Self-Trust, Decisiveness, and the “In-Between” Trap

“He who chases two rabbits will catch neither.” – Russian Proverb

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

“The question you must ask yourself is not whether you’re sinking your putts. The proper question is whether your attitude is giving your putts a chance to go in.” – Bob Rotella, Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect

Anyone good enough to make MVB varsity is good enough to expand their success. Making the team is the first filter - proof of competence, skill, athleticism, and volleyball IQ. Climbing from contributor to impact player means more: the head game of self-trust and decisiveness.

Skill matters. Systems matter. But indecision erases both.

The “In-Between” Problem

Every sport recognizes the danger of being caught in between:

• In golf, you can’t decide between clubs.

• In baseball or softball, you half-commit to a swing.

• On the mound, you guide a pitch instead of throwing it.

• In basketball, you take “me-too shots” instead of purposeful ones.

Volleyball is no different—and perhaps more unforgiving. The ball doesn’t stop. A moment’s doubt becomes a broken play.

Where Indecision Shows Up in Volleyball

Indecisive play wears many disguises:

Serve-Receive

• Soft communication

• Slow reading of ball flight

• Late or drifting platform

Setting

• Late choices that lead to tight or low-quality sets

• Double-clutching due to hesitation

Attacking

• Slowed approaches

• Mid-air changes in plan

• Choosing safety over intent

Blocking

• Catching the ball instead of penetrating the airspace

• Delayed read steps

Defense

• Ball-watching instead of reading arm, shoulder, and approach

• Getting caught between tip and deep responsibilities

The common denominator? Players who don’t trust their read or don’t trust themselves.

What Decisiveness Really Means

Being decisive doesn’t mean being reckless. It means:

• Trusting your training

• Reading cues early (ball flight, setter hands, attacker tendencies)

• Moving with purpose

• Owning communication and your responsibility

• Making the correct play for the situation - even if imperfect

Fast decisions beat perfect ones. Aggressive mistakes beat timid ones. Commitment beats hesitation.

Expanding Your Game Starts Here

If you want a bigger role, the first step isn’t a new shot or a harder swing - it’s choosing to trust yourself. Trust your read. Trust your platform. Trust your approach. 

When you have and trust ability, and act with conviction, the game slows down, confidence rises, and your teammates learn they can trust you too.

Decisiveness is a skill. Self-trust is a habit. Train both every day.

Lagniappe. What ends the game?