You Don't Need a Pool

You need a program but not a pool to increase your vertical jump and lateral quickness. 

Emotional Intelligence and Coaching

"He attended the five-minute Charm School course...and left early." - Nurse Barb Schuler, circa 1987

Coaching is a relationship business - relationships with players and families, peers, and supervisors. Coaches strive to get the highest performance from those around them, helping players to improve and 'reach their ceiling'.

These are just a few points:

That means uncomfortable conversations. "I'm telling you this because I know that you care, I believe in you, and that improving in these areas will help you become more effective." 

Coach Lane would say, "If I stop yelling at you it's because I don't think there's any value to it." That's a metaphorical death sentence. 

Coaches need to listen empathetically. We don't always know the background of a player's personal situation. That also means having a dialogue with players so they feel empowered to share. Problems in school or illness in a family can prevent a player from fully engaging. 

In 1971, we sophomores had a 'double-header'. We won a tough afternoon game against a good team and got blown out by a strong JV team that night. We were gassed. The following day the JV coach ran us for the whole practice...laps, suicides, sprints. I lost respect for him because he didn't diagnose what we needed (press breaking) and took punitive action. Frankly, if parents complained today, he'd probably get "relieved for cause." 

Communication which is "performance-focused, feedback-rich" fosters an environment for competitive advantage. Feedback should be a two-way street. Players and coaches both can improve. 

"What's in it for me?" Emotional intelligence helps us diagnose what is actually happening and the motivations surrounding situations. 

Use emotional intelligence wisely. Our feelings help guide us toward positive experiences and away from negative ones. 

Emotional intelligence helps us act aggressively or to avoid saying or doing something harmful. With exaggerated emotions, some lose self-control. 

A lack of emotional intelligence can result in harmful behaviors such as bullying. Coaches might 'bully' a player by benching her. 

Emotional intelligence helps us "regulate" our feelings. Rather than lashing out, "you're lazy and worthless, an embarrassment," a coach could say, "that was a bad play but that doesn't make you worth less as a person." We've probably all heard, "you're better than that." 

Emotional intelligence helps us to teach. "Everything I say goes for all players. Take shots that are appropriate to the situation." That doesn't single out one player. 

Think about it in other ways:

• Rod Olson counsels us to speak greatness. "That was good BUT you could do this" isn't as helpful as, "That was good AND you might try doing it this way." 
• Coach John Wooden 'sandwiched' criticism between praise statements. 
• A ratio of positive to negative of at least 3:1 is better and with couples 5:1 or more is even better. 
• We may not choose how to feel but we choose how to react and what to say.

Lagniappe. From ChatGPT, prompt, "please provide the top five highlights from Daniel Goleman's classic, "Emotional Intelligence." 

Here are the top five highlights from Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence:

1. Emotions Are Critical to Success
   Goleman argues that emotional intelligence (EQ) is more influential than IQ in determining personal and professional success. Attributes like self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills often outweigh raw intelligence in achieving goals and building relationships.

2. The Five Components of Emotional Intelligence
   Goleman identifies five key components:

   • Self-Awareness: Recognizing and understanding your emotions and their impact.
   • Self-Regulation: Managing emotions, impulses, and adapting to change.
   • Motivation: Inner drive to pursue goals beyond external rewards.
   • Empathy: Understanding and responding to others' emotions.
   • Social Skills: Building relationships, influencing others, and managing conflict.

3. The Role of the Brain in Emotional Regulation
   Goleman explains how the brain's amygdala and prefrontal cortex interact. The "amygdala hijack" can trigger emotional reactions before rational thought kicks in, underscoring the importance of learning self-regulation to prevent impulsive decisions.

4. Empathy as the Foundation of Relationships
   Empathy allows individuals to connect with others, fostering better communication and collaboration. It’s essential in leadership and teamwork, where understanding others’ perspectives strengthens group dynamics.

5. Emotional Intelligence Can Be Developed
   Unlike IQ, which remains relatively fixed, EQ can be improved through practice and reflection. Strategies like mindfulness, active listening, and emotional self-assessment help individuals build better emotional skills over time.

Goleman’s work remains influential, especially in leadership, education, and personal growth, where emotional intelligence is seen as a key to thriving in complex environments.

Lagniappe 2. Training helps lessen injuries. 

Female soccer ⚽️ athletes are 2-9x more likely to sustain an ACL injury than males (Chadwick C Prodromos et al.). Variations useful for LB strength to reduce the risk:

▪️Skater Squats
▪️SL squats
▪️Ecc. GH rolls/slides
▪️RFESS
▪️BB RDL
▪️Front Squat
▪️Lateral lunge
▪️SL RDL  

The Eisenhower Matrix

President Dwight Eisenhower had a heuristic (back-of-the-envelope, rule of thumb) system to direct attention to issues according to importance and urgency. The urgent, important tasks require immediate attention. Non-urgent, non-important issues get discarded.

The 'matrix' is illustrated by Sahil Bloom.

For example, in-game timeouts for strategy, substitution, or momentum disruption are urgent and important. Waking up rested and prepared for a test is both important and urgent. 

