Learning This Way Is Preferable

"We're gonna learn from winning so that we don't have to learn from losing," Vrabel said ( after the Patriots beat Atlanta).

Commit to learning whether winning or losing. Identify five lessons from the 2025 season that can change the future. Your lessons may be different. 

***Note - understand that nobody can read or study their way to elite volleyball performance. The game is played on the court not on a computer. 

1. Beating good teams means winning more positive points and preventing more opponent points. 

2. Preventing opponent points means continued improvement at serve-receive and especially blocking at the pins (outside attacks). Serve-receive improved over the course of the season. 

3. Profit from service. The team reduced service errors from 2024. Continue to refine service to seams, short, sidelines, and 'sisters' (weakest receiver). Improve serving technique re: velocity and movement (e.g. topspin). 

4. Continue to grow athleticism. "Sport rewards athleticism."

• Vertical jump can improve 3-6"
• Lateral quickness will help your block and defense
• Strength builds attack and block. 
• Age-related growth and maturity will impact young players.

5. Study the game. Get more "meat off the bone" or "corn off the cob" if you prefer. Tips, tools, and cut shots are available and will increase attack efficiency (kills - errors)/attacks

Lagniappe. "44 special" 

Lagniappe 2. Another short video "clock on the ball"

Lagniappe 3. Topspin. Some players continually hit long and can reduce that tendency by adding topspin. "Spin rate" is meaningful in multiple sports - baseball (curve balls), tennis, and soccer ("Bend it like Beckham.") Think about the ball having an equator and hitting "above the equator" to generate topspin. A dynamic serve can earn you a bigger role.