Guest Post by Paul Baker
On the basketball court a line is drawn so that when a player shoots from behind that line 3 points are registered. In the mornings here in ZhongHo, Taiwan, I shoot at the basket with 3-pt. men.
On the opposite end of the court are women shooting baskets. They also dance to music while they shoot.
So, for maximum enjoyment, these men stand at varies points around the court at the 3 pt. line and shoot. Often the ball goes off towards the grass, away from the surface of the court. If it were not for men retrieving the basketballs and returning them to the shooters, each person would spend a lot of time chasing balls instead of shooting.
Even if the ball stays on the court, it’s not uncommon to see a player or two standing under the basket and returning basketballs to shooters. It’s a great display of cooperation and camaraderie, although nothing has ever been said about this unwritten protocol.
These men and myself make sure we enjoy shooting and not chasing after our basketballs.
One morning a Buddhist Nun began showing up at the court. She arrives around six before any of us. She stands at mid-court and heaves the ball. It barely gets halfway. She’s not there shooting at the rim per se, she’s there, as I am, to warm up.
Two of us were on the court one morning giving this Nun her space. We made sure she had her space and as much time on the court as we did.
Nothing was said. We just stood and shot at the sides of the court. If her ball didn’t go in the basket and headed towards us, we made sure to get it back to her.
Our unwritten rule, as 3-point shooters, is to help each other get the ball back to the person shooting. This can be when a ball bounces our way or when we get the nudge to take a turn under the basket. Nothing is said about it being necessary to help each other; it’s just cooperative basketball at its best with retired men having fun.
Often there’s a guy who wants to chase after his ball no matter where it goes. Naturally, not being any rules, he can do as he chooses and can participate on a level that best fits him. Ultimately, of course, we’re all responsible for our own basketballs.
It’s an honor to know these 3-point men, and I’m glad to say that I’m one of them. We love the game and love each other. These men didn’t start this practice with anything in mind, it just evolved into a beautiful tradition that all of us appreciate.
Images are for illustration purposes only and do not depict real people. Any resemblance to actual persons, either living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Michael Avery
Thank you, Paul. It makes me want to get back out on the court! I’m waiting for them to institute a 4-point line. By then, however, I doubt that I could shoot the ball that far.
Pichaya Avery
Thank you, Paul, for your wonderful story about love. I love what you wrote about space giving and self-responsibility. I also love what you wrote, “We love the game and love each other. “