Pet Peeves

I’m not as knowledgeable by far about volleyball as your coaches. Still, all coaches have pet peeves. These aren’t arbitrary - they relate to your coaches' knowledge about winning volleyball. As a fan, I have some:

1. Lack of communication. (Silent teams lose.)

2. Ball watching. ("Skate to where the puck is going..." - Gretzky)

3. Foot faults. (There's never a reason...)

4. Repeatedly being in the net. (Giving away points)

5. Overpasses. (Often an easy kill...)

6. Hitting a “free ball pass” into the net. (If it's a "Get me over," just get it over.)

7. Slow to the pin block. (Anticipate and get quicker.)

Every point matters. (Giving away points kills dreams.)

Coaches' “pet peeves” are specific mistakes, behaviors, or habits that frustrate them and demand correction. Fundamentals when done wrong degrade team performance.

Technical fundamentals: Poor passing posture, not moving feet to the ball, or inconsistent serving form. Basics are crucial for advanced play.

Court awareness: Lack of communication (“mine!” calls), poor positioning, or ball watching the ball can't happen. Mental strength combines with physical skills to prevent points. 

Effort and attitude: Not hustling after loose balls, giving up on “impossible” plays, or showing poor body language after mistakes. Elite players don't let down. Play the game not the scoreboard. 

Game sense: Make good decisions. Avoid unnecessary risks (like aggressive attacks when a simple placement would work), see the game, and don't repeat mistakes. 

Understanding your coach’s pet peeves adds value because they present areas to improve. When coaches repeatedly emphasize something that seems minor to you, they understand that attention to detail matters. Erase these habits early so they don't becoming limiting factors.

I don't know your coaching staff's pet peeves...but you should. Two of my biggest were, "My bad" from players and "That's okay" from teammates. It's not okay. 

Lagniappe. "Superpower #3: Track for Accountability In God we trust; all others must bring data. - W. Edwards Deming" from "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr