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Basketball is a great way to bond with your dad, but it can be hard to talk about if he's older and has different views on the sport. To start a conversation, call him up and ease into the topic with some small talk. Avoid bringing up modern strategies and players, as your dad might not know what you're talking about. Instead, reference older players and pretend the game hasn't changed since his heyday. Be mindful of his opinions, but also share your own thoughts and passion for the game. If you're trying to convince your dad to let you play basketball, be honest about your love for the sport, and address his concerns and counterpoints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of the dad | Old |
| Dad's understanding of the game | Lacks understanding of what makes basketball great these days |
| Conversation starters | Greetings and small talk |
| Topics to avoid | Polio, The Dust Bowl, analytics, three-pointers, Steph Curry |
| Topics to discuss | Old players like Doctor J, Charles Barkley, George Gervin |
| Dad's love for the game | Greater than his love for you |
| Your love for the game | A way to advocate for yourself |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid bringing up modern basketball elements like analytics or three-pointers
When talking about basketball with your dad, it is important to remember that he might be older and have different interests and knowledge about the sport. To avoid misunderstandings and boring conversations, it is recommended to avoid bringing up modern basketball elements like analytics or three-pointers. Here are some reasons why and alternative conversation topics to consider:
Your dad might not understand modern basketball terms and strategies: As one source mentions, your dad might be "old and not understand what makes basketball great these days." Terms like "analytics" and discussions about advanced metrics might confuse or alienate him, especially if he has not kept up with the latest developments in the sport.
Focus on classic basketball elements: Instead of delving into modern strategies and terms, steer the conversation towards classic basketball elements that your dad is more likely to be familiar with. Bring up players from his era, such as Doctor J, or reference older techniques and strategies that are no longer prevalent but were significant in the past. This will show your dad that you respect and value his knowledge and experience.
Avoid modern player comparisons: Discussing modern players like Steph Curry might not be the best idea, as your dad might not relate to them or have a different opinion due to generational differences. Instead, mention players from his generation, such as George Gervin, who he might have idolized or followed during his youth.
Keep the conversation light and engaging: The key is to keep the conversation enjoyable for both of you. Avoid getting too technical or delving into topics that might bore or confuse your dad. Stick to general discussions about the sport, share anecdotes, and ask him about his experiences playing or watching basketball when he was younger.
Use humor and lightheartedness: If your dad starts bringing up outdated topics or rambling about unrelated things like polio and the Dust Bowl, gently steer the conversation back to basketball with a lighthearted joke or humorous comment. For example, you could say something like, "Hey, I just had basketball on my mind and figured we could talk about the latest NBA season." This will help keep the conversation fun and engaging for both of you.
In summary, when talking about basketball with your dad, avoid bringing up modern elements like analytics and three-pointers. Instead, focus on classic basketball topics, players, and strategies that your dad is more likely to relate to. Keep the conversation light, engaging, and respectful of his generation's perspective on the sport. This will ensure that your discussions are enjoyable and help you bond over a shared interest in basketball.
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Reference older players like Doctor J or George Gervin
When talking about basketball with your dad, it's important to remember that he might be older and have different references and knowledge about the sport. A great way to connect with him and show your interest in his perspective is to reference older players like Doctor J (Julius Winfield Erving II) or George Gervin.
Doctor J, or Julius Erving, was an American former professional basketball player. He played in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). He helped legitimize the ABA and was the best-known player when it merged with the NBA after the 1975-1976 season. During his 16 seasons as a player, he won three championships, four Most Valuable Player awards, and three scoring titles. He was known for his impressive slam dunks and was the only player voted Most Valuable Player in both the ABA and the NBA. Starting his career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he averaged 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game, becoming one of only six players to achieve this feat in NCAA Men's Basketball.
George Gervin, nicknamed "the Iceman," was also an American former professional basketball player who played in both the ABA and the NBA. He played for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Gervin averaged at least 14 points per game in all of his ABA and NBA seasons and finished with an impressive NBA career average of 26.2 points per game. He was widely regarded as one of the top ten shooting guards in NBA history and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame the same year.
By bringing up these legendary players, you can spark conversations about the "old days" of basketball, which your dad might fondly remember. It shows an appreciation for the history of the sport and can lead to insightful discussions about how the game has evolved over time. Additionally, referencing these iconic players may even make your dad feel like you're part of his era, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared interest. So, don't be afraid to drop a slick reference to Doctor J or George Gervin the next time you talk basketball with your dad!
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Avoid mentioning disliked modern players like Steph Curry
When talking about basketball with your dad, it's important to remember that he might be a bit old and out of touch with the current game. To avoid any potential conflicts, it's best to avoid mentioning modern players that your dad might dislike, such as Steph Curry.
Dads may dislike Steph Curry for a variety of reasons. One reason could be that Steph Curry is young and cool, and your dad may feel jealous or resentful towards him. Additionally, Curry is still married, which may be a sore spot for your dad if he is divorced or single.
