Identity

All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose institution. 

Define Your Identity

Prioritize competence and character. 

"Whom do I choose to be" rather than ask "Why must I be this way?" - H.A. Dorfman

Your identity defines destiny. "The cream rises to the top." Sport excellence demands continual adjustments. That allows teams not only to compete but to finish sets and matches. 

Analogies

Baseball or softball provides good analogies. Pitchers need an "out pitch," a reliable option to induce weak contact or swing and miss. Hitters need to control the strike zone and reduce "holes." 

In basketball, every excellent offensive player has a "GO TO" and "COUNTER" move. Kevin McHale had the "up and under" and when defenses reacted, he had a "baby hook." 

Your Game Plan

As a volleyball attacker what is your "out pitch" your "go to" in the "Got to Have It" moment? In your arsenal is it a smash down the line, cross court, a cut shot, tips, push off the outside blocker? 

Players who don't know their "out pitch" don't have one. 

MVB 26 Identity TBD

Teams have identity, too. Strong servers, sharp defense, ball control, overwhelming attack, blends. The best teams can succeed against a variety of playing styles while adhering to theirs. Whatever a team's identity, winning points is a priority. Nobody becomes a champion by relying on opponent weakness. 

Study the 2012 team and note:

• Ability to play fast
• Star players with All-Staters Bell and McGowan
• Relied on ability to win points not dependent on opponent errors
• Elite blocking with the "Great Wall" of Johnson and Wyland
• Three excellent attackers - McGowan, Johnson, Cain
• Excellent passing
• Good but not exceptional size...Sarah McGowan was probably about 5'9" but extreme athleticism, timing, and skill allowed dominance. 

Study the action in slow motion. 

Know yourself. Who are you and how do you intend to get on the court, stay on the court, and succeed?