Preparation

"The amount of respect you show something is in proportion to the preparation you put into it.
Preparation doesn't guarantee a result, but it does guarantee growth.
That's what we're all trying to do in life.
We're trying to grow-every step of the way." pic.twitter.com/uHpRDMZt9I

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) February 7, 2025

Preparation shows up in everything. Consider the cooking analogy mise en place. Before cooking, lay out all the cookware and the ingredients. 

Help at home. Take ownership of chores on a schedule. 

Boost academic performance. Feynman Technique. Learning techniques. MVB has a high performance learning culture. 

Practice. Be "stretched" out physically and mentally when practice begins.  

Physical training. Training is preparation - quickness, strength, vertical jump, conditioning. 

Offseason play.  

From Claude.ai 

Let me provide a comprehensive analysis of preparation for volleyball student-athletes that addresses both athletic and academic aspects.

Academic Preparation: Time management is crucial as volleyball players balance practices, matches, travel, and coursework. Successful student-athletes often use planners or digital calendars to block out dedicated study times around their athletic commitments. They may coordinate with professors early in the semester about potential travel conflicts and make arrangements for assignments and exams.

Creating study routines that work with their training schedule helps maintain academic consistency. This might mean studying between classes rather than late at night when fatigue from practice affects concentration. Many volleyball players also form study groups with teammates who share classes, allowing them to maximize their limited free time.

Athletic Preparation: Physical preparation involves several key components:

1. Sport-specific training: Regular practice of fundamental skills like serving, setting, blocking, and passing. This includes both individual drills and team-based exercises.
2. Strength and conditioning: Weight training focused on explosive power for jumping and quick movements, along with exercises to prevent common volleyball injuries, particularly to shoulders and knees.
3. Recovery management: Proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep are essential. Recovery needs to be actively planned, not just what happens between training sessions.

Mental Preparation: The mental aspect bridges both academic and athletic performance. This includes:

• Visualization techniques for both game situations and academic challenges
• Stress management strategies that work in both domains
• Goal-setting practices that align athletic and academic objectives
• Development of routines that promote focus and confidence

Recall the old John Wooden quote, "failing to prepare is preparing to fail." 

Lagniappe. Be a winner. 

"LOSERS assemble in little groups that complain about the coaches and the players in other little groups. But WINNERS assemble as a team."

Bill Parcells GOLD 🥇

Set the tone. Build trust. Demand accountability.

Together WINS.pic.twitter.com/rMl0hW4AMo

— Greg Berge (@gb1121) February 8, 2025