Keep the Wolves at the Door Away

Via Ben Volin of The Boston Globe:  

"In his memoir “The Score Takes Care of Itself,” Hall of Famer Bill Walsh described the frenetic life of a head football coach. 

“In the NFL, events occur – hit you – at supersonic speeds with volcanic force,” Walsh wrote. “There aren’t months or weeks to recover, not even days. Usually only hours or minutes. While you’re throwing a wolf out the back door, another is banging on your front door and two more are trying to crawl through the windows.”"

Coaches get input from many sources - administrators, assistants, doctors, players, families, fans. Coach Bob Knight shared, "if you listen to the fans in the stands, pretty soon you'll be sitting next to them."

Coaches hardly get a breath during volleyball season. It's a sprint not a marathon. Blink and it's over. 

It's a constant balancing act as coaches balance development and winning, the present and the future, senior experience and promising young players. It's even worse in college with NIL and the transfer portal. 

What are the wolves? Here are a few possibilities:

• Overconfidence. Past results don't guarantee future results. Respect every opponent. 
• Doubt. You can only be as good as you believe. As Bon Jovi sang, "you can't win until you're not afraid to lose." 
• Outside recruiters. "We can make you better."
• Distractions. The world offers an unlimited number of possibilities to teenagers. Focus on the process. 

No coach ever made everyone happy. It's impossible with limited minutes, role, and recognition. At best, the coach teaches and cares for every player, puts the team first, and communicates why decisions are made. Then (s)he fights off the wolves...daily.  

Lagniappe. MVB makes us proud with the competitiveness and character of the players and coaches. 

Lagniappe 2. Great video on warmup, athleticism, and strength and balance. Seek balance. Don't ignore training and don't overdo it.