An Unforgettable Basketball Match

         Even after four years, I can still remember that basketball match clearly as if it happened only yesterday. I feel regretful and ashamed for my behavior during the match. It was my first time taking part in a basketball match. What was worse, my first opponents were mostly members on the varsity team, while my teammates were all only green-hands. When I sat on the bench, I felt cold, nervous and scared. The piercing start whistle blew and I had no choice but to proceed to the playground reluctantly.

       Now I stood on the playground with a little trembling, watching the referee threw up the ball. Both sides’ leaders jumped up and our leader jumped higher and patted the ball to me. I caught the ball and dribbled it forwards. However, my opponent caught up with me and quickly stole the ball before I could defend. Then I chased after her and wanted to block her, but she jumped a shot and knocked me over heavily by the shoulder. I heard their classmates burst into cheers and I felt rather frustrated.

        When it came to our turn, we either had the ball stolen when passing it, or lost the ball when dribbling it in a state of panic. Meanwhile, we committed many fouls because we did not know all the rules. My opponents laughed at our mistakes and shouted loudly “They did not know these simple rules. How funny!” I felt annoyed and embarrassed. I felt my teammates and I were like clowns and made a fool of ourselves.

         Now I received the ball and planned to pass over to a teammate, when an opponent ran towards me to block me. She dashed so fast that she could not stop herself from knocking me over. As a result, I fell onto the ground again. The referee whistled to pause temporarily and my teammates went around me and asked “Are you all right? Can you go on?” In fact, I was not badly hurt, but I just did not want to go on with this game anymore. How fierce, rude and stupid his game was! Therefore, I pretended to be badly injured and was replaced by substitute player.

      I quit and I expected my teammates also give up rather than waste their energy. However, they did not. They still struggled and spared no effort. When I sat on the bench and watched my teammate fight, I suddenly felt guilty for my escape. I wanted to go onto the playground again but the due time was over and I had no chance to make up for my timidity.

      This match left a deep impression on me and from then on, when I want to make up excuse to quit, this match will remind me not to let myself regretful and ashamed again.