Lost in Translation

Part of team culture is unique language. I don't know the local volleyball lexicon. But there surely is one. 

Some words are hard to define and have to be studied and experienced.

Zeitgeist, "the spirit of an age." For example baseball followed the "Steroid Era" with "the Analytics Era" and may be in transition to a new era with fewer "true outcomes" (walks, strikeouts, homers) and more balls in play and speed. The volleyball Zeitgeist is about athleticism and faster more powerful play. 

Gezellig. Gezellig has no 'literal' English translation. It has meaning in Dutch society as a special intimacy with a group or community. Special teams experience 'gezellig' of togetherness, unselfishness, and shared meaning. 

Duende. Duende has been applied to magical or almost mystical figures. Writer George Frazier applied it to sports figures. Some discussed duende in term of Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant in the 1970s. Pele in soccer, Big Papi, and Mets reliever Edwin Diaz had duende. Charisma would be a synonym although perhaps less emotional.  

Why it matters. Many are called but few are chosen for greatness. A great chasm divides ordinary and extraordinary. Bridging it requires athleticism, skill, work, and luck. Control what you can control. Do the work. 

Lagniappe. You don't need a gym or expensive equipment to practice footwork.