Non-Negotiable

Stick with the fundamentals. Wyc Grousbeck introduced an aerospace engineer (my wife Ellen) to Brad Stevens. Stevens answered, "Well, basketball's not rocket science."

Ignore the noise. Volleyball season is too short to miss "the signal." Know what's non-negotiable.

1) "You own your paycheck." Your readiness determines your minutes, role, and recognition. Be ready every time you 'cross the red line' onto the court. Be stretched out, mentally focused, and ready to go. 

2) Be in condition. Exceptional players are highly conditioned. Be able to play five sets in the late summer heat. 

3) Build skills. Everyone benefits from "platform skills" to serve receive, dig, and pass. (See the bonus material today). 

4) Study the game. Study and copy great players. Websites to follow:

• Art of Coaching Volleyball
• Elevate Yourself
• VolleyCountry

5) Become more physically explosive. 

• Step ups
• Lunges and reverse lunges
• Side jumps
• Tuck jumps
• Jump rope (helps with conditioning, too)

6) "Character is job one." Take care of business at home and in the classroom. Be a great teammate. Be an "AND" player not a "BUT" player..."she's a good player BUT..." 

Lagniappe. Coach Jiri explains the benefits of wall drills. 

Lagniappe 2. Conditioning drills.