Addition and Subtraction

Boston Celtics Director of Player Development Craig Luschenat

“We’re constantly trying to find ways to help players impact winning and whether that be adding something or taking something away from their game. It comes down to, for us, ‘How can you best help move the scoreboard… pic.twitter.com/qrpHProMC3

— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) February 24, 2025

Think back to early math. Everyone's net and growth sum addition and subtraction. Subtracting a negative number is positive! Removing a less efficient server or blocker is addition by subtraction. Lineup changes don't mean you're a bad player. Legendary Coach Bob Knight said, "just because I want you on the floor doesn't mean I want you to shoot." 

"Do more of what works and less of what doesn't." If a team doesn't excel at setter dumps, pipe attacks, or right side attacks, use fewer. 

Edit practice time. Find ways to add positives and reduce negatives. An answer might be to abandon something. If you're not in the serving rotation, investing a lot of time and effort in service is a distraction.

Becoming an all-around (all six positions) player requires attention to all core skills. Emma Randolph holds the all-time kill record for MVB (a good trivia question). She played different positions, sometimes used a three or four step approach, and helped her team to a state final. Then she rowed crew in college! 

Keep adding to your skill, game understanding, physicality, and resilience. 

Rethink the process. Sometimes a position change is a solution. Alyssa DiRaffaele moved from attacker to libero and helped her team get to a state final. Gia Vlajkovic went from setter to outside hitter and became impactful at both positions. Athleticism, volleyball IQ, and skill allow for flexibility and impact winning. 

Intangibles matter. Strong teams own aggressiveness and communication. Strong teams own effort, toughness, and teamwork. They're the opposite of the dreaded S's - sloth, softness, selfishness. Extinguish these! 

Lagniappe. Attacking... "one size does not fit all." Attackers have to decide where and how to attack. Martin shares a great video.