"Alright buddy, feet apart, keep the ball in the middle, good, now bend your knees slightly."

"Like this?"

"Yeah, awesome. Now let's work on your grip. Put your feet together for this and remember what I said about starting from the top."

"Why can't I just take a shot now?"

"You need to nail down your grip first."

"But I just want to take a shot!"

"Buddy, I've told you the grip is the most important part! You may not hit the ball or it might go all over the place if you don't nail this down first."

Juan and Pete were at the golf course, where Pete was showing his son how to play golf. Although Juan's sports interests lay mostly in basketball -and the occasional friendly soccer match against Lizzy- Pete was determined to show his only son how to play a sport he genuinely enjoyed.

"I can aim it at the hole, look!" said Juan.

Pete laughed.

"Fine, try like that, but your grip is all wrong, my friend."

Juan swung back the golf club and took a shot. Instead of hitting the ball, he hit grass, and the momentum of the swing made him lose his grip on the club and send it flying.

"Whoops."

"What did I tell you?" said Pete, trying to suppress a smile and act angry, but failing miserably.

"Wait let me try again!" said Juan as he ran off after the golf club.

"Juan, Juan!" Pete shouted after him. "Buddy, you gotta get your grip first!"

"But it's boring!" Juan shouted back.

"Once you nail it down it will become more interesting, I promise!"

Juan sighed as he walked back to Pete. "Fine."

Pete took this as a sign of encouragement. Juan had become more confident over the last few months and it was reassuring to see him displaying emotions that were not apologetic.

"Alright, let's try again. Let's do grip first. Feet together, standing straight, point the leading edge straight up."

Juan did as he was told.

"Good, now take your right hand and position the handle from the middle of your index finger to the bottom of your little finger."

"Hmm, like this?"

Pete came behind Juan and took his hands in his, correcting his position.

"Like this. Good, now close your hand. Good. Take your left hand and start at the top of the club, and slide it down to the handle. Great. Put your left thumb on top of your right one. Got it?"

Juan nodded.

"I'm going to walk away, but I want you to hold it, okay?"

"Okay," said Juan.

Pete took a step back.

"Good, now lower the club to the ground and make sure it's straight. Do you see it straight?"

Juan looked down. "Uhh, I think so."

Pete went behind him to check.

"Okay, not bad. Now, this is when you move your feet apart like we practiced -shoulder length, that's it. Bend your knees, good. Now point the leading edge of the club 90 degrees towards the ball."

Juan made a face as he tried to remember what a 90-degree angle looked like. He ended up pointing the club something that looked like 45 degrees.

Pete chuckled to himself.

"That's 45 degrees, son," he said as he personally adjusted the club in Juan's hands.

"Uhm, sorry?" said Juan.

Pete smiled again.

"It's okay. Now, with your knees still bent, slowly swing the club back and take the shot, keeping the club straight."

Juan did as he was told and took a shot at the ball, this time with a lot less force. It did not land very far. He twisted his mouth. "Sorry."

"No no, that was great! Let's try again."

Juan did so. After about ten tries, he could throw the ball somewhat far and it would travel somewhat in the direction of the hole.

"See? Wasn't so bad, eh?"

Juan smiled but shrugged his shoulders. "Still prefer basketball, though." He picked up the golf bag and walked off to collect the balls, leaving Pete speechless.

"I'm going to pretend you did not just say that!" Pete shouted behind him.

Juan turned around and smiled.

"I'm serious, or you might not get that videogame you want!" he shouted as he shot off after Juan.

"Dad, stop playing, I know you already bought it on eBay!" said Juan. "Mom told me!"

Pete's jaw dropped. "Well… I might decide to keep it for myself!" he said as he caught up to Juan.

"No, you wouldn't, you don't even like that game!" said Juan.

"Well, I would learn to like it."

Juan turned around and mockingly punched Pete in the stomach. "Stop! C'mon Dad, let's go."

Behind him, Pete laughed.