Pizza? After You Dribble That Basketball For a Mile

Ken Newman doesn’t mind that his 9-year-old daughter Evie loves pizza and ice cream, because he has figured out a healthy way for her to enjoy these snacks. Instead of loading up the van, he, his daughter and a few of her friends dribble basketballs into downtown Morris Plains on their way to get a slice from Tony’s, Primavera’s or Lovey’s, or perhaps a scoop of ice cream from Friendly’s.

By adding a little "fast break" to the fast food, Newman has found a way for the girls to exercise and have fun at the same time. The hoopsters meet at the Newman’s home with money in hand, and dribble basketballs for a few miles on the way to their much anticipated treat.

Knowing how to dribble effectively is an important aspect of the game, and this excercise is a fun way to get the girls to work on this skill.

“I started doing it with Evie, [and she] decided she should invite a few friends,” Newman said. “It’s an hour or two out of their day where they can meet up and have a good time together as friends playing a sport, like I used to when I was a kid.” 

He's hoping to see the girls on the court too.“This summer we hope to arrange a few games with some of the other local towns, so the girls can put these skills to use.”