Joe Ehrmann

When I first saw Joe Ehrman in person, it was in March of2007 in Atlantic City at the Tri State Camp Conference.  I had no idea that my entire life was about to change for the better.   He was the guest speaker, and before he was introduced to us, we watched a clip of his interview with Bryant Gumbel on HBO Real Sports.  I knew right then that this was a once in a lifetime chance.  This large husky, grey bearded, man limped to the podium with a cane.  I tried to picture the former first round draft pick of the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in his prime, but I couldn’t. He was now a Church pastor and volunteer football coach.  He began his speech to this large Professional Camp -audience by stating “You are all in a position of power. You all can change the world.  You have all of our children’s eyes and ears hanging on your each and every word in an environment that they choose to be in.”

I was now on the edge of my seat.  I already knew from the HBO clip that he had a positive only approach.  This was a man that was not afraid to challenge teenagers and all children to be better people.  He was inspiring.  He made me believe that we really can change the world.  I also was able to relate to him when he spoke of his late brother and how cancer had taken his brother’s life.  He was drafted by the NFL at the same time and instead of being happy, he was heart-broken.  I, myself, had recently lost my best friend and another close family friend who was only 12 years old in two separate tragedies.  I thought to myself, “I know heartache.”  But it was when he discussed his definition of a man and a woman where I knew my whole life could change for the better.

I was training athletes in a small private company that my former boss had started with me at the time, and I already had been following some of these philosophies at the time.  The more Joe spoke, the more I heard, “CHANGE THE WORLD COURTNEY, CHANGE THE WORLD…I can do it! I can be like Joe.  ”

Joe explained to us that he shows young men that it is okay to show emotion and that masculinity is not purely driven by power and sexual endeavors.  He discussed how he goes about teaching the game of life more than football.  His powerful words of wisdom are life-changing to any young man who has not been able to connect with others on an emotional level.   Joe discussed the relationships that young boys have with their fathers.   He repeatedly said that young men should and cannot be afraid to display signs of emotion to those that they love, and that creating this bond will help them become better men.  He spoke on an even higher level when discussing women telling tales about his “Big Undefeated” HS Football Team signing contracts assuring their proper treatment and respect toward women.  Also he said that women also must be judged based on inner beauty and how much one loves and is loved by their family and friends.  I knew he was right, and I also knew I had to do this.

Later on I went to see him speak in a private setting with a smaller crowd.  There he explained that he makes his players write their own “obituaries.”  I raised my hand and told him I could never do that with the children I work with, and he told me “age appropriate.”  I recently had my entire basketball camp close their eyes and imagine they are 75 years old.  I asked them what do their children, grandchildren, family and friends say about them. It was as Joe had advised, “age appropriate.”

By the time I left the conference in Atlantic City, I knew that my calling in life was to follow his philosophies, apply them in my own way, and become my own version of Joe Ehrman.

Fast Forward: It is 3 years later, and I live in Miami, run my own company that teaches “life skills” through sports, camps, birthday parties, and after school programs.  I read excerpts of Joe’s best-seller , “Season of Life” every week to remind myself that I can change the world one child at a time.   I am no longer afraid of my own emotions, and I focus on my relationships first and everything else second.  I owe this to two people.  First Dan Zenkel who is the reason I met Joe, and Joe himself, who I can say is arguably the best coach in the world!

Thank You Joe and Dan,

Forever Inspired,

Courtney

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Respect the Possession

The more I watch all levels of the game of basketball, the more I notice a lack of respect for the possession of the basketball.  When a player has the ball, he must recognize that each wasted posession is a game-changing play whether it is in the first quarter or the fourth.

RESPECT HAVING THE BALL!

RESPECT EVERY SHOT ATTEMPT!

A TURNOVER IS A WASTED POSSESSION, OR A POSSESSION WITHOUT A SHOT!

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Arroyo Highlights from Israel!

Arroyo Highlights….Click Here!

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March Madness Week Takes Beth Am by Storm!!!

Dax B. has improved tremendously and can now dribble between his legs.

