Throw like a girl?

When I was about 5 years old, my dad taught me how to throw a ball.  I loved throwing, catching, hitting the ball and playing just about any sport I played.   When I was in 5th grade, during a physical fitness test,  I threw the ball further than the end of the tape measure.  The teacher didn't expect a girl to be able to throw very far.  I was the talk of the school.

"You don't throw like a girl," I was told.  It was meant as a compliment.   And I remember saying, "I'm a girl. This is how girls throw." I loved busting that ridiculous label.

When I taught tennis many years later, I would teach women how to throw a ball because that helped their bodies learn the motion to serve the ball.   It was a great way to improve their serves.   And I found they were more grateful to learn how to throw a ball with more power. 

Thanks to Title IX, female athleticism is far more "normal".  It's fantastic to see so many girls playing so many sports.  And playing so well!   I've continued to play sports throughout my life.  Sports made me physically strong,  a better team player, a better friend and a better leader. 

How about you? Did you (or do you) play sports?  Was playing a sport part of your leadership development?

I have to stop writing for now  because I have to get to my basketball game... one of the highlights of my week.   Past the 50 year old mark and still loving my sports!