Player skill development in the offseason is important but not urgent. Arranging the 'play date' is important but not urgent. 

A request for an interview may be urgent (per the reporter) but not highly important to the program. 

Match Work to Dreams

Self-talk comes in different forms, including IDENTITY (this is who I am) and PERFORMANCE (this is how I play).

Self-motivation challenges us. In The Meditations, Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote this about a practical reality:  

"At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”"

Success demands that we match our work to our dreams. It demands that we match our system to our goals. No guarantees...

"Control what you can control." 

• Make the volleyball your friend in the offseason. 
• Build platform skills with a teammate. 
• Commit to regular workouts to build quickness and power. 
• Resilience benefits from great self-talk. 

Lagniappe. Thumbs up? 

Lagniappe 2. Two player drills. 

Lagniappe 3. One-armed volleyball digs and drills. 

Calipari on Toughness

"Body language screams for everybody to see.
In most cases, it's an immaturity thing.
But, the second part of it is- a lack of mental toughness. My point to them is- how we think has to change if you want how we are playing to change." pic.twitter.com/9DbykbfBgW

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 29, 2024

Communication occurs on multiple levels - verbal, non-verbal, tone.

Exceptional teams have exceptional resilience - the 2001-2002 Patriots, the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team, the 2004 Red Sox...teams that overcame overwhelming odds. 

Resilience shows up in executing serve and serve receive in the moment, in focus, and making game changing defensive plays. Resilience stops negative runs and continues positive ones.  

Culture - What Does It Mean?

All opinions expressed in the blog are mine. Don't blame anyone else. 

"Nature or nurture" is a universal question that intrudes into our understanding of sports. Where might we begin research?

Here's a ChatGPT comment on anthropologist Margaret Mead's take on the impact of culture on behavior. Highlights are mine. Mead did extensive study of other 'tribes' seeking understanding of the link between culture and behavior. 

"Margaret Mead, a cultural anthropologist, believed that culture profoundly shapes human behavior, influencing everything from gender roles to social norms. She would likely argue that behavior cannot be understood solely through biology or individual psychology; instead, it must be examined in the context of the cultural systems that guide it.

Mead's studies, like those in Coming of Age in Samoa (1928), demonstrated how cultural values and practices create different behavioral expectations. For example, she showed that Samoan adolescents experienced less turmoil during puberty than their Western counterparts, attributing this difference to the more relaxed attitudes toward sexuality and community in Samoan society.

In essence, Mead would assert that much of what we consider "human nature" is, in fact, culturally constructed. She'd emphasize that culture provides the blueprint for how people learn to think, act, and interact, and by studying diverse societies, we can understand the fluidity of human behavior and challenge assumptions about what is "natural" or universal."

Years ago, 60 Minutes contrasted discipline between American and Japanese early education. In the US, teachers enforced discipline. In Japan, it was students. Students refused to play with the bully in Japan. To become accepted, the bully had to change. Culture shaped behavior.

How does MVB culture shape performance and behavior? 

Over the past three decades, MVB enjoyed a state championship (2012), ten sectional championships, and sixteen consecutive league titles. Why? Culture is the sum of resources that define a program. 

Hard work and sacrifice. Players and families sacrifice time and resources with offseason volleyball, strength and conditioning, and summer league play. 

Leadership continuity. Coach Scott Celli has overseen MVB since the early 2000s. Few programs enjoy similar consistency. 

Scheduling. A better winning percentage takes a back seat to competition. The non-league schedule usually includes multiple state championship winners and/or contenders. "To be the best you must beat the best." The league schedule will be up and down, but the quality of the nonleague opponents is chosen. 

Positivity. You cannot forge a positive life with a negative attitude. While some programs shrink, the interest in volleyball has never been higher nationally or locally. Players love to play and practice. 

Community. The community supports volleyball with passionate fans. Supporters travel to see the team play superior competition. Families of former players often continue to follow the team. 

A casteless system. Virtually every season, team members come from each of the four high school classes. Upperclassmen indoctrinate young players into the system, even as they compete for court time and roles. Upperclassmen still value and want the minutes, roles, and recognition. To their credit, they put team culture first. At the same time, young players earn the opportunity to play and to earn respect from their teammates. 

Rituals. Every program has its rituals. Pasta parties, pregame lollipops for fans, snacks on the bus, Who Let the Dogs Out?, the Banquet, and other traditions shape the culture. I'm sure there are others we don't know. 

"Tradition never graduates." Great players graduate. This year Melrose graduates nine seniors. 19 MVB players have earned MAVCA All-State honors. Many also earned recognition as All-Scholastics, league MVPs, and All-League players. With excellent players returning and others in training, it's cause for optimism. 

Lagniappe. Repost. "Become someone that handles hard better."  

Quick Hitter - Become Addicted to Today

"All of us are addicted to tomorrow...but making it happen today is how you improve.” Nick Saban pic.twitter.com/Bw6AMHevmY

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 27, 2024

One of the greatest privileges of youth is charting your future, navigating your path.

