Hello volleyball players,
I don't think I could go about blogging without mentioning this. I am in shock and it is hard to find words except to say that I am sorry to hear about the tragedy today that rocked so many of us to our cores. One of our own has passed away. He was only 17. I just want to say that the rest of our time here will not be without memories of him - a happy guy with such a hunger to get out and play the sports he loved so much. That is what I will remember most about him.
We miss you, Chris. Rest peacefully.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
South Boys 2010
Today, I was thinking about our team next year. I want a section championship. I believe it is possible for next year. I will be starting off with a great core group: Eddie, Harry, Eric, Devon, and Blake, all of whom look taller to me since the 2009 season ended. :-) I can't wait to add more people to that list. I sometimes look at the other kids in the school and try to recruit, wondering if each might fit with the afformentioned core.
Today, I thought about what we will need to do and how we will need to act. That's right - act. I always tell my team that volleyball is more mental than physical. Volleyballers play the game in their head. If you believe you will accomplish something (i.e.: serving well on match point), then you will do it. If there's any doubt in your mind about your ability, you will not be successful. I recalled several of my own games as an athlete. I remembered that every time I thought, "this is easy. I'm going to shut this team down," I did it. Every time I stepped onto the court unsure of myself, I was shut down. I want to fight for my section championship and I want a team that is going to fight with me. They will not be allowed to play volleyball quietly. If you don't talk, you get subbed out. End of story. They will not be allowed to finish a practice without trying hard. There might be a lot of suicide sprinting going on, but it will be worth it. Last season, regarding entering the gym at an away game, I told my team not to look at the opponents as your friends (some of them are, off the court). I've played against friends before. An athlete is nice to their friends before game day and after game day, but while he's on the court, he does what he went there to do. "Walk into the gym with your heads up and your gamefaces on," I remember advising. "If you walk into the gym with your heads down, you've already lost the game." In high school, my brother was a national champion track and field athlete. He didn't get that far by doubting himself. He attacked every obstacle. So, I say to the boys, enough with the insecurity and the feeling of being newbies! Everyone in the county is a newbie; boys' volleyball just started here two seasons ago. We're all in the same boat: LEARNING THE GAME. Believe you can win and you'll win. Don't give up, whether you're winning or losing. Just fight.
Today, I want my section championship and I believe I will get it.
Tomorrow, I will feel the same way.
From now until August, I will be looking for the athletes who will fight for it with me.
Today, I thought about what we will need to do and how we will need to act. That's right - act. I always tell my team that volleyball is more mental than physical. Volleyballers play the game in their head. If you believe you will accomplish something (i.e.: serving well on match point), then you will do it. If there's any doubt in your mind about your ability, you will not be successful. I recalled several of my own games as an athlete. I remembered that every time I thought, "this is easy. I'm going to shut this team down," I did it. Every time I stepped onto the court unsure of myself, I was shut down. I want to fight for my section championship and I want a team that is going to fight with me. They will not be allowed to play volleyball quietly. If you don't talk, you get subbed out. End of story. They will not be allowed to finish a practice without trying hard. There might be a lot of suicide sprinting going on, but it will be worth it. Last season, regarding entering the gym at an away game, I told my team not to look at the opponents as your friends (some of them are, off the court). I've played against friends before. An athlete is nice to their friends before game day and after game day, but while he's on the court, he does what he went there to do. "Walk into the gym with your heads up and your gamefaces on," I remember advising. "If you walk into the gym with your heads down, you've already lost the game." In high school, my brother was a national champion track and field athlete. He didn't get that far by doubting himself. He attacked every obstacle. So, I say to the boys, enough with the insecurity and the feeling of being newbies! Everyone in the county is a newbie; boys' volleyball just started here two seasons ago. We're all in the same boat: LEARNING THE GAME. Believe you can win and you'll win. Don't give up, whether you're winning or losing. Just fight.
Today, I want my section championship and I believe I will get it.
Tomorrow, I will feel the same way.
From now until August, I will be looking for the athletes who will fight for it with me.
Pictures from RocklandUnite Girls Tournament and Boys Scrimmage 3/6/10
Thanks for playing, boys! The scrimmage was fun and I enjoyed seeing the school team players!
Good first tournament, girls!
Keep working hard.
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