Ask Better Questions

Ask better questions, set higher expectations. Expecting perfection creates frustration. But expecting improvement (triad of teamwork, improvement, accountability) launches a team's trajectory upward.

Brad Stevens encourages coaches to ask, "what does my team need now?" That could vary from working on a specific need, teaching points, or even a day off.

Here's a point from Shane Parrish's Clear Thinking.

"Self-confidence is the ability to focus on what is right, rather than who is right."

For example, imagine a parent is unhappy about their child's playing time. Child advocacy is a 'foundational principle' that conflicts with a coach's mandate, "do what is in the best interest of the team." We might say, "I understand that Susie hasn't played that much. Every day she scrimmages against the best players in the league, giving her chances to improve. When she's had opportunities in scrimmages and games, she hasn't yet raised her level of play. She is a promising young player and gains in skill, physicality, and resilience are ahead of her. Continue to support and encourage her."

Amidst our tens of thousands of daily thoughts, genius and rubbish hasten by. Capture more of the former and dismiss all of the latter.

As a player, focus on what you must do to grow and put yourself in a position to succeed. Former Melrose AD Sonny Lane preached, "I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied." Last season's club had an excellent season, something to build on for returning players.

Return to Michael Useem's 'big four':

• What went well?
• What went poorly?
• What can we do differently next time? 
• What are the enduring lessons?  

Interjecting ourselves into the process tempts us. My kids liked that I knew nothing about volleyball. I couldn't add one cent never mind two. 

If you didn't play as much as you'd like last season, ask 'what can I do differently' and most important, DO IT. 

Lagniappe. Jump float serve better... 

Lagniappe 2. 

Lagniappe 3. More exercises for volleyball.