Make today the most important day in your life. Write and rewrite your story; make it a great one.  

Journaling and the 1-1-1 Method - Applied to Volleyball

Journaling has merits for self-improvement and self-regulation. 

Journaling carries more weight when regular. There is probably more value for handwritten entries. I keep a separate handwritten journal. 

Sahil Bloom emphasizes what he calls the 1-1-1 method. 

• 1 "Win" for the day
• 1 Stressor 
• 1 point of gratitude

Think about it. As you chronicle your volleyball journey, imagine all the progress and milestones crossed. Bloom suggests that you form a journaling group. Choose whether or what to share. 

Your win might be either 'process' or 'outcome'. Document your 'Four Pillars' wins - skill, strategy, physicality, psychology (resilience). Maybe there are points of technique, tactics or more that you pick up here or in the videos. 

Stressor. Did something give you trouble? It could be motivation, minor illness or injury, or a 'technique' issue with part of your game. 

Gratitude. Gratitude creates happiness. Find reasons to appreciate your family, your personal growth, friends, teammates, or whatever you appreciate. With luck, you can build it into your daily routine. 

Lagniappe. Stay away from lamps, appliances, fireplaces, etc. Because our twins had each other, there was plenty of this action in our house. 

Five Ways to Increase Mental Toughness

Get up early. "Rise above your feelings." 

Make your bed. Accomplish something early. 

Work out. Do something you don't feel like doing. 

Study first as a discipline. "Do things that are difficult." 

Eat something you don't like regularly. Mushrooms? 

If you don't eat mushrooms, then you'll never eat Beef Wellington. That will be your loss. 

To be disciplined in your athletic career, be disciplined in everything. 

Lagniappe. Do the impossible. 

 

3 x 5 Cards

"Simple works" until it doesn't. Prodigious writing output doesn't equal quality.

On Bloomberg radio, host Tom Keene asked a guest, "what belongs on your 3 x 5 card going into 2025?" That's always a good question.

What briefly describes our coaching ethos, methods, and collective beliefs, attitudes, and values? 

Sahil Bloom has suggestions:

Each evening, I sit down at my desk and write down the 3-5 highest-impact to-dos for the following day. These are the "important" tasks that directly contribute to my long-term projects or goals.

The list is pure—I specifically avoid writing down all of the miscellaneous urgent and unimportant to-dos (more on that later).

In the morning, I sit down at my desk for my first focus work block and start at the top of the list, working my way down and crossing off the important items as I get through them. My primary goal is to cross each item off the list by the end of the day.

I am intentionally conservative in the number of items I write on the list. It's usually 3, sometimes 4, and very rarely 5. I never want to end the day with open items, so being conservative helps me accomplish that (and get the extra rush from getting through more than I expected). 

So what belongs? 

1. It's all about relationships - coach-player, player-player, coach-coach. Savor and cultivate them daily.

2. Put the team first. The best players make everyone around them better.

3. Add value. That requires character and competence. Add value for life. 

4. "Every day is player development day." Skill, there is no substitute.

5. Seek work-life balance. On the cusp of retirement, I'm still looking. 

On the back of the card, we could have a "what does our team need today?" list to address specifics. 

• Work on topspin serves.
• Work on directing serves to alleys and seams
• Close the double block on pin hitters
• Win the serve-receive battle on hard serves 

There's no "life-changing drill." There are life-changing people, life-changing experiences, difference makers. 

What's on your 3 x 5 card? 

Lagniappe. Build lateral quickness. 

Antifragility

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. Don't blame anyone else. 

All sport programs are subject to fragility, failure under stress. The New England Patriots had a long period (2001-2018) of success with six Super Bowl titles. That's not the norm. Most attribute the success to superior coaching under Bill Belichick and exceptional quarterback play by Tom Brady.

A variety of factors work to limit sustainable competitive advantage - structural including a salary cap, free agency, and standings-based drafting and nonstructural including team spending, injuries, and "attractiveness" of franchises by winning, weather, state taxes, and other factors. 

MVB has enjoyed success since at least 2002. In the book "Antifragile," Nassim Taleb examines factors impacting fragility and a desire to make systems "antifragile," that is 'hardened' by stress. 

First, a digression to ChatGPT:

1. Emphasize Process Over Outcome

Programs that focus solely on winning are fragile; one bad season or key injury can derail them. Antifragile programs emphasize growth, improvement, and consistent execution of core principles.

Example: A volleyball program that measures success by metrics like fewer errors, stronger team communication, and incremental skill improvements—not just wins—can adapt better to setbacks like losing star players.

---

2. Build Depth and Redundancy

An antifragile program develops multiple layers of talent and leadership so it doesn’t crumble if a key player or coach departs.

Tactics:

• Prioritize deep rosters with rotational players ready to step up.
• Develop assistant coaches who can sustain the program’s philosophy if the head coach leaves.
• Cross-train players in multiple positions to increase versatility and flexibility.

