Friday, May 23, 2014
Schedule Preview
Dick Collis sends me a preview of the 2014 schedule, which should create a lot of competitive volleyball. The non-league schedule has only higher echelon teams as competition - some old friends and some new.
Highlights:
-22 games overall
-Usual Middlesex League plus @Notre Dame (Hingham), Westborough, Newton North, @Cent Cath, @A/C and Ursuline
-The league schedule opens with Winchester
-Friendly rival Bishop Fenwick is not on the schedule this season (scrimmage?) as the coaches couldn't find a mutually available date
More details as available...
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
"Informal Part of Sports"...Almost
Tips from Stanford coach John Dunning...on skill development
from the Art of Coaching Volleyball series
Friday, December 20, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
MacInnes Named to Herald All-Scholastic Team
Jill MacInnes, Melrose volleyball libero, garnered another honor with selection as a Boston Herald All-Scholastic. Congratulations to Jill on hard-earned recognition for outstanding play and leadership.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Borot'sya
Is success about talent or process?
In "The Talent Code", Daniel Coyle examines hotbeds of talent throughout the world, music academies, schools, the Brazil soccer experience, Moscow's Spartak Tennis Club, and more.
Here's an image from his marvelous book, that I recommend for every coach and every serious athlete. The proper 'deep practice' or from Anders Ericsson's 'deliberate practice' is the key. Developing technical mastery of your musical instrument, scholarship, or athletic event creates your 'talent'.
Muscles have no memory. We imprint, myelinate nerve pathways in our brain that allows us to perform better, faster, and more consistently. The problem is that if we learn to do it 'wrong', then we perfect doing it WRONG. We learn poor technique and poor decision-making, the negative intersection of hard skills with soft skills. All of which is why learning 'the right way' means so much, whether it's learning to study or the offensive attack in volleyball.
But what's BOROT'SYA? It's a Russian word for "struggle" or "fight", the challenge the would-be expert must face to achieve mastery.
In a subsequent book, "The Little Book of Talent" Coyle tells us the following:
EMBRACE STRUGGLE
At all of the talent hotbeds, from Moscow to Dallas to Brazil to New York, I saw the same facial expression: eyes narrow, jaw tight, nostrils flared, theface of someone intently reaching for something, falling short, and reaching again.
Deep practice has a telltale emotional flavor, a feeling that can be summed up in one word: “struggle.” Most of us instinctively avoid struggle, because it’s uncomfortable. It feels like failure. However, when it comes to developing your talent, struggle isn’t an option—it’s a biological necessity. The struggle and frustration you feel at the edges of your abilities—that uncomfortable burn of “almost, almost”—is the sensation of constructing new neural connections, a phenomenonthat the UCLA psychologist Robert Bjork calls “desirable difficulty.” Your brain works just like your muscles: no pain, no gain.
Borot'sya.
In "The Talent Code", Daniel Coyle examines hotbeds of talent throughout the world, music academies, schools, the Brazil soccer experience, Moscow's Spartak Tennis Club, and more.
Muscles have no memory. We imprint, myelinate nerve pathways in our brain that allows us to perform better, faster, and more consistently. The problem is that if we learn to do it 'wrong', then we perfect doing it WRONG. We learn poor technique and poor decision-making, the negative intersection of hard skills with soft skills. All of which is why learning 'the right way' means so much, whether it's learning to study or the offensive attack in volleyball.
But what's BOROT'SYA? It's a Russian word for "struggle" or "fight", the challenge the would-be expert must face to achieve mastery.
In a subsequent book, "The Little Book of Talent" Coyle tells us the following:
EMBRACE STRUGGLE
At all of the talent hotbeds, from Moscow to Dallas to Brazil to New York, I saw the same facial expression: eyes narrow, jaw tight, nostrils flared, theface of someone intently reaching for something, falling short, and reaching again.
Deep practice has a telltale emotional flavor, a feeling that can be summed up in one word: “struggle.” Most of us instinctively avoid struggle, because it’s uncomfortable. It feels like failure. However, when it comes to developing your talent, struggle isn’t an option—it’s a biological necessity. The struggle and frustration you feel at the edges of your abilities—that uncomfortable burn of “almost, almost”—is the sensation of constructing new neural connections, a phenomenonthat the UCLA psychologist Robert Bjork calls “desirable difficulty.” Your brain works just like your muscles: no pain, no gain.
Borot'sya.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Breakup Dinner: Tradition
Positive culture has been an important part of Melrose volleyball for over a decade. Teamwork, enthusiasm, energy, sacrifice, persistence, and respect have all contributed to continuing success.
Tonight at the Montvale Plaza, the team celebrated the 2013 season and the their accomplishments on and off the court. After a delicious buffet dinner, the coaching staff enumerated team achievements and presented certificates and awards.