To navigate this tricky situation, it's recommended to replace the name "Steph Curry" with "George Gervin" when talking to your dad. George Gervin was a talented basketball player from an older generation, and your dad will likely have fond memories of watching him play. By substituting their names, you can avoid any negative reactions from your dad and keep the conversation positive.
It's worth noting that your dad might have strong opinions about other modern players as well. Before bringing up any other players, it's a good idea to do some research and understand your dad's preferences. This way, you can avoid accidentally mentioning a player that he dislikes and keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
Additionally, when talking about basketball with your dad, it's important to remember the generation gap. Your dad might not understand modern basketball strategies, analytics, or rules. To keep him engaged in the conversation, try to use references from his era, such as mentioning players like Doctor J or Michael Jordan. By speaking his language, you'll show respect for his knowledge and create a more enjoyable dialogue for both of you.
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Use a Did You See That ______? conversation starter
Talking about basketball with your dad can be challenging, especially if he is older and has different references and interests than you. One effective way to start a conversation with him about basketball is to use a "Did You See That ______?" opener. This conversation starter is easy to use and only requires that the topic be something noteworthy. For example, you could bring up a spectacular play by Steph Curry, as in the example, "Did you see that Steph Curry shot where he put someone's ankles in a spin cycle and then shot over their fallen body?" This type of conversation starter is accessible because it only requires a basic knowledge of basketball and doesn't delve into historical comparisons or complex analytics.
When talking to your dad about basketball, it's important to be mindful of his generation gap and avoid bringing up modern players or strategies that he might not be familiar with. Instead, try to reference classic players that your dad might have grown up watching or even played with. For instance, you could mention players like Doctor J or George Gervin. Pretending to be a fan of older players can help trick his "inferior old brain" into thinking you're also a fan of the older generation of basketball.
Another strategy is to avoid mentioning players that your dad might dislike due to their youth and popularity, such as Steph Curry. Instead, replace their names with older players your dad might favour, even if you don't know much about them. For example, if your dad asks about the best 2-point shooter of all time, you could answer with an older player's name to seem more knowledgeable about the game's history.
Using the "Did You See That ______?" conversation starter can be an effective way to connect with your dad over basketball. Just remember to keep the topic noteworthy and avoid delving into overly modern references or complex strategies that might lose his interest. By catering your conversation to his interests and generation, you can create a more engaging and enjoyable discussion about the sport you both love.
Overall, using this conversation starter can be a fun and accessible way to talk about basketball with your dad, helping you bond over a shared interest while learning more about each other's perspectives on the sport.
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Keep Wikipedia open to look up older references
Talking to your dad about basketball can be challenging, especially if he is older and has different references. To bridge this gap, it is recommended to keep Wikipedia open to look up older references and learn about the history of the sport. This can help you navigate conversations with your dad and show him that you are knowledgeable about the sport's history.
Wikipedia is a valuable resource for learning about the history of basketball. The sport was invented in 1891 by Canadian-American gym teacher James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. The first game was played at the International Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) using two half-bushel peach baskets as goals, which is where the sport's name originated. Over time, the bottom of the basket was cut out to allow for easier scoring, and the game evolved to use a ball instead of peach baskets.
In the early days of basketball, players used a soccer ball, which had laces that affected the unpredictability of bounce passes and dribbling. Eventually, a lace-free construction method was introduced, endorsed by Naismith. The first balls made specifically for basketball were brown, but in the late 1950s, Tony Hinkle introduced the orange ball that is commonly used today.
Dribbling was not part of the original game, and passing was the primary means of moving the ball. However, dribbling became common by 1896, and by 1898, a rule against double dribbling was introduced. The rules of the game were formalized and spread across America's schools, colleges, and universities, with the sport gaining popularity.
As you delve into the history of basketball with your dad, keep Wikipedia open to explore notable players and tournaments. Learn about the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, also known as March Madness, which determines the men's college basketball national champion. Understand the structure of teams and substitutions, with five players from each team on the court and varying roster sizes depending on the league.
By keeping Wikipedia open, you can navigate conversations with your dad about the evolution of basketball, from its early days with peach baskets to the modern game with structured tournaments and famous players. This will not only show your dad your interest in the sport but also help you connect with him through a shared passion for basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by calling him on the phone and engaging in some small talk. Then, bring up a slick reference to an old player your dad probably played basketball with, like Doctor J.
Avoid bringing up modern basketball analytics or three-pointers, as your dad might not know what these are. Also, do NOT mention Steph Curry—dads hate Steph Curry because he's young and cool.
Pretend that basketball has stayed the same since 1961. Bring up old players like George Gervin or Isiah Lord Thomas III, who your dad will be familiar with.
Try talking to him about your love for the game and explain that sports are about having fun and staying active. If he's worried about your schoolwork or home responsibilities, assure him that you can balance basketball with your other commitments.