---

3. Foster a Culture of Adaptability

Programs that embrace flexibility and innovation thrive in chaotic environments. This includes teaching athletes to adjust their approach mid-game and evolving the program’s strategies over time.

How:

• Teach players situational awareness and the ability to "read the game."
• Use diverse practice scenarios (e.g., playing with different lineups or under altered rules) to simulate unpredictable conditions.
• Regularly evaluate and tweak training methods to stay ahead of competition.

---

4. Encourage Feedback Loops

Antifragile systems improve by learning from stressors and feedback. Create a culture where players, coaches, and staff give and receive constructive criticism.

Actionable Steps:

• Review game film to analyze mistakes and adapt strategies.
• Conduct end-of-season player surveys to identify weaknesses in training or team culture.
• Hold regular team meetings where athletes share what’s working and what needs improvement.

---

5. Normalize Failure as a Learning Tool

Fragile programs fear failure because it exposes weaknesses. Antifragile programs embrace failure as an opportunity to grow stronger.

Approach:

• Encourage players to take calculated risks during games.
• Debrief losses with a focus on lessons learned rather than blame.
• Reward effort and improvement over perfection to reduce fear of mistakes.

---

6. Develop Mental Toughness and Resilience

Antifragility thrives on stress, and mentally tough athletes handle stress better. A team with emotional resilience can turn adversity into opportunity.

Strategies:

• Teach mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure.
• Expose players to high-pressure situations in practice (e.g., time-crunch drills, clutch free throws after sprints).
• Instill confidence by celebrating small victories, like improving fitness metrics or mastering specific skills.

---

7. Diversify Revenue and Resource Streams

Many programs are fragile because they rely heavily on a single source of funding or one star player to attract attention. Diversification adds antifragility.

Ideas:

• Build strong alumni networks for support and funding.
• Host camps and clinics to engage the community and generate revenue.
• Develop a program identity that attracts players and fans, even in lean seasons.

---

8. Institutionalize Continuous Learning

The best programs are perpetual learners. They actively seek ways to improve and adapt to changing circumstances.

Implementation:

• Send coaches to clinics, conferences, and workshops to stay updated on new trends.
• Use data analytics to refine training plans and in-game strategies.
• Benchmark your program against top competitors to identify gaps.

---

9. Promote Self-Organizing Leadership

Rigid hierarchies are fragile. Antifragile systems empower players to lead and solve problems autonomously, creating a more adaptable team.

Practical Steps:

• Rotate captains or leadership roles to build leadership depth.
• Encourage players to hold each other accountable during games and practices.
• Use team-building exercises to foster trust and cohesion.

---

10. Build a Culture of "Skin in the Game"

Antifragility thrives on accountability and commitment. Programs where everyone—coaches, players, staff—has a stake in the program’s success create a shared sense of responsibility.

How:

• Align individual goals with team goals (e.g., players aiming for personal milestones that contribute to team success).
• Share success stories of former players to reinforce the long-term benefits of commitment.
• Encourage athletes to invest emotionally and physically in their teammates’ success.

---

11. Use Chaos as a Training Tool

Introduce controlled chaos in practices to simulate the unpredictability of games. This builds adaptability and reduces fear of unexpected challenges.

Examples:

• Play with uneven teams (e.g., 4 vs. 5) to teach problem-solving.
• Practice with game clocks running at odd intervals or surprise rule changes.
• Run “scramble drills” where players must respond to broken plays.

---

12. Institutionalize Values Over Personalities

Programs reliant on a single charismatic coach or player are fragile. Antifragile programs institutionalize core values, ensuring continuity regardless of personnel changes.

Steps:

• Document and communicate the program’s philosophy (e.g., teamwork, hard work, humility).
• Celebrate behaviors that align with the program’s identity, not just stats or wins.
• Develop a mentoring pipeline where older players and staff teach newcomers.

---

By embracing uncertainty and learning to grow from it, sports programs can make themselves stronger over time. The key is viewing challenges as opportunities, not threats, and designing systems that thrive on change. Which of these ideas feels most relevant to your program?

Let's examine a few factors that affect program fragility. 

1. Alternative sports. Let's look outside Melrose, at Watertown with their uber-dominant field hockey (FH) program. FH success is easier without 'competition' from other major fall sports. Their soccer program went 2-15 and volleyball 0-20. Neither sport has gravitational force to attract top athletes from FH. A superpower program can be self-sustaining. 

2. Program culture. A culture of positivity and success has 'intangibles' that help recruit and retain players. 

3. Sport popularity trends in society. More high school girls (470K versus 373K) participate in volleyball than basketball (NFHS statistics). The participation trend is upward for both girls and boys. 

4. Continual infusion of young players into the system helps fuel success but also shows younger players there is opportunity for success throughout all of high school. You don't have to be an upperclassman to earn a chance to play. 

5. Youth development program. Middle school volleyball has shown an explosive growth in participation. The more athletes to choose from the greater likelihood of finding "diamonds in the rough." 

6. The more participation and growth mindset in a program the more opportunity to develop both excellent frontline AND depth players. 

