Summer Ball begins with the book’s protagonist, 13-year-old Danny Walker, complaining to his parents, Ali and Richie Walker, about his height. He asks his parents, half-jokingly, when his growth spurt will come. Danny’s father reminds Danny how little height matters in light of Danny’s hard work and confidence. Richie, a former professional basketball player who is also on the shorter side, exemplifies how successful a short player can be. Richie talks about Danny’s strength, saying: “‘Every single time you’ve been challenged or gotten knocked down or had to prove yourself all over again, you are sick’” (5). Perhaps due to his height, Danny works harder than most kids on the court.

Danny, however, dwells on his height as he reflects on this travel team’s less-than-stellar record, attributing their losses to the taller players able to outperform him. A type of player’s anxiety consumes Danny as he faces going to the elite basketball camp Right Way, in Maine. He knows how physically mismatched he will be, despite his father’s remarks to the contrary. Danny also believes he will not be able to back up the praise he received after winning the travel basketball national championship months before.