Tommy D. works as hard as anyone on the court, is very talented, and has a perfect attitude.

Eileen F. is a leader by example, always works hard, and will succeed in anything she does.

Joseph F.  is  very skilled for his age and is a great shooter.

Julien F. works very hard on his skills.  He is dedicated to becoming a star and has a throw back look.

Lucas G. is an awesome athlete, and he is relentless.  He also is an excellent soccer player.

Spencer G. is a sharpshooter who is continuing to work on his skills.  He truly loves the game!!!

Aaron G. has learned the fundamentals of the game and now consistently makes shots!

Lila G. is a great shooter and always fights through adversity.  She is a great young player.

Ryan G. is everybody’s All American.  He is a solid athlete, an amazing camper, and he always follows directions.

Scott H.  has gone from a rookie of the year  to a solid veteran.  His attitude has been excellent and he is becoming a strong young player.

Bradley H. is learning the game more and more every day.  He is applying his football experience to his basketball and he also is a great student of the game.

Zackery H. is the only rookie, but he has managed to hang with the older campers and blend in.  He is an excellent young shooter.

Sofia I. is a very hard worker with a solid base of skills.  She must continue to master her ball handling!

Abigail J. is a former rookie of the year who now is playing at a very high level for her age.  She is selfless and a solid all around player.

Samantha J. has improved as much as anyone in the last year.  She is a great rebounder and learning how to finish her shots

Matthew K., another award winner from camp is a great young player who must continue to work on his ball-handling.

Joey K. is an awesome athlete and has definitely been playing often since last camp as he is much improved in all areas, especially shooting.

Koby K. is an awesome ball handler, and he is very fast.  He also has had a great attitude.

Steven L. is the most passionate player.  He is very skilled and love the game as much as anyone.

Zachary L. has also improved tremendously.  He has been very focused at camp.

Ben L. is an all around player.  He can shoot, pass, dribble, and defend with best his age.

Makenzie L. is gaining confidence every day.  She has been working as hard as any player and you can see her progress.

Leo M. is also a completely different player than last August.  He can make full speed layups, and his passing and dribbling have improved as well.

Kristi P. is as skilled an athlete as there is.  She knows the game, and is willing to do whatever it takes to become a star.

Jake R. hahs had his best week.  He is an excellent talent who must work hard on his skills.

Lorenzo R.  is an awesome athlete who can do a little of everything.  He also gets air on his jumps!!!

Erika R.  is an excellent athlete who can shoot the ball very well.  She also is a leader.

Ryan R. has earned an award for his attitude.  Way to go Ryan.  Keep up the good work.

Zachary R. , AKA The Professor is the leader of this camp.  Every camper looks up to him and he also has improved in all areas of his game!

Blake R. is a different player than a year ago.  He is making his layups and now can dribble and pass with ease.

Sam R. scored 3 baskets today in limited shots.  She is gaining confidence each day, and that is why she is putting the ball in the hole.

Mia S. is already a star and works like a pro.  She must always remember it is okay to make mistakes.

Heather S. is very skilled.  She can shoot, handle the ball well, her attitude is excellent, and she always gives her best.

Clara S. works as hard as any camper.  She shows up early and works on every area of her game.  She will be an all county player one day.

Trent S. is a very confident young player who is very motivated become a star.

Jacob T. is very strong for his age and if he practices ball handling he can be an awesome player.

Sydney T. is very tough.  She is playing despite a splint on her finger and she is playing well.  She will be a star in the future.

Milena V. is also a former rookie who is an awesome shooter.  She is very tough and needs to work on ball handling!

Brandon W. is a former MVP of Courts 1on1 and he is clearly one of the most intelligent players his age.  He has a coach’s Basketball IQ.

Federico Z. is an incredible camper who is always nice, has an excellent disposition, and is improving every day.  Way to go Feddy!

Matthew C. is a great all around athlete who is learning the fundamentals of the game.  He also has had a good attitude.

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Holiday Camp Dates

We are running camps at Beth Am December 21-24th and December 28-31 from 9-4 pm ending at 12:30 on Christmas Eve and New Years which are Thursdays.  You can register at Beth Am’s Website.  Click on the link below!

