Carlisle, Iowa (who) – The Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament gets underway this week at Wells Fargo Arena, but other players around the state are proving you’re never too old to play the game.
More than 500 women play in granny basketball leagues in 10 states. They call it a gentle game for women of a certain age. It’s a way for them to get a little exercise and have a lot of fun. But don’t get me wrong, these grandmas are playing to win.
The Lady Redbirds, the defending national champions, are back to practice for next season.
“We’re a little rusty during the break, but we’ll definitely bounce back. We’ve got a really good team,” coach Marge Madison said.
Not just a good team, but a fun team.
You don’t have to be a grandma in this league. Must be over 50 years old. This league consists of her 6-on-6 games played at a slow pace.
“I tell guys who are coming in for the first time that they really need to dial back. The hardest part is learning how to shoot without jumping,” player Joyce Harris explained.
There’s no need to jump, run, or reach over players to block.
“A lot of the rules are there to keep us from getting hurt, but it’s still possible to get hurt,” Harris said.
Harris knows. Although she broke her knee two seasons ago, she bounced back from her injury last year and helped the Redbirds finish the season with a win. She says her competitive spirit will never stop no matter how old she gets.
“It’s never going to go away,” Harris said.
Playing grandma basketball helps you stay young.
“We like to think of it as some way to get out and stay active,” Madison said.
“Sure, if I hadn’t kept doing this, I’d be sitting on the couch getting really, really fat,” Harris joked.
Coach Madison said the Redbirds’ roster is full, but he hopes to start on another team. If you are interested in playing with them or starting your own team, you can find more information at: want to play? – Grandma’s Basketball
Granny basketball season runs from March 23rd to May 18th. The Iowa Senior Game will be held in his early June, and the national tournament will be held in Kansas City in his August.
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