- Four year record (seniors) 91-9
- Four year Middlesex League record 65-1
- Three Division 2 North titles
- Four Middlesex League titles
- Last three seasons undefeated in Middlesex League
- State Championship (2012)
- Varsity and JV Middlesex League 2013 each 16-0
- Program (Varsity, JV, Freshman) GPA 3.69 (great job, ladies!)
Coaches Celli, Wall, and Basteri presented players with certificates and awards while highlighting some of their amusing anecdotes.
Coach Celli presented varsity individual awards:
Massachusetts Girls Volleyball Coaches Association All-State selection - Jill MacInnes
Middlesex League MVP - Jill MacInnes
Middlesex League All-stars - Annalisa DeBari, Meri Lessing, Jill MacInnes, Allie Nolan
Team Awards
- Top server - Maeve Moriarty
- Top defender - Jill MacInnes
- Most improved - Cat Torpey
- Unsung hero - Annalisa DeBari
- MVP - Jill MacInnes
- Coach's award - Allie Nolan
The attendees viewed another outstanding team highlight video produced by Jeff Mate'.
The ceremonial handing down of team traditions like "Who Let the Dogs Out?", post-road game brownies, and Tootsie Pops were distributed.
Coach Celli reviewed his goals and expectations for next season. As outstanding as this season was, Coach noted that next season could even be better.
He outlined the criteria for captaincy, including application, interview procedures, faculty and Athletic Director oversight, and voting procedure. The 2014 Captains were then introduced:
Allie Nolan
Meri Lessing
Victoria Crovo
Congratulations on a terrific season.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Don'ts for Off-Season Play
Hat tip to Jeff Mate' for sourcing this:
Now that we’re in tryout season, players nationwide are focused on impressing club coaches so they can earn a spot on the team. Art of Coaching Volleyball is here to help. We asked a few top club coaches to share things they DON’T want to see from players during a tryout. If you’re a player, read and heed. If you’re a coach, pass it along to your players.
1. Don’t give your setter a hard time. Got blocked? Fine. Move on.
2. Don’t bring your cell phone into the gym. Coaches don’t want to see you texting when you should be concentrating on volleyball.
3. Don’t form cliques. Be sure rotate who your partner is for drills and invite new people into your group.
4. Don’t ever quit on a ball, even if you know it’s unlikely that you’ll get to it. Even in pepper!
5. Don’t talk when the coach is talking – it’s disrespectful and sends a bad message to the coach.
6. Don’t do anything halfway -- lazy footwork on freeballs, not covering the hitter, etc.
7. Don’t pay attention to your parents on the sidelines. No conversations or gestures. Coaches want to focus on the player, not the parent.
8. Don’t carry a mistake with you into the next play. A coach can tell by your body language if you’re not over being blocked on the previous point.
9. Don’t be resistant to stepping into another position even if it’s not the one you’re trying out for. Coaches want players who can adjust and are willing to be versatile if that’s what’s needed to make a drill work or help the team.
10. Don’t give off a negative vibe. Look like you’re having fun playing the game. Smile, be upbeat, support your teammates, enjoy yourself. Coaches like players who bring positive energy to the court.
Bonus: Don’t show up for a tryout wearing a T-shirt from a rival club.
Written by Don Patterson
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
The Power of Stories
Although Americans have few shared beliefs, ninety percent still believe in the "American Dream", that through hard work you can earn success. As young people, you have the best (the longest time) to write your own narrative, whether you are beginning or ending your high school experience.
An awards recipient listened to a lengthy introduction about his many accomplishments, his rise from humble origins to a prominent position in the judiciary. As he arose to speak he began, "Thank you for that wonderful introduction. And the best part, you delivered exactly as I wrote it!"
Consider for a moment the words of Bill Russell, the greatest winner in the history of sports. Russell won an NCAA Championship, an Olympic Championship, and an NBA Championship in the same year. He also won fourteen championships (eleven NBA, two NCAA, one Olympic) in fifteen years. "My ego demands, for myself, the success of my team." His story revolves around finding ways to make his teammates better, day after day, year after year. By doing so, he received more credit than players who sought individual achievement.
Your team can be an athletic team, a business, or your family. Ask yourself what are you prepared to do, how, and when to drive that success?
Kevin Sivils, a three-time basketball coach of the year in Texas writes about the most important award that his TEAM gives out...the best TEAMMATE award. The players vote and decide (through their own criteria) who is the best. Great teammates are enthusiastic, committed, determined, unselfish, respectful, communicators who radiate positivity.
