Moore's First Principle

Principle #1: Three strikes and you’re not out. 

"In the game of baseball, three strikes and you’re out. Not so in the game of life. Three strikes and you’re not out. There are two things a leader can do: he can either contaminate his environment (and his people) with his attitude and actions, or he can inspire confidence. A leader must be visible to the people he leads. He must be self-confident and always maintain a positive attitude. If a leader thinks he might lose in whatever crisis or situation; then he has already lost. He must exhibit a determination to prevail no matter what the odds or how difficult the situation. He must have and display the will to prevail by his actions, his words, his tone of voice, his appearance, his demeanor, his countenance, and the look in his eyes. He must never give off any hint or evidence that he is uncertain about a positive outcome." 

Hal Moore writes from experience, having "walked the walk" as an officer on the ground in Vietnam. 

What can we incorporate from his first principle and explanation.

1. Never quit. 

Volleyball is a game of momentum, of ebbs and flows. There's a difference between "running in mud" and feeling as though you are. The capacity to "recenter" or what you hear Coach Celli say often, "reset," separates the ability to stop the bleeding or need a transfusion. 

Being a worthy opponent means having the capacity to "stay in the fight" even when the play is not going as well as desired. 

2. Be visible.

One of the most famous examples of moral courage in defeat comes from the example of Spartan king Leonidas I at the famous Battle of Thermopylae. Outnumbered more than 10 to 1 (some say more), the Spartans used terrain and superior weaponry to hold off the attacking force for several days before they were betrayed and slaughtered. 

Leonidas earned legendary status as a "lead from the front" general in a battle taught in every War College. 

3. Bring positivity. 

"You cannot have a positive life with a negative attitude." Coaches express this in different ways, including Urban Meyer's "Above the Line" behavior. 

Positive attitude is intentional, purposeful, and reflects skill and belief. "Control what you can control" starts with attitude. 

4. Body language matters. 

Body language impacts your physiology. "Expansive power positions" have shown higher levels of 'strength hormones' and lower levels of 'stress hormones'. One former MVB player said that she always walked into the gym standing tall, head up. "Everyone in the gym should know that the best player here just walked in" (regardless of whether it's true). Confidence balances arrogance and doubt. Act that way. 

Lagniappe. Force errors and make fewer. 

Lagniappe 2. Consistently good passes are more helpful than occasional great ones. (Video tip: playback at 1.5 speed for efficiency).