Once a benchmark of perfection on the basketball court, Michael Jordan’s influence has transcended generations. Having had an opportunity to teach his son, I was embodied with the task of unraveling the technique and determination embedded in his lineage.
Inheriting Skills from a Legend
Drawing from observations made during practice hours, the genetic predisposition is evident in the smooth movements and the electric energy displayed by Michael’s son. While every pass and every dribble echoed Jordan’s finesse, the essence of my teaching was not about replicating his father, but rather fostering his unique style and strengths.
Building Resilience
Resilience and perseverance are notable traits in Jordan’s gameplay that I aimed to inculcate in his son. By highlighting the challenging phases of Michael Jordan’s career, we navigated through these teachings instilling an understanding that resilience forms as much part of the game as talent does.
Embracing Failures
One salient point I continually highlighted during our sessions was Jordan’s own confession- “I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” The journey towards excellence is riddled with failure. The sooner one can grasp this concept, understand its inevitability, and turn it into a learning experience, the better equipped one will be for success.
The Aim Beyond Techniques
As daunting as it seemed initially to step into the shoes (quite literally) of teaching Michael Jordan’s son, it became clear that my job extended beyond perfecting jump shots, strategies, and techniques. It also involved empowering him to carve out his identity both on and off the court.
In conclusion, teaching Michael Jordan’s son offered me invaluable insight into not only cultivating skills but also instilling life lessons that string together the narrative of sportsmanship beyond just winning. As mentors and educators, we must strive to illuminate these underlying threads as we mold future athletes. Indeed, our teachings would then hold a deeper meaning than just basketball.
