment or put down. There will always be
a player who tries to distract others by talking. The better players
are still able to pay attention to the game instead.
Ways to handle a bully:
1. Talking first (as a last resort, standing up for yourself physically)
2. Telling an adult
3. Paying no mind to them at all
4. Playing with another group of kids instead
Please talk to a parent or a trusted family member, teacher, or other
adult on how best to handle each situation before taking any action.
Chapter 5: Game Behavior
up of happy players who work well together has team chemistry.
When a team has that, they can be very hard to beat.
“Out!” “Safe!”
Never be the one who stops a game by continuing to argue. Work it
out. And never quit over a disagreement. Players won’t want to play
with you or pick you in the future if you argue or quit all the time.
Arguments can be solved in many ways: rock-paper-scissors, odd
and evens, “you get it this time, we get it next time,” shoot for ball,
do overs. Settle things as quickly as possible. Keep the game moving.
Otherwise players may grow bored, uninterested, and angry with
whomever keeps disrupting the fun.
“Stop shooting the ball every time!”
Selfish players hurt a team’s chances of playing well together. They
care more about how they play than how the team plays, doing
what’s best for themselves over what’s best for the team.
The opposite of selfish is the unselfish player: Unselfish players think
team first. They pass the ball, give others turns at playing positions,
and don’t care who goes first.
“Nice try.” “Sure we can switch positions.”
Be a good teammate. Encourage and support your teammates, and
don’t be selfish. A strong team gets contributions from everyone. Be
willing to switch jobs to let others try different roles. A group made
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The Playground Playbook
“Hey, no fair!”
Cheating, which means acting dishonestly to gain an advantage, is
never OK and makes other players angry. Play by the rules. Players
remember who cheats and may not be willing to choose them the
next time they pick people to play. It’s not worth cheating just
to win.
“Nice game.”
Win or lose, be a good sport. It’s normal to feel happy or sad afterwards but players on both teams should be able to shake hands or
say “nice game,” when it’s over.
CHAPTER 6:
GAME LAWS
“It doesn’t matter if we win or lose. I just want to have fun.”
CHAPTER 5 REVIEW:
“GAME BEHAVIOR”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. Being a bully is unacceptable. On the other hand, don’t react
to every comment made on the playground either.
2. Selfish players value themselves over the team.
Unselfish players think team first.
3. Be a good teammate.
4. Disagree, but don’t argue for too long or quit as a result. Solve the
problem quickly and get back to the game. Cheating is never OK.
Playing has to be fun. If it isn’t, why do it at all, especially if nobody
is forcing you? Losing feels bad sometimes, but no player wins
every single game. Enjoy the action and excitement of games, and
learn how to appreciate a well-played game—by both teams, win
or lose. There will always be another chance if a game doesn’t go
the way you’d like.
“I can’t believe it!”
Believe it. Nothing is guaranteed in a game. Strange moments,
incredible plays, crazy comebacks—anything can and will happen.
Be ready to accept that.
5. Win or lose, be a good sport.
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 6: Game Laws
“What happened? We were winning; then we lost!”
Scores change. Just because you score first doesn’t mean your team
will win, so don’t celebrate too early. And just because you’re behind early doesn’t mean you’ll lose in the end. Comebacks happen
all the time. (A comeback is when you’re losing by a lot at first but
later catch up or even take the lead.) That’s why all players must
keep trying. The losing side can turn the score around and be ahead
soon. The winning side has to keep trying, too, because the losing
team may be working hard to catch up.
“If I catch the ball, they’ll throw it to me again.”
If you do a job well, the team will trust you to do it again. This is
called making a play. If you make plays (for example, catches, kicks,
throws, tags, baskets), you’ll gain the trust of others. If you don’t, it
may be harder some days to get many more chances, especially if
nobody you’re playing with has ever seen you succeed. Find other
ways to get involved if the ball isn’t coming directly toward you.
Get a rebound. Try to steal a pass. Play a position where you can
help out just through your size or speed.
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BLACKBOARD:
Making a play includes:
1. scoring a goal or basket;
2. getting on base;
3. making a good pass, steal, or interception;
4. defending the goal or basket;
5. tagging a runner;
6. outrunning the opponent; and
7. grabbing a rebound.
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Not making a play includes:
1. dropping the ball;
2. striking out; and
3. forgetting where to go or what to do.
Chapter 6: Game Laws
CHAPTER 6 REVIEW:
“GAME LAWS”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. Have fun whether you win or lose. Nobody wins all the time.
2. Nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen during a game.
Coach’s Tip:
No player is perfect. We won’t always make a play, and
we’ll all make mistakes during a game. Keep playing
hard and trusting yourself if you fail to make a play—it happens to
everyone.
