Earlier today, I had an exhilarating ride to Rusiga Highland Resort, located in Rulindo District. Upon arrival, I had breakfast and spent a couple of hours polishing the design of a booklet scheduled to be launched next week. Then I laced up my sneakers, picked up a basketball, and ran to the court.
There is something magical about stepping onto an empty basketball court. Playing alone isn't just about shooting hoops; it's about embracing imagination, developing skills, and reveling in the pure joy of the game.
As I drible toward the basket, I envision an invisible defender determined to stop me. A quick crossover shakes him off. What follows is a silky smooth jumper. Nothing but net.
No cheering fans, no teammates to high-five. Yet, the thrill feels real. The satisfaction of executing a flawless play and hitting a tough shot fuels the desire to keep going. I reset while picturing a new scenario. The clock is counting down, a few seconds left, and a one-point deficit in favor of the opponents. Another swift crossover leads to a buzzer-beater over the outstretched hands of desperate defenders. Swish.
I am a 50-year-old solo traveler burning calories on the basketball court. However, playing alone is beneficial to competitive ballers and professionals alike. It allows them to sharpen their axes behind the scenes. Devoid of structure and pressure, they perfect their footwork, refine their shooting form, and experiment with different moves. As a player works on his/her craft away from the spotlight, the court becomes a laboratory, where each repetition is one step toward mastery.
But more than just practice, there is freedom in solitude. While playing alone, I dictate the tempo of the game and stay in the element. It's an unfiltered expression of love for the game.
One shot after another, I get carried away and lose track of time. Eventually, the workload takes a toll on my half-century-old body. Drenched in sweat, I head to the garden to quench my thirst.