Volleyball Troubles

There once was a kid who was not good at volleyball. His name was George. He tried and tried, but he couldn’t do it. Then a mean kid came up to him and said, “You’re never going to get it,” but that didn’t stop him from trying.

“You know you’re wrong, right? I will get it someday,” said George.

The mean kid was mad. “You can’t talk back to me like that!” he said in a mad tone of voice.

“Well that’s funny, because I just did!” said George.

“Fine, then let’s have a battle in volleyball!” said the mean kid.

“Fine! Tomorrow! This time tomorrow!” said George, who was beginning to get nervous.

“Deal! Have fun LOSING!” said the mean kid.

George went home in a panic. “Mom, I’m in big trouble,” said George.

“Well, what kind of trouble is it?” asked Mom.

“Well, it’s not school, it’s more, umm,” said George.

Mom kept looking at him, waiting for an answer.

“Someone at school challenged me to a volleyball match, and I’m not good at volleyball.”

“Oh boy, well, you can practice with your dad. I don’t know what else to tell you,” Mom said.

George sighed. “But dad is still at work,” complained George.

“First of all, what time is this volleyball challenge, and second… Did you have a good day at school?”

“School was FINE but more IMPORTANTLY, the challenge is TOMORROW,” said George in a panic.

“I can practice with you for a little bit until Dad gets home, then I need to get back to work on cleaning,” said Mom.

“Okay,” said George.

George learned a few things about volleyball from his mom. She’s actually pretty good! George started getting better, too. Maybe all he needed was a little one on one help.

After a lot of drills and practice, his mom asked, “Do you think you can beat him now?”

George replied, “No. I think I need a little more practice with Dad.”

Mom sighed. “Alright, if you say so, but while you wait, you should do your homework.”

“Ok,” George replied. While George was doing his homework, his dad was excitedly on his way home with a gift for George. But George had his mind on one thing… playing volleyball with his dad. His mind was NOT on a gift from him!

When George’s dad got home, George came flying out of his room to see him.

“I missed you so much, Dad! Can we play volleyball?”

George’s dad was completely shocked by the question.

“But you hate volleyball! This is a switch!”

“Mom and I have already set up the net! Please?”

“Okay, let’s go!” said Dad.

Dad and George began playing volleyball. George was doing pretty well, but his dad was beating him by 12 points. Eventually George caught up to him when he got 13 points… he won by 1 point!

“Good job, son. You were great! said Dad.

“Thanks! You did goo too, Dad!”

“It’s late, you should go to bed, okay?” said Dad.

“Ok, goodnight Mom and Dad! Love you!”

The next morning, George eats his breakfast… gaining nourishment for the volleyball battle!

“Well, it’s time! Wish me luck Mom and Dad!” called George.

“Good luck! Remember there’s more to life than winning!” called his parents. George rolled his eyes. OF COURSE HE NEEDED TO WIN!

George was on his way to the battle. He was scared, but he still wanted to do it. And there he was… that mean kid. The mean kid was tall, blond hair, and hazel eyes… he also looked not shy and not gullible. And there was George.

“Ready for battle?” asked George.

“Get ready to get destroyed,” said the mean kid.

“Perhaps I will beat you,” said George.

“I will beat you so hard that you will go crying to your mommy!” the mean kid declared.

“Let’s do this!” said George. “Get ready to lose!”

The game starts, and as it progresses, George has 12 points but the mean kid has 14 points. George gets the ball, makes it a spike shot, and wins by 1 point!!!!! The mean kid is shocked.

“How did you do that, you cheater?!”

“I’m not a cheater! I practiced… A LOT!!!” George declared.

The mean kid was mad, and he was being a sore loser.

“Look. If you want to be good at things, you have to PRACTICE … do you understand?” asked George.

The mean kid was still upset, but he seemed to understand what George was saying.

“Well. My dad is really good at playing the guitar….AND at playing the piano,” said the mean kid.

“And do you think that happened just by magic?” asked George.

“Probably not. I think he had to work really hard at it,” said the mean kid.

“Exactly. If you keep working hard at volleyball, you will get better. Maybe you should try to learn a thing or two about guitar and piano from your dad, too. If you practice those things, you can probably get really good at them,” said George.

“You’re actually pretty smart,” said the mean kid. “I’m sorry I was mean to you.”

“I’m George. What’s your name?” asked George, offering to shake hands.

“I’m Jeff. Jeff Williams.” They shook hands. “Maybe we can be friends? Maybe you can help me with volleyball? And maybe I can talk my dad into helping us BOTH learn guitar and piano!”

“That’s a great idea!” said George. A new friend and new talents ALL on the same day!”

“Come on! I want to introduce you to my dad!”