Shot Attempts

At the playground before dinner. Shooting a basketball up toward the sky. Sunny late afternoon. Mild breeze. 63 degrees.

Soon-to-be 8 Year-Old at a nearly 10-foot hoop. It’s probably 9.5, I realized last week. I offer Almosts! and “So closes.” She’s determined to follow last weekend’s success when she got three to drop through the net.

Today…no luck. Front rim. Airball. Front rim. Front rim. I encourage. You’re doing great. It’s really hard. Bend the knees.

I think she needs a rest. How about the bike…fun with the bike?

She won’t stop until one goes in. Finally, she stomps off and rides her bike…then hits the brakes a few minutes later.

Another attempt. Front rim after airball. More misses. She runs off. I think she’s going to the other hoop, which is 6 inches higher. Not a good idea. Turns out she wants to get a running start. She dribbles, runs and shoots. Another airball. Groan.

I tell her to come in close. The shot needs a little more arc. To go a bit higher. She comes in close and shoots. Swish. We celebrate. Water break. She is relieved and happy. Back on the bike for her.

Now time for me to shoot again.