Fix
March 26th, 2021
Starring: Pro (early 30’s), Coach (50-65)
A local tennis court, not in the best of shape. On one side of the court is a large wall, built for someone to rally against themselves. Pro is doing so alone, ripping backhand after backhand against the wall. The rhythm is consistent: Bounce. Whack. Thud. Bounce. Whack. Thud....
From the background, we see Coach reenter the court, holding the green juice they just left to get. They stand a little off behind Pro, watching silently, sipping. Pro notices Coach is behind them, but stays locked in: Bounce. Whack. Thud. Bounce. Whack. Thud.
Pro starts to get a bit winded, but continues to hit as they speak:
PRO
Nothing’s changing.
COACH
I noticed.
…
PRO
Do you see anything? Mechanically?
COACH
Yes.
…
PRO
You do?
…
…
…
Care to share?
COACH
I want to see if you can find it yourself.
PRO
That’s not your job.
COACH
It’s not?
PRO
Nope.
COACH
What’s my job?
PRO
To fix me.
COACH
Ah.
PRO
And if you see how to fix me and you’re withholding it, then you aren’t fixing me, and if you aren’t fixing me, you’re not doing your job, and if you’re not doing your job, I don’t have to pay you.
Pro takes one last whack and stops, turning around to Coach, sweat dripping.
COACH
Ok.
So tell me what you’d like to do.
PRO
I’d like you to cut the Karate Kid shit and tell me what’s going wrong.
Two years ago, I was number six in the world. I’ve been in this game a while. I get it. I know what I can do when I’m right.
But right now, I can’t hit a single goddamn backhand where I want it, so I’d like a little guidance, if you could.
Please.
Pretty please, with a cherry on top.
…
COACH
Your confidence is off.
Mr. Miyagi as I sound, it fucking sucks.
...
That’s it.
PRO
Awesome.
Awesome.
...
So what’s your fix?
COACH
Keep going.
PRO
Of course.
...
And what if I can't? Find it?
COACH
Dunno.
Quit?
PRO
I’m not quitting.
COACH
Great.
Then keep going.
Pro stares at Coach and the green juice. They look for the ball, but it’s rolled off to the corner. Before Pro can go get it, Coach pulls another out of their pocket and throws it to them. Pro nods, turns, then keeps going.
Bounce. Whack. Thud. Bounce. Whack. Thud. Bounce. Whack. Thud. Bounce. Whack. Thud....