Time to Rally: The Defining Quality

April 27, 2020 | By Steven Kaplan
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Photo Credit: Brian Coleman/NY Tennis Magazine

 

“The Last Dance” on ESPN is a fascinating window into the world of Michael Jordan and his six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls. After watching just the first part, Jordan’s greatness is on full display.

While I see many young tennis players looking for acceptance in practice and dominance in matches,

Jordan was an unrelenting competitor all the time. His team was his responsibility, and he imposed his will.

Competitive cyclists have an expression, “Every ride is a race.”

The burning desire to succeed is the defining quality of the best. Taking responsibility for the success of yourself and others is the defining quality of the greatest.

 

 


Steven Kaplan

Steven Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation and executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally-ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com.

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