The 1 arm leg tackle was thrilling to watch. Picture it: Twilight. An open and flat playground space where 6 kids, 5 beefy boys and 1 not beefy at all girl, are playing football. I estimate they range in age from 8 to 13 years. There’s plenty of the requisite laughing, boasting, and trash talk. The beefiest of the boys breaks away with the ball, scrambling for a touchdown. The girl chases him.

Steps before he scores, she leans forward and grabs his right ankle with her right arm. He falls flat on his face, losing the ball. She pounces and gains possession. “Another 1 arm leg tackle!” she brags, a radiant smile consuming her face.

1 Arm Leg Tackle Wrap Up

I later learn 3 of the 5 boys are her brothers and the other two cousins. They’ve played like this all their lives. Will memories of these games and her multiple 1 arm leg tackles come up in 20 years as they gather for holidays, sip beers, and reminisce? Will that radiant smile appear as her big brother reaches the part of the story where his face hits the ground? Will the confidence, pride, sureness in her abilities, and get-it-done attitude she displayed in those games radiate into other parts of her life?

I have no idea, but I do know we will see her again in Play Sighting 0027.

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