7. Community support. Success attracts 'eyeballs' and resources. An effective booster organization can help fund equipment, uniforms, and coaching positions. 

8. Success attracts and retains players who build skill through offseason strength and conditioning and offseason play. Better athleticism and experience helps prepare players for the regular and postseason. 

Lagniappe. Subtle angle differences on middle attack. 

Do the Work

The Four Pillars are: 

• Skill 
• Strategy (Tactics, game knowledge)
• Physicality (Strength and conditioning)
• Psychology (Focus, resilience)

Every exceptional MVB player was an excellent athlete. Watch video of Elena, Gia, or Sadie and see powerful athletes. 

In addition to athleticism boosting your vertical jump, attacking power, and quickness, athleticism raises confidence. 

You don't need expensive equipment. Body weight exercises help. A gallon of water (e.g. in a plastic container) weighs about 8.3 pounds - useful "dumbbells."  

Single leg and split stance variations should be a focus in long term athletic development:

▪️Skater Squats
▪️Rear foot elevated split squat
▪️Back loaded reverse lunges
▪️Front foot elevated split squats
▪️Single leg squats
▪️SL RDL
▪️Hatfield split squats
▪️Step up ➡️ Lunge pic.twitter.com/OfmeCNwQeU

— Jeremy Toohey (@Toohey_sp) December 23, 2024

10 minute high intensity interval training 

 

To Be Great, Be Different

I was just telling my son how special UNLV was. They were literally running teams out the gym. Stifling defense, fast break dunks, swagger, grit, snarling, screaming after they dunk. And when they beat Duke by 30 in the championship game in 1990, man the whole community was proud pic.twitter.com/qODxvpuirc

— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) December 23, 2024

Greatness isn't about "copying" what others do. The great Pete Newell said, "most copies are poor reproductions of the original."

1. Be positive. Nobody crafts a positive life from a negative attitude. 

2. Bring energy. Energize yourself and your teammates. Be an energy giver not an energy vampire. 

3. Make everyone around you better. "Share something great," a tip on playing, a poem, a book, a movie... 

"To see a world in a grain of sand,

And a heav'n in a wild flower. 

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, 

And eternity in an hour." - William Blake

4. "Comparison is the thief of joy." - Teddy Roosevelt   Don't compare yourself to others. if you must compare, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday. 

5. "Make friends with the dead." Only about seven percent of the people ever born are alive today. Become friends with Abraham Lincoln, Margaret Mead, Tolstoy, Mark Twain, Frances Perkins. 

6. "Read. Read. Read. Read. Read." - Werner Herzog, Film Director, Author, Actor

Merry Christmas. May the sun never set on your joy. 

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

Crafting Excellence

Difference makers lead by example and have a positive impact on their team every single day. pic.twitter.com/4UDt0wfU3l

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 23, 2024

What you achieve depends not on the training that your teammates, coaches, and fans see. It depends more on your training that they never see. 

Few see you training to develop quickness, power, and strength.

Few see the hours invested in developing attack and defensive footwork, platforms skills and arm swing.

Few see you watching game video to improve your ability to read the game and make better decisions.

Few see you working on mental focus and resilience. 

Few see you eating right, hydrating, recovering after workouts with contrast therapy, and getting enough sleep.

Excellence depends on global attention to detail.  

Applying Principles from "Game Changer"

Exceptional players and coaches have extraordinary understanding of sport. Let's start with a summary of Fergus Connolly's "Game Changer" from ChatGPT. 

Fergus Connolly's Game Changer: The Art of Sports Science emphasizes a holistic approach to human performance, blending physical preparation, tactical awareness, technical skill, and mental resilience. The book's key themes include:

1. The Four Pillars of Performance
   Connolly identifies four key elements of success in any sport:

   • Technical: Execution of skills specific to the game.
   • Tactical: Understanding strategy and decision-making.
   • Physical: Fitness, strength, and conditioning.
   • Psychological: Mental toughness, focus, and resilience.

2. Context is Everything
   Connolly stresses the importance of understanding the unique demands of each sport and tailoring training to align with the game’s specific challenges, rather than blindly applying generic methods.

3. Integrated Preparation
   Rather than isolating each performance pillar, the book argues for a system-based approach, where all aspects (physical, mental, tactical, technical) are interconnected and trained simultaneously.

4. Learning Over Mimicking
   Instead of copying drills or methods from successful teams, coaches should focus on the principles that underpin performance. This ensures adaptability and fosters players’ ability to think critically and solve problems in real-time.

5. The 4C Model for Team Dynamics
   Successful teams excel in:

   • Connection: Cohesion and trust among teammates.
   • Culture: A shared vision and values.
   • Clarity: Roles and expectations.
   • Consistency: Reliable execution over time.

6. Game-Centric Training
   Training should replicate game scenarios to enhance decision-making, anticipation, and adaptability under pressure. Connolly emphasizes realistic, competitive environments to prepare athletes.

7. Resilience and Recovery
   Mental resilience is crucial for maintaining performance during adversity. Equally important is recovery, as Connolly highlights the need for rest and rejuvenation to prevent burnout and sustain long-term success.

