Fast Five: Beginners Mind (New Kid on the Block)

"The mind of the beginner is empty, free of the habits of the expert, ready to accept, to doubt, and open to all the possibilities, It is the kind of mind which can see things as they are..." - Richard Baker in Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind


"I'm only on JV." Mirabile dictu. As beginners, we know infinite possibilities. The beginners mind implies openness, freshness, growth. See through the eyes of a child. 

The game comes in three phases - scoring (attack, serve), defending (blocking, digging), and assisting (setting, passing). 

When you go to practice (or study math, English, or science), ask yourself "how am I going to improve today?" How do I create a better version of myself? If you want to become special, you cannot do everything the same as everyone else. 

Imagine you want to improve your blocking. Know your fundamentals. What do you have to improve - footwork, jumping, vision, timing, hand position? Review the brief video. The hand position differs depending on where you're blocking. 

Do you need to improve your vertical jump and strength? Is your timing, vision, and extension correct? Are you closing the block? Is your mindset one of becoming a dominant blocker? 



Be SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely. Work on your flexibility, leg strength (weights, box jumping, resistance training), core strength, power. The athletic department has the facilities and experience to help you. Girls can jump. 

Review your progress by asking better questions: 

1. What went well?
2. What needs improvement? 
3. How can I specifically do better? 
4. What is the enduring lesson from today's reading/practice/game/study?