To be a great team, every team member must give and also give up something. Commitment cost you but what you receive in return is so much greater. pic.twitter.com/1dWAMpBoWB
— Jon Gordon (@JonGordon11) June 6, 2025
Slogans, quotes, and platitudes don't win games. That doesn't mean that quotes have no value (see below). What wins is players executing individual and team skills under game conditions, often under pressure.
"There is a difference between fear and losing your nerve." - Cassian in Andor
MVB always plays both tough league and non-league games. It's normal to be 'anxious' about facing a tough opponent. Turn anxiety into excitement. "Isn't it great to play a top team and get a chance to compete?" Never "turtle" and go into your shell.
Coaches like Scott Celli want their teams to reflect their identity as competitors. Rolling over and exposing your neck is never acceptable.
Be specific. When this happens, this is what we do. In 2008, Melrose traveled to Barnstable, serenaded pregame by "Mickey Mouse." Barnstable dominated the match. Have a long memory. The following season, Melrose, led by Hannah Brickley, swept the perennial D1 state champions including rallying from 19-23 in the third set. There was no turtling. "The second mouse got the cheese."
Believe you're defeated and you are. Decades ago we went to see Melrose basketball play an ML opponent on the road. As we entered the gym, one opposing player told her teammate, "we'll probably lose by 40, maybe 30 if we're lucky."
Where the rubber meets the road. Be a great teammate. How?
- Sacrifice. Always put the team first.
- "Always do your best." Practice your hardest regardless of your playing time.
- Represent your team. Never be a distraction with immaturity or bad behavior on social media.
- Excel in your role. If you are the twelfth player or the first, support your teammates at all times. Never punch down.
- Lead. "Don't blame, complain, or make excuses."
Lagniappe. Everyone benefits by learning to set.
No comments:
Post a Comment