Our Better Version*

Distinguish between rules and guidelines. 

"We can call this The 1 Percent Rule. The 1 Percent Rule states that over time the majority of the rewards in a given field will accumulate to the people, teams, and organizations that maintain a 1 percent advantage over the alternatives. You don’t need to be twice as good to get twice the results. You just need to be slightly better. "

Many sports distill to these concepts:

• Optimize initial spacing
• Create advantage (often via player and ball movement)
• Execute at the scoring moment 

The serve created advantage. Sadie Jaggers executed. Don't overcomplicate things. 

Life is like that. Your offseason program is your opportunity in many ways. 

• Excel academically. Coaches promote players and hear back that the player couldn't qualify at their institution. That's disappointing and disempowering for the athlete. 
• Build skill. As basketball guru Kevin Eastman says, "you own your paycheck." Your "pay" becomes minutes, role, and recognition. At the end of the day, players play or bench themselves - their paycheck.  
• Learn the game. Watch video. Read about your sport. Find mentors. As Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers."
• Build athleticism. It won't happen automatically. Find drills and training advice wherever you can. 
• Become more resilient. "Toughness is a skill. Hard work is a skill. Success is a choice."

All the success stories in Melrose volleyball were earned. Nobody 'granted' a position or achievement to players. Remember the formula:

ACHIEVEMENT = PERFORMANCE x TIME

It takes time. I recently shared the "Pyramid of Success." Near the top, FAITH and PATIENCE flank Competitive Greatness. That means BELIEF and TIME. Build your pyramid using all the stones available to you. 

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
― William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

Lagniappe (something extra). "Champions do extra." 

*I knew I'd omit exceptional players from the "tiering" and added the excellent Autumn Whelan, a fixture at libero for the 2021 Melrose sectional champion. MY BAD.