3. Scores change. Don’t celebrate or give up too early.
4. When you make plays you’ll get more chances. Create your
own chances in creative ways if the ball isn’t coming to you.
5. Be a gamer, not a quitter.
“I quit.”
No, you don’t. Quitting is a big no-no. Never quit a game that isn’t
finished. It can ruin the game for all the other plays, because now
one side has an extra player or the teams may become unfair.
Players who quit a lot won’t be asked to play in the future.
If you quit because you’re losing, players will remember that you
gave up. If you quit because you’re unhappy with a decision, go
back to Chapter 5 to see ways to settle a disagreement. If you feel
like quitting because others won’t include you, work harder to find
a way to become part of things instead (reread the “If I catch the
ball” section in this chapter).
Be a gamer, not a quitter. A gamer always plays, regardless of the
score, the weather, or injuries. A team can always count on a gamer
to try hard. A gamer will do whatever it takes to help the team win.
A gamer never quits.
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The Playground Playbook
CHAPTER 7:
GAME STRATEGIES
After learning the rules and skills needed to play a game, use the
following tips for developing strategies. They’ll help you better plan
out ways for success.
“What’s the score?”
Always know the score of the game you’re playing in. It will affect
how you and your opponent make certain decisions as a player.
“Watch out; he/she is fast!”
Find out what your teammates strengths and weaknesses are. This
way, you can help them succeed and avoid mistakes. For example,
if a teammate has trouble catching fast passes, throw the ball to
him/her more slowly.
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 7: Game Strategies
Learn what your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses are, too.
Then compete against them in ways that’ll give you and your team
the advantage.
you!”). Communicating also means talking about new strategies
when there’s a break in the action.
Coach’s Tip:
Strategy means planning. It helps both a player and a
team to have a plan before a game. Think to yourself
and talk to your teammates about what may be the best way to do
well. Use what you may know about the opponents, the boundaries,
and even the weather, which may affect planning, too. Great teams
prepare wisely before a game even starts.
“Fake one way; go the other.”
In sports it’s helpful to be tricky sometimes. Try to sometimes look
in a different direction than you’re planning to run, or don’t look
at the teammate you’re going to throw or kick the ball to. This is
a fake—pretending to do one thing only to do another. Fakes are
important ways to create the space needed to get past defenders
on the other team, for example, pretending to go left then going
right, or looking one way and passing the ball in the other direction.
Learn how to use fakes. If you do the same thing the same way
every time, opponents will start to figure it out.
“Hey, look out!”
Communicate. Talk to one another during game action. Alert teammates during gameplay when they’re in danger (“Look
“Look out!” or
“Man on!”) or in the clear (“You’re free!” or “Nobody’s around
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Coach’s Tip:
Another type of talking you may hear sometimes is “smack
talk” or “trash talk.” This kind of talk is usually playful. It
is used most of the time to upset, anger, and distract opponents.
It’s more common in games played by teenagers or adults.
Players trash talk to make you play worse, as a trick to make you
forget about playing well. Don’t worry or take it personally. Stay
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Chapter 7: Game Strategies
focused on your job, role, and the team’s strategy. Don’t get sidetracked by your emotions!
CHAPTER 7 REVIEW:
“If I pass it there the other team will steal it.”
Think ahead, anticipate, and react.
Think Ahead:
This is a big key in game playing. As a player, consider the good and
bad of what might happen before attempting to do something.
Anticipate:
Do you have a feeling about what an opponent wants to do? Does
he or she want to pass the ball to the player you’re guarding? Then
anticipate the pass and steal it! Think about what the opponent
may want to do. It can help you recognize where the action will be
next on the playground.
“GAME STRATEGIES”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. Know the score. It may help determine how to make certain decisions.
2. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of teammates
and opponents for maximum performance.
3. Use fakes and tricks.
4. Communicate with teammates during the game and
breaks in the action. Discuss strategies, shout out warnings,
and speak to each other to avoid confusion.
5. Think ahead, anticipate, and react.
React:
Not every action can be planned during games. All players have to
create and react in an instant sometimes. When you have to make
sudden choices, don’t hesitate. Trust yourself and make the move
quickly. If you wait too long, it’ll often be too late.
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The Playground Playbook
CHAPTER 8:
THE TOUGHNESS LIST
All players must be able to handle tough situations. Understand
what’s expected of you when things don’t go well.
“I don’t want to play anymore because it’s raining now.”
