The Game Plan

"My concern is that the player has a plan, that he believes in the plan, and that he follows the plan." - Dr. Bob Rotella in Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect

Most players and teams are not so overpowering that they can "roll the balls out there and play." That means that teams and players need a "game plan."

Twenty plus years ago, North Andover's short game gave MVB some problems during the regular season. When they met again in the Sectional Final, Melrose shut that down and dispatched them. The game plan, supplementing the talent, proved a difference maker. 

You know that "positive scoring" results from dominant service, block-kills, and attacks. MVB 26 is unlikely to score as much from block-kills as a new team won't have the block party that Sabine Wenzel hosted. That doesn't mean the team should abandon aggressive blocking. There's no reason why the available talent in the middle and at the pins can't improve and become difference makers. 

As for service, understand where service points arise: 

• Attacking seams and sidelines
• Serving short (the risk/reward equation changes)
• Identifying weaker receivers
• Improving service float, velocity, or spin

It is a fool's errand to repeat a good process over and over and expect  excellence. Offseason volleyball is your proving ground where "repetitions make reputations." 

Every season 400-500 kills "graduate" and have to be redistributed. You have ideas where more will arise but often surprises emerge, players who step up as impact players. Coach Scott Celli doesn't have an opening day lineup "penciled in," because it's impossible to know who "kicks the door down." 

Lagniappe. Warren Buffett shares an abundance of wisdom accumulated over almost a century..."the chains of habit are too light to be felt until they're too heavy to be broken." 

This is great advice that I had the privilege to hear from Mr. Buffett at age 24. Other than my parents, no one has had as profound influence on me as has Warren Buffett.

Mentors can be life changing. Find one when you are young. https://t.co/PeGRYJRJXK

— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) December 24, 2025