8. Feedback and Reflection
   Continuous improvement hinges on accurate feedback. Connolly advocates for objective performance analysis combined with open dialogue between coaches and players to foster growth.

The overarching message is that excellence in sport is a blend of art and science, requiring a dynamic, adaptable approach tailored to the specific challenges of each game and team. 

How can we apply Connolly's methods?

1. Adopt the four pillars. Everything matters. Practice, study the game, and build both body and mind. 

2. Be 'sport-specific'. Platform skills, setting, and footwork are critical for player development. Ball control has been a long-term MVB priority. 

3. Integrate the skills by playing a lot. 

4. Successful players learn to read opposing attackers and defenders. An outside hitter has to decide whether to hit, tip, or use a rollshot. She decides whether to attack down the line, cross court, or a cutshot. 

5. "Fight for your culture every day." Melrose has always blended youth and experience and MVB 25 will continue that theme. 

6. Experiences from practice impact winning. Analgous to basketball, strong drills blend offense, defense, decision-making, and competition. 

7. Part of resilience is creating a "culture of expectation." Young players have already "gotten their feet wet" during postseason tournament games.

8. Feedback looks backward. "This is what we did." Advice looks forward. "This is what we need to do to be successful." 

Lagniappe. Winning the serve-serve receive battle is always important for competitive teams. 

What Is the Bond Among Teammates?

TEAM means putting the team first, putting the well-being of others and team ahead of your own. 

That means a culture of sharing, selflessness, and sacrifice. In the 1993 

'classic' Rudy, Notre Dame teammates offer not to dress for the final game so that a walk-on, Rudy Ruettiger, can dress one time.

Culture matters. Care about your teammates, the girls with shared vision, shared work, and shared sacrifice. 

Lagniappe. Know the mechanics. 

 

Problem Solving

"Defenses can reduce opportunities by closing space or preventing movement in areas where the attacking team can create scoring opportunities. The defense has to disrupt the attacking team so that it’s prevented from implementing the objectives of its game plan." - From Dr. Fergus Connolly, "Game Changer"

Work to understand what creates success in the game. 

DEVELOPMENT IS PROBLEM SOLVING

We often think of Player Development in terms of the skills and drills that need to be done for growth. In reality, you are problem solving for the player to find the most efficient way for them to navigate their situation and be the best that they… pic.twitter.com/fitxpLsrc2

— Steve Dagostino (@DagsBasketball) December 22, 2024

Problem solving applies for both individuals and teams. Many slots are wide open from MVB 25. As an individual, what must you do to earn one? Back row players need to improve their digging, passing, serving, playing "out of system" where you are setting hitters. 

"Positive scoring" relies on:

- Serving, under total control of the server.

- Attacking, with attacks from the middles, pins, back row, and setters

- Blocking, with block kills. 

Under the best circumstances, blocking both neutralizes opponent attacks and scores points.  MVB 25 graduates two of its top three 'scorers' in Carol Higonenq and Sofia Papatsoris. Step up and tell yourself, "that is my job. I am winning that role for next season." If unsure about how, consult your coaches. 

Not enough seniority? Age and experience have never prevented young players from leaving their mark on winning. Freshmen have started and been in the rotation. 

Lagniappe. Find ways to attack from different areas. 

Set pipe. 

Develop the elite athleticism to be able to attack pipe. There are athletes in the system capable of becoming this. 

Control the Momentum by Controlling Yourself

The key to peak performance is being in the present moment and focusing on one play at a time. Most mistakes happen when you're thinking ahead or dwelling on the past.

— Sports Psychology (@SportPsychTips) December 21, 2024

Play present. Be in the moment. Focus on this play. You've heard that volleyball is a game of momentum. Disallow hitters and servers to go on a big run. "Keep the ball up" or "put the ball down" in the moment.

Never allow a single drop of blood to turn into a fatal hemorrhage by frustration-related errors.  

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Adolescence and old age are not for sissies. Two sides of the coin coexist, "you don't understand," and "you get me." 

Players and coaches come from different worlds but leverage shared vision and shared goals. Teamwork requires selflessness and relationships. Both staff and team want success. 

• Buy-in comes from value creation. 
• "In the short-term, teams are voting machines and in the long-term they are weighing machines." Performance bests potential. 
• The best teams have shared ownership where everyone feels valued.
• Excellence meets a need for excellence. 
• Progress with process.
• Prioritize growth. 

I asked ChatGPT to discuss bridging gaps. 

Bridging the gap between the “you don’t understand” and “you get me” worlds begins with intentionality and empathy. Here are strategies to help coaches minimize differences and build stronger harmony with players:

1. Prioritize Relationships Over Results

• Invest Time: Show genuine interest in players’ lives outside the sport. Understanding their personal challenges, values, and motivations creates trust.
• Active Listening: Practice listening without interrupting. Let players feel heard and validated, even if you disagree.

2. Adopt a Learning Mindset

• Seek Their Perspective: Regularly ask for feedback and ideas. How do they see the game? What’s working, and what’s not?
• Embrace Generational Differences: Acknowledge and respect the cultural references, communication styles, and challenges that shape their worldview.