Weather can change, but that doesn’t mean a game will stop. Be
ready to play without complaining or making excuses in any conditions. Whether it’s raining, cold, hot, windy, or snowing, focus on
the game—not the conditions.
Never be shocked if the weather changes. Check the forecast beforehand, and dress appropriately. Bring clothes to school or the
park to change into if the weather changes. Never make excuses
about the conditions. Everyone has to play under the same circumstances as you.
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The Playground Playbook
Chapter 8: The Toughness List
“That was a bad call!”
There are no official referees or umpires in playground games—kids
make their own calls. Bad calls will happen. Some kids will cheat.
Others will make honest mistakes. Continue to play regardless.
The two fastest solutions to calls two teams can’t agree upon are to
“choose it” or “do the play over” then move on (review the “Out!”
“Safe!” section in Chapter 5). Either way, remember to keep playing
and put the argument behind you. Continuing to be distracted by
the past will affect your play in the future.
“It hurts!”
All players will get hurt. Players will bump into others, get hit by the
ball, or wind up with scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Opponents may
cause these accidents, but most of the time it’s not on purpose.
Get used to it. That’s the deal if you want to play.
A smart team or player will build strategies that best suit
the playing conditions. Recognize what can or can’t be
achieved based on the size and condition of the field or playground
and as a result of bad weather.
Give yourself the 30-second rule. If you cry, try to stop in less than
thirty seconds. If you fall, try to get up and walk it off in less than
thirty seconds. Don’t hold the game up over a minor ache or pain.
If it only hurts a little, you must do your best to hang in there and
keep playing. All players—from kids on the playground to the pros
we see on television—have to play through small injuries. However,
if it hurts for more than a minute or two, or if you can’t use a body
part at all, then you may need to stop playing, go to the nurse’s
office, or see another adult.
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Coach’s Tip:
The Playground Playbook
Chapter 8: The Toughness List
Never cry or pretend you’re hurt to make others feel bad
for you or to get a favorable call. Others will soon realize
you’re trying to gain an edge by crying or faking an injury and won’t
be so quick to let you get away with it next time, when you may
really be injured.
CHAPTER 8 REVIEW:
Coach’s Tip:
“It was his/her fault!”
We all make mistakes when we play. Sometimes a lucky event
happens against us that’s nobody’s fault. The other team may also
make a great play we can’t prevent. Whatever causes the other
team to succeed, never blame a teammate for it, especially in front
of the entire group.
“THE TOUGHNESS LIST”—THE TOP FIVE KEYS:
1. Players are expected to play in many types of bad weather conditions.
2. Bad calls will happen. It’s part of the game.
3. All players will experience some pain. If it only hurts a
little, keep going. Remember the 30-second rule.
4. Don’t blame others for your own mistakes. This isn’t nice
or sportsmanlike and can hurt the team’s spirit, as well.
5. Everyone struggles at times. Continue to trust yourself and
never give up. Prepare for the next opportunity. Stay positive.
Doing so may cause problems. A team that can’t get along and work
together will find it hard to be successful.
If you make a mistake, it’s not necessary to apologize, but don’t
blame another player for it either.
“I can’t make a basket.”
Every player will go through difficult times, when things just aren’t
working. Don’t complain about it out loud. Stay focused, not frustrated. Don’t blame others for your own mistakes, either. Just accept the fact that all players fail sometimes, and start preparing
for the next moment. Soon another opportunity to help the team
will arrive. Be ready for it.
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Afterword:
Congratulations! Now that you’ve read The Playground Playbook
Playbook,
you’ve learned how to join games, behave during game action,
know what to expect from others, and understand what will be
expected of you as a player. Games and sports are for everyone to
enjoy. I hope this book makes life easier for you on the playground.
Keep the book handy and go back to review its keys and tips when
challenges arise for you out there.
Here’s one final word of advice: Practice! Work on your skills alone
and with others. Learn the proper techniques from coaches, adults,
and how-to books and videos. You’ll improve only if you put the
time in.
Have fun, and good luck in the game!
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About The Author:
Todd Rosenthal played four seasons of professional minor league
baseball. At the University of Connecticut, he majored in Sociology
and graduated as the baseball program’s all time hit leader. During
his years at Scarsdale High School, Todd was named Daily News All
Star in both baseball and basketball and was also named USA Today
New York State male athlete of the year during his senior year. For
the past twenty years he has worked as a sports instructor with
children throughout the tri-state area.
As a creative writer Todd has contributed to notable sources such
as East Village Radio and The Bleacher Report. As a songwriter he
has written and performed songs for various bands that have been
used in motion pictures and major networks such as TNT, MTV and
NBA.com.
Todd lives in downtown Manhattan.
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