Pete Carril, former basketball coach at Princeton, reminded his children daily as they left for school, what he had learned through experience. "The smart take from the strong." He knew that education came before sports.
Jay Bilas, former Duke star, and ESPN commentator wrote about getting a small task from his father at home. He was asked to remove and replace some contact paper in his sister's bathroom. He found the job difficult and did a mediocre job at it. His father returned home late from work and removed the paper, sanded down the vanity, and replaced it properly. Bilas wrote that he was ashamed of what he had done, and that it had taught him to do the job right the first time.
Every day we have the opportunity to learn lessons in victory and in defeat. It is our choice how receptive we are to those lessons, the daily stories of our lives.
An awards recipient listened to a lengthy introduction about his many accomplishments, his rise from humble origins to a prominent position in the judiciary. As he arose to speak he began, "Thank you for that wonderful introduction. And the best part, you delivered exactly as I wrote it!"
Consider for a moment the words of Bill Russell, the greatest winner in the history of sports. Russell won an NCAA Championship, an Olympic Championship, and an NBA Championship in the same year. He also won fourteen championships (eleven NBA, two NCAA, one Olympic) in fifteen years. "My ego demands, for myself, the success of my team." His story revolves around finding ways to make his teammates better, day after day, year after year. By doing so, he received more credit than players who sought individual achievement.
Your team can be an athletic team, a business, or your family. Ask yourself what are you prepared to do, how, and when to drive that success?
Kevin Sivils, a three-time basketball coach of the year in Texas writes about the most important award that his TEAM gives out...the best TEAMMATE award. The players vote and decide (through their own criteria) who is the best. Great teammates are enthusiastic, committed, determined, unselfish, respectful, communicators who radiate positivity.
Pete Carril, former basketball coach at Princeton, reminded his children daily as they left for school, what he had learned through experience. "The smart take from the strong." He knew that education came before sports.
Jay Bilas, former Duke star, and ESPN commentator wrote about getting a small task from his father at home. He was asked to remove and replace some contact paper in his sister's bathroom. He found the job difficult and did a mediocre job at it. His father returned home late from work and removed the paper, sanded down the vanity, and replaced it properly. Bilas wrote that he was ashamed of what he had done, and that it had taught him to do the job right the first time.
Every day we have the opportunity to learn lessons in victory and in defeat. It is our choice how receptive we are to those lessons, the daily stories of our lives.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
What Makes Teams Achieve?
"There's a pattern. All the great organizations...think, act, and communicate in the same way."
"What is your belief? What is your purpose?"
"Inspired organizations...all think and communicate from the inside out."
What is your level of commitment? How do you do business? Why do you do what you do?
"What is your belief? What is your purpose?"
"Inspired organizations...all think and communicate from the inside out."
What is your level of commitment? How do you do business? Why do you do what you do?
All-Star Selections
Middlesex League coaches met and have named Middlesex League all-stars. I don't have the full list and suffice it to say Melrose had other deserving players.
Middlesex League All-Stars
- Jill MacInnes
- Annalisa DeBari
- Allie Nolan
- Meri Lessing
Freedom Division Co-Players of the Year
- Jill MacInnes
- Maya Russell (Burlington)
Middlesex League All-Stars
- Jill MacInnes
- Annalisa DeBari
- Allie Nolan
- Meri Lessing
Freedom Division Co-Players of the Year
- Jill MacInnes
- Maya Russell (Burlington)
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Miscellaneous Post Script
All opinions contained within are solely those of the author. This blog is not sponsored by the city of Melrose, Melrose High School, the Melrose Athletic Department, the Melrose Volleyball Booster Club, or any other organization.
"An article in USA Today (July 26, 2002) told of parents hiring skills coaches to enhance their children's athletic performance. A number of parents were quoted. Two particular fathers spoke effusively of how they had shaped/orchestrated their sons' athletic careers. Not mentioned in the article: One son stopped speaking to the overbearing parent. The other, upon meeting me for the first time, asked, "How do you get a father off your back?" - from Coaching the Mental Game, H.A. Dorfman
Dorfman also wrote that in a 1981 article in the New York Times Magazine, a parent opined, "I should probably tell you I support my son's tennis because he gets so much out of it, that it improves him mentally and physically and teaches him so much about life. All that is certainly true, but the real reason is because it adds drama to my life."
Every season has a post-script, an addendum to the campaign. A few thoughts follow.
Supporting the volleyball program, the players, and the coaches is fun. As a part-time assistant basketball coach, I enjoy chatting with the parents, who make willing sacrifices (in many ways) for their children. Today's parents may discover, that it is far easier to enjoy the season from a distance, when you don't have children battling for roster spots, then playing time, and sometimes struggling to contribute under a variety of pressures. Seeing so many alumnae parents at games must make that true.