3. Communicate With Purpose

• Clear Expectations: Be transparent about goals, roles, and standards. Misunderstandings often arise from ambiguity.
• Use Their Language: This doesn’t mean being overly casual but framing messages in ways they understand and resonate with.
• Show Vulnerability: Admit mistakes when they happen. It demonstrates authenticity and builds mutual respect.

4. Lead With Empathy and Consistency

• Empathy First: Avoid dismissing players' feelings with phrases like “When I was your age…” Recognize that their struggles are valid, even if they differ from your experiences.
• Consistency Always: Fairness and predictability in decisions create a safe and harmonious environment.

5. Celebrate Small Wins Together

• Recognize efforts, not just results. Celebrate the unnoticed contributions like energy on the bench, supportive leadership, or a smart play.

6. Foster Ownership

• Co-Create Goals: Involve players in setting team and individual objectives. Shared goals create shared accountability.
• Empower Leadership: Delegate roles to players that reflect their strengths, giving them a sense of agency.

7. Be Open to Adaptation

• Reflect Often: Are your methods effective for this group of players? Adapt based on what’s needed now, not just what worked before.
• Balance Old-School and New-School: Leverage your experience while staying open to fresh approaches they might suggest.

Ultimately, harmony grows when coaches see players not just as athletes, but as partners in the journey. Authenticity, mutual respect, and shared purpose create the “you get me” world. 

Lagniappe. Be the new kid on the block. Study blocking technique from footwork to hand position. Key players in MVP history have often started on the right side as impactful blockers. There's opportunity. 

 

Failure Is Part of the Process

Fail better. Fail by leaving your comfort zone. Fail by sacrificing "numbers" for wins.

Don't tell your coaches, "I can't" or "I'll try." Show them, "I will." 

Your athletic career is a lot shorter than you think. Don't waste it.  

This is really good stuff from JJ Redick

This goes for Bronny James, who he is referencing, but also all young players

“You have to get to a point where it’s okay to fail”

A timid basketball player will never reach his or her full potential

pic.twitter.com/964OHbTlhi

— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) December 18, 2024

Nothing

“You get up every day, you’re entitled to nothing. You could have talent but if you don’t have discipline and you don’t execute, you don’t focus. What do you get? Nothing. Nothing is acceptable but your best,” Nick Saban
Winners assume nothing and give everything. pic.twitter.com/86hMKHWMW9

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) December 17, 2024

What matters the most? Control your destiny with your attitude, choices, and effort. Control what you can control. 

Or get nothing. 

Lagniappe. Setting drills at home. 

Coach Donny drills

 

Be Positive

Jay Bilas after sitting in on Kentucky practices tells Tom Leach that his biggest takeaway is:

“Everything is overwhelmingly positive.”

Say Mark Pope looks for the things that are done right versus what’s done wrong. Then when fixing wrong stuff it’s done in a positive manner.

— Tres Terrell (@TerrellTres) December 18, 2024

1. The best coaches create a culture of positivity. 

2. MVB culture welcomes and values both veterans and young players. 

3. Positivity is a "force multiplier" where the whole exceeds the sum of the parts. 

Lagniappe. Mindset powers us. "It's what we do." 

Underdog Victories

Malcolm Gladwell's book, David and Goliath, explores the underdog story. 

Perhaps MVB's greatest underdog victory came in 2003 in the sectional finals against Arlington Catholic. The Cougars were 22-0, had not lost a set all season, and featured a pair of 6' 2" middles. Melrose had a blend of veterans and youth, led by the senior trio of Marianne Foley, Erin Hudd, and Amanda Labella. Melrose captured its first sectional title with a 3-0 victory with Denise Applegate sealing the match with a topspin winner. 

Underdog stories go back forever. You know Aesop's fable about The Tortoise and the Hare..."slow and steady wins the race." But did you know the story of Cliff Young? 

Young's secret was keep running. While others slept, he ran, sleeping only a few hours a day.

Valley of Elah. David topped the unbeatable Goliath with a laser precision slingshot projectile to the head. Speed defeated strength.

In May 1863 at Chancellorsville, Virginia, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson topped numerically far superior Northern forces. This ultimately led to collapse of Lincoln's confidence in General "Fighting Joe" Hooker who was replaced in June 1863. 

At the southern tip of Gettysburg in the Battle of Little Round Top, Bowdoin Rhetoric Professor turned colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain commanded ragtag Maine forces in a key battle against Alabama regulars that helped win the day and the Civil War. Chamberlain ultimately was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and received Lee's sword at Appomattox. Chamberlain's key, "I can learn." 

In the 1980 "Miracle on Ice," the US Olympic hockey team defeated the 'unbeatable' Soviet stars in the semifinal match en route to a Gold Medal.  

In early 2002, the Patriots matched up as a massive underdog against "The Greatest Show on Turf," emerging with an unexpected victory led by a second-year quarterback, Tom Brady. 

