What's the Problem?

"You can observe a lot by just watching." - Yogi Berra

Coaches solve problems. First, they diagnose. Then, they form options among players, strategy, and execution. So what's the problem?

If coaches want to "play faster," then they need players who can play faster. Most high schools lack the luxury of recruiting players to meet their style. 

Think of players as ingredients in a gourmet meal. As Gordon Ramsay said, he cooked oxtail not because it's the best but because of affordability. Coaches and chefs still have a lot of options without the most expensive cuts of meat. Earning a Michelin star won't come by serving what's available if your neighbor has premium meats and enough skill. 

I've expressed it another way. Every team is comprised of lottery picks, first rounders, second rounders, and free agents. An area coach called Melrose a "legacy program." Legacy programs seldom have free agents. 

Lottery picks are the All-State, All-Scholastic, All-Conference players. 

First rounders can be all-conference, all-star players and those on the cusp of that level. 

Second rounders are good players who might have size, skill, or experience limitations.

The Middlesex League has more and more lottery picks and first rounders and fewer teams with limited talent. That makes for increasing competition and the need for more consistent performance. Few teams can win with their "B" game anymore.

The problem falls into two categories: 

1) Scoring points 

2) Denying opposition points. 

Melrose scores points on successful attack (serves, hits, blocks) and on opponent errors. 

Opponents score points on their successful attacks and Melrose errors. 

Success occurs:

• Positive scoring 
• Fewer errors (e.g. service errors, attack errors, defensive errors)
• Denying opponent scoring (improve serve receive, better blocking, exceptional communication, reduce defending errors)

Every coach in the universe knows what is needed. The question is how to impact the above. The ability to translate the theoretical into the practical (teamwork, improvement, accountability) is the challenge. 

The saying was that when you drafted a Bob Knight (Indiana) player, "you got what you got" because they were well-coached, "finished products." 

MVB has a blend of experience and youth and not many 'finished products'. That is the problem and the opportunity which the coaches, players, families, and fans should be excited about. 

Basketball has two key sayings:

• "Great offense is multiple actions."
• "Great defense is multiple efforts." 

Combine those in volleyball (pass, set, hit) and "keep the ball up" and they craft, "strategic predation." 

Lagniappe. Theory and practice...