In addition to
Being negatively influenced
Or sidetracked
By others
And despite
partner and group practices
bringing many benefits
with them
Sometimes it's most effective
or just makes sense
to work on something
by oneself
Free from distractions
Conscious
Focused
In tune with the activity
Almost in meditative quality
Setting aside not only time
But also space
Phone on DND
Mostly
This could be to achieve
A base level of
(A new) skill
That you'd then
Bring to play
With others
To build upon further
For example:
Skate up and down
Somewhere until comfortable
Before heading
To the skate park
Hit a few thousand times against a wall
To get a few (more) balls
Into the court
When you meet with someone else
Become good enough
With the (still) weaker wing
Apply as strength playing folks
Practice where and when
No one is watching
And come back
To surprise & delight :)
If there is a group
And/or space
Of like-minded seekers
That'd be option 3