Beth Am Winter Camp Registration Form

Camp is filling fast so make sure to register right away.

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An awesome “Quote of the Day”

“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”

Very simple quote, but I think it represents what we are trying to do at Courts 1on1!!!

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Lakers-Celts Finals 2010??? What about Miami?

The NBA is off to an exciting start as Denver and Boston have seemed to jump out to big starts. I think the Lakers will play the Celts in the Finals like two years ago…Orlando is very good as well, and Miami is off to a solid start.

What is amazing about Miami (besides Arroyo) is Erik Spoelstra.  He is cool as a cat.  Have you seen his reaction when the other team gets hot?  He maintains a sense of calm, an ability to not worry so much and instead focus on the next play…Isn’t the next play the difference between great player/coaches, and mediocre player/coaches.  Dwelling on the past is the biggest obstacle for all players and coaches.   It prevents you from making the next important play.

Coach Spoelstra  has a chance to shock the world.  If Wade stays, they Heat add a few free agents in 2010, you will see the Heat go back to the finals next year.  As for this year, we should be fun to watch all year, especially since we know our team always will focus on the present and future and not the past!!!

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Unbelievable!!!

Click here to see one-arm man Division 1 basketball player video.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW SIMON

Hey Andrew,

The Courts 1on1 Sports family wants to wish you a very Happy Birthday.  Both Nick “The Giant” and I cannot wait to meet you and play some of our exciting games!!!

See you soon, and don’t forget to practice your dribbling!!!

Courtney

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Arroyo Signs with the Heat!!!

Arroyo: Fancy passes or passing fancy?

> Posted by Ira Winderman on October 13, 2009 02:45 PM

The raves came Tuesday, just as they did a year ago at this time.

Last October, the gushing was about Shaun Livingston’s passing, the way the former first-round pick moved the ball during one particular practice. Less than three months later, Livingston was gone, to now meet the Heat as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wednesday’s exhibition in Tulsa.

Tuesday, the admiration was for Carlos Arroyo, and the way he moved the ball in just his second practice with the Heat since being added Sunday.

“He can pass,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He found guys for easy shots. He’s one of those guys that he makes two or three passes in a session, where you don’t necessarily see it. And he caught some of our guys by surprise. But that’s going to be a good element.

“Carlos has a knack for pick-and-roll basketball and finding guys and getting them in open positions.”

Now, whether one of the most rigid offenses in the league allows for such creativity is another matter. And we’re still not sure how sold management is on Arroyo, who is here on a make-good, non-guaranteed contract.

But it is sort of nice to have a point guard who doesn’t pass from Point A to Point B and then cut to Point C for a potential spot-up jumper.

Sometimes, there has to be more to the offense than give the ball to Dwyane Wade and get the heck out of the way.

“We need to continue to work our system,” Spoelstra said. “But we also need to find easy baskets, and passing guys that have a gift for that helps.”

Hallelujah. You can only watch Hoosiers for so long on this level.

So far, it’s all been good with Arroyo (pictured in a courtesy photo provided by the Heat).

“He’s in phenomenal shape,” Spoelstra said. “He’s an absolute basketball fanatic. I had heard a week ago that he had been playing in city league in Miami, but, also, he’d been playing pick-up ball at the parks.

“I’ve known Carlos pretty well for the last several years and there’s not many more guys who are more of a hoop junkie that he is. He’s always looking to play and keeps himself in great condition.”

There was similar hope last year with Livingston, but never such gushing about Shaun being 100 percent in basketball trim.

No, Arroyo is not a defensive stopper. And yes, he does take a few questionable shots.

But he also can make things happen, which hardly is the worst thing for a team that found that to be a problem both in last season’s playoffs and at the start of this preseason.

“Carlos is a seasoned, clever player,” Spoelstra said. “We did a defensive drill where it was a high pick-and-roll and Carlos, he tests your defense, because he can get in the paint. He’s clever. He sees everything on the floor, but he can also deliver the ball where it’s needed to go.”

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