ChatGPT Commentary added post-preparation: 

You're absolutely right—emotion is a powerful catalyst for memory, and the underdog narrative often intensifies that emotional connection. Underdog stories tap into universal human themes: perseverance, defying expectations, and overcoming adversity. These elements create deeply resonant, memorable experiences for participants and observers alike.

Why Underdog Victories Resonate

1. Empathy and Identification
   People identify with the underdog because most have felt underestimated or faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. When an underdog triumphs, it validates the belief that effort and heart can conquer disadvantages.

2. High Emotional Stakes
   Underdog stories inherently carry higher stakes. Success feels improbable, making each victory more surprising and emotionally rewarding. Think of moments in sports where the crowd erupts as the "weaker" team wins—joy and catharsis blend in unforgettable ways.

3. Narrative Contrast
   Stories are built on contrast—setbacks followed by success or overwhelming odds leading to an unexpected turn. This sharpens the emotional arc, making the victory feel epic.

4. Psychological Impact
   Witnessing an underdog win is inspirational. It creates a lasting impression because it challenges expectations and rewires perceptions of what's possible, both in sport and life.

Historical and Sporting Examples

1. Miracle on Ice (1980)
   The U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union during the Cold War is iconic. Underdogs by every measure, the Americans represented hope and resilience, becoming heroes overnight.

2. David vs. Goliath
   The original underdog story, this biblical tale echoes in every modern-day example of "small vs. big." Its themes of wit and courage defeating brute strength have made it eternal.

3. Leicester City F.C. (2016 Premier League)
   With 5000-1 odds, Leicester City's title win captivated the sports world. Fans saw a team defy economic and talent disparities, proving effort and teamwork could topple giants.

4. Rocky (1976)
   Although fictional, "Rocky" exemplifies the underdog archetype. The film’s lasting impact stems from its emotional weight and relatability, amplified by its raw, working-class hero.

Lessons for Coaches and Leaders

As a coach, leveraging the underdog mentality can be a powerful motivator. Even when your team isn't an underdog by definition, you can inspire them by emphasizing challenges to overcome:

• Set ambitious goals that push their perceived limits.
• Highlight personal or team growth over past weaknesses.
• Foster a "nothing to lose" mentality, encouraging fearless play.

Underdog stories endure because they remind us of the human capacity to overcome—and that belief, fueled by emotion, is unforgettable.

With nine seniors graduating, little will be expected from MVB 25. Use that as fuel to prepare for the upcoming season. 

Emily Hudson Earns Academic Honors at WPI

Former MVB All-State middle hitter Emily Hudson earned Academic All-District honors at WPI. Congratulations, Emily. 

 

"Are You Happy with This?" Post 4300

Sustainable competitive advantage means no complacency. 

Kevin Eastman, in Why the Best Are the Best, explained that in an NBA Finals playoff game against the Lakers, the Celtics allowed 32 points off defensive mistakes in a win. 

In an interview, Duke Women's coach Kara Lawson said that the goal is 'chasing perfection', not reaching it.

Everyone likes to win, wants to win. Not so many have the will to sacrifice to get there. Talent is a must, as we cite the "loaded" 2012 team. Will is underrated. 

Coaches have sleepless nights worrying about factors out of their control. Will a player be academically eligible? Will another be healthy? Is another tired? Is a fourth unfocused because of a messy relationship? Are players getting enough rest, eating right, violating league rules while partying? 

Everything and nothing changes over generations. If you want to be exceptional, sacrifice...willingly. Because you play for the girl next to you. 

Lagniappe. Attack hard with topspin.  

10 Rules Worth Adopting

Mamba Mentality

~ via @kobehighlight pic.twitter.com/1aVwQ1mAGg

— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) December 17, 2024

"With age comes experience, knowledge, wisdom." - Scorpion

Don't fear the journey; embrace it. These rules cross domains. They work for home, school, work, sports, relationships. 

Tips for Better Personal Performance

Life hacks come from anywhere. Be open and use all our senses and our imagination. 

A rubber band. Place a colored rubber band on one wrist. Every time we complain, shift the rubber band to the other wrist. Raising our consciousness to complaints reduces complaining. It's a negative feedback principle. "Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses." 

Cellphones. Video is the truth machine. Use your cellphone for "interval training" by recording your play at intervals. Track improvement in skill with a "video record." 

Spreadsheets. Spreadsheets allow you to record your physical progress in strength and conditioning. Tracking your bench press has less value than tracking vertical jump (e.g. with a chalked finger) and 17s. 

Motivation. What motivates you and other Gen-Z members? Is it a quote, video, song? Find your muse, whatever raises your drive. Inspiration informs a vital task for coaches and leaders. 

Music can help players find their best 'activation'. 'Hyper' players may need something calming and lower energy players may respond to more upbeat music. 

Learning. Learn every day. Are you a podcast person? The Knowledge Project is one to consider.  

Mindfulness. The UCLA Mindfulness site has scripts as short as a few minutes. 

Find tools that work for you. 

Lagniappe. Everyone can learn to set sometimes.