Getting Better

Better ingredients, better volleyball. 

MasterClass has a new series, "GOAT" starting with Dale Harris the 2017 Barista World Champion. He explains that the world's best coffee starts with great ingredients. He shows how to make great expresso and cappuccino. 

This analogy has everything to do with coaching, vital to success. The world's greatest coach (barista) won't win without talent. 

1. The athlete. Coaches thirst for size, athleticism, and skill. Starting with youngsters, a coach projects end products (players) and end state (play). 

Investment isn't random. Melrose has around 30,000 people. 62% aged 25+ have college degrees or higher, and the median household income is $125,000. Parents decide how much to invest in extracurriculars.   

Become an explosive athlete. Jumping rope and intermediate-distance sprints (timed 220s) seems worthwhile. Stretching and weight training have potential value, too.  

2. Skill development. "Skill, there is no substitute." 

- Find a teammate for practice.

- No teammate? Reposting solo practice. 

3. Small-side games (find some you like, develop your own)

• Requires fewer players
• Gets more touches per player
• Offense/defense/competition
• Easier for one coach to see 'everything' 

Court access is a problem. 

4. "Play a lot." There are 'catches'.

- Car athletes (players need transportation, safety and supervision)

- Organized (Travel/AAU/YMCA/PAL) costs more time and treasure.

5. Jump higher and quicker. Check with your coaches/trainer for their recommendations. 

"There is no app to give you skill." Skill is earned.