Volleyball Affirmations

"Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford

Managing self-talk has a vital role for athletes. Learn to filter and to control self-talk. 

Part of Jason Selk's program in "Ten-Minute Toughness" is an Identity Statement. For example, it could be "I am a prepared, tough, and versatile defender." It's separate from your Performance Statement, which explains how you play. "I anticipate and react to the ball, keeping it in play with consistent passes." 

Develop a portfolio of "affirmations," positive statements about yourself. Choose a few or develop your own. 

🏐 Volleyball Affirmations for High School Athletes

1. “Next play — I move on quickly.”

2. “I control my effort, focus, and attitude.”

3. “I am prepared, I am confident, I am ready.”

4. “Every serve and every touch has purpose.”

5. “Pressure is a privilege — I rise to the moment.”

6. “I trust my training and my teammates.”

7. “Mistakes are lessons, not limits.”

8. “I play with energy, toughness, and composure.”

9. “I make my teammates better with every play.”

10. “My body is strong, my mind is stronger.”

11. “Champions do the small things with excellence.”

12. “I choose confidence over doubt.”

How to Use:

• Repeat one or two before practices and matches.

• Use as cue words (“Next play” or “Strong and ready”) during competition.

• Rotate affirmations so they don’t become “background noise.”