Playing Time

Varsity sports reflect the importance of winning. Participation fees muddy the waters, but they don't buy playing time.

MVB sets high standards and goals. Every year the goal is to "win the last game." That's only happened once, although MVB has gotten to the Finals four times.

How can you increase your playing time? Greg Berge has a lengthy thread below. I'll shorten the list. 

1. Earn the position with commitment, skill, and effort. All the effort and commitment in the world won't overcome limited size, athleticism, and skill. Back row players can be short but not unskilled and unathletic. 

2. Outwork the competition. If two players have similar size, skill, and athleticism, the "hungrier lioness" will generally win. 

3. Be Darwinian. Be versatile and flexible. Darwin didn't say "survival of the fittest" but most responsive to change. 

4. Earn the coach's trust by impacting winning. That usually blends vision, decisions, and execution especially but not exclusively during "winning time." 

5. Be a great teammate. The players voted for the "Best Teammate," who wasn't necessarily the best player or the most valuable player. They always got it right. 

Playing Time is EARNED.

But how can athletes EARN playing time?

Here are 10 ways.

[THREAD] 🧵

— Greg Berge (@gb1121) July 21, 2024

Lagniappe 2. Setting tips.