Borrow from Parcells: Must, Need, Want (Updated)

Bill Parcells folded a paper in three and labeled columns as MUST, NEED, and WANT. That helped him prioritize for the coming season.

That works for teams but also for individuals. Consider your portfolio of:

• Skill
• Strategy (game understanding/tactics)
• Physicality (athleticism, strength, and conditioning)
• Psychology (the mental game, resilience)

Skills needed by front and back row players overlap. High volumes of practice attacking at the net make little sense for short but athletic back row players. If you want to play all-around, then you must devote time to all volleyball skills:

• Serve/serve receive
• Net attack/block
• Setting/passing 

Everyone benefits from endurance, jumping, strength, and developing some platform skills. 

1) Take inventory of your strengths and improvement needs. 

2) Confirm that your assessment matches the coaches' assessments.

3) Find a mentor.

4) Develop a specific plan for improvement.

5) Work out with a teammate and develop two players.

6) Track progress (e.g. measure your vertical jump with chalk on a wall)

7) Find activities that you can perform yourself at home. 

Lagniappe (a small sample of possibilities)

As a coach, I ask players, "what do we need to improve?" and expect the answer, "Everything." Every position is important, every role is important, and value the triad of "teamwork, improvement, and accountability." Accountability means holding yourself to high standards. That means home duties, academics, and sports. When you set up the nets before practice, set them perfectly. 

Lagniappe. Study your footwork on video and work to improve your consistency.  

Double bonus! Find 'flow states' (optimal performance). 

Many flow triggers exist. 

• Dan Pink's "Drive" recommends AMP - autonomy, mastery, purpose.
• Kotner's video discusses others including attention, curiosity, concentration, passion, and others.
• One key element is blocking out distractions.