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Thursday, November 23, 2023

Basketball: Comments on a Volleyball Article (That Works for Basketball)

My son Conor, a Bloomberg View columnist and portfolio manager, says, "Never read the comments." But they may share more insight than the article.

First, the comments:

Your recent post is a goldmine of thought-provoking questions and insights, providing a roadmap for anyone serious about taking their volleyball game to the next level. The emphasis on continuous improvement, learning from successful players, and daily player development resonates deeply with the dedication required for excellence.

I particularly appreciate the focus on collaboration with teammates, recognizing the collective effort needed for success. The questions about individual effort during off-season workouts and being a better teammate highlight the holistic approach you advocate for personal and team growth.

Your encouragement for players to identify their key volleyball skill and strategic planning for team success adds a strategic and introspective layer to your coaching philosophy. It's clear that you understand the multifaceted nature of success in volleyball, blending individual strengths with team strategy.

The inclusion of book recommendations, particularly James Clear's Atomic Habits and Jason Selk's concepts, shows a commitment to not only the physical aspects of the game but also the mental and psychological components. This holistic approach sets the stage for a comprehensive and transformative player development journey.

In conclusion, your post isn't just a set of questions; it's a powerful guide for players aspiring to greatness. Your insights into continuous learning, strategic planning, and intentional habits offer a valuable blueprint for those willing to invest in their growth. Keep inspiring and guiding your players to reach their full potential!

That reader thought this article had merit. 

Alabama football coach Nick Saban tells players to focus on two things - do the things necessary to be successful and avoid doing the things that prevent success. That's a tall order for most players. 

These are questions that players should ask. 

1. What did Gia Vlajkovic and Sadie Jaggers do to change positions and perform at a high level? 

2. "Every day is player development day." What are you doing today to improve your skill, athleticism, physicality, or resilience? 

3. Can I find a teammate to share workouts to elevate both of our games and drag us into the top ten percent of players? 

4. Am I coasting through off-season workouts or giving maximum effort? How you do anything is how you do everything. 

5. Have I found a mentor? "Mentoring is the only shortcut to success." Ask your coaches what you need to do. 

6. What's my long-term personal development plan. Have I written it down?

7. Can I be a better teammate? Encouraging and energizing others comes back to us. 

8. What is the volleyball skill that gets and keeps me on the court? 

9. Teams that win championships ordinarily have three dynamic hitters. Who plans to step up and assume those roles? 

10.Am I tracking progress? There is ALWAYS room for improvement. Add to your game with front row players being able to set each other, get more setter dumps, improve service and platform skills. 

11.Do I utilize cellphone video and game video to study the details? What's your runup as a hitter? How can I close the double block better? Where is my 'contact point' on attacks? A low contact point over the net means getting blocked a lot, even if tall. 

12.What's my strength and conditioning plan? I suggest reviewing James Clear's Atomic Habits. Commit to a habit, do it regularly, and monitor. I call that PICK, STICK, and CHECK. "Don't miss twice." 

From the summary linked above:

THE BOOK IN THREE SENTENCES

  1. An atomic habit is a regular practice or routine that is not only small and easy to do but is also the source of incredible power; a component of the system of compound growth.
  2. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change.
  3. Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years.

THE FIVE BIG IDEAS

  1. Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.
  2. If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead.
  3. The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become.
  4. The Four Laws of Behavior Change are a simple set of rules we can use to build better habits. They are (1) make it obvious, (2) make it attractive, (3) make it easy, and (4) make it satisfying.
  5. Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.  

Lagniappe. Ball reversal against the press. 

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