Bill Parcells' used to say that coaches are the most selfish people, because they put the players on the field whom they believe will make themselves look good. At the same time, coaches make "Sophie's Choice" because they only have so much opportunity (playing time) to distribute. A player getting less game action may not be an inferior player, but fit into the system or 'grand scheme' differently or less well at that time.
I knew a player who was the sixth man (as a sophomore) on a sectional champion basketball team despite great ability. How much ability? The following two seasons he was the league MVP, got a college scholarship, and was drafted by professional sports teams in two different sports. I would be surprised if his parents didn't think he deserved an expanded role as a young player.
I know another player who as a freshman was selected for the basketball 'B' team. He could have felt sorry for himself, but he worked extremely hard, improved dramatically, became an outstanding player and played in college. An excellent student, he became an executive for a Fortune 500 company.
When you are not satisfied with your role or your results in that role, your best response is to redouble your efforts to find ways to contribute now while working to enhance your skills to increase your chances of reaching your individual goals later. Working to pattern yourself after successful models and to improve your mental simulation of key moments can help you reach your maximum 'potential'.
The 2013 edition of Melrose volleyball accomplished many goals and to have achieved more, in my opinion, would have been overachieving in the wake of last season's departures. Enjoy what you have earned, and decide on goals, planning, and preparation to meet subsequent life challenges. You write your narrative; make it uniquely yours and the best it can be.
"An article in USA Today (July 26, 2002) told of parents hiring skills coaches to enhance their children's athletic performance. A number of parents were quoted. Two particular fathers spoke effusively of how they had shaped/orchestrated their sons' athletic careers. Not mentioned in the article: One son stopped speaking to the overbearing parent. The other, upon meeting me for the first time, asked, "How do you get a father off your back?" - from Coaching the Mental Game, H.A. Dorfman
Dorfman also wrote that in a 1981 article in the New York Times Magazine, a parent opined, "I should probably tell you I support my son's tennis because he gets so much out of it, that it improves him mentally and physically and teaches him so much about life. All that is certainly true, but the real reason is because it adds drama to my life."
Every season has a post-script, an addendum to the campaign. A few thoughts follow.
Supporting the volleyball program, the players, and the coaches is fun. As a part-time assistant basketball coach, I enjoy chatting with the parents, who make willing sacrifices (in many ways) for their children. Today's parents may discover, that it is far easier to enjoy the season from a distance, when you don't have children battling for roster spots, then playing time, and sometimes struggling to contribute under a variety of pressures. Seeing so many alumnae parents at games must make that true.
Bill Parcells' used to say that coaches are the most selfish people, because they put the players on the field whom they believe will make themselves look good. At the same time, coaches make "Sophie's Choice" because they only have so much opportunity (playing time) to distribute. A player getting less game action may not be an inferior player, but fit into the system or 'grand scheme' differently or less well at that time.
I knew a player who was the sixth man (as a sophomore) on a sectional champion basketball team despite great ability. How much ability? The following two seasons he was the league MVP, got a college scholarship, and was drafted by professional sports teams in two different sports. I would be surprised if his parents didn't think he deserved an expanded role as a young player.
I know another player who as a freshman was selected for the basketball 'B' team. He could have felt sorry for himself, but he worked extremely hard, improved dramatically, became an outstanding player and played in college. An excellent student, he became an executive for a Fortune 500 company.
When you are not satisfied with your role or your results in that role, your best response is to redouble your efforts to find ways to contribute now while working to enhance your skills to increase your chances of reaching your individual goals later. Working to pattern yourself after successful models and to improve your mental simulation of key moments can help you reach your maximum 'potential'.
The 2013 edition of Melrose volleyball accomplished many goals and to have achieved more, in my opinion, would have been overachieving in the wake of last season's departures. Enjoy what you have earned, and decide on goals, planning, and preparation to meet subsequent life challenges. You write your narrative; make it uniquely yours and the best it can be.
J-Mac Latest in Lengthening List of Lady Raider All-State Players
Photo from Donna Larsson!
For past MGVCA all-state teams, go here. Since 2005, when All-State teams were divided by divisions, Melrose has had at least one all-state player every year except 2006.
Hat tip Jeff Mate'.
Monday, November 11, 2013
More Shots - Melrose vs Bishop Fenwick
Photos courtesy of Don Norris. Click images to see the full frame.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Melrose - Fenwick Photoessay
Celebrate what you have achieved rather than bemoaning what you have not. Four years in the sectional finals for the seniors, three D2N titles, four Middlesex League titles, 21-3 this season...two trips to the state championship, including one state title...not too shabby.
Don Norris shares some shots. Click images for full frame. I'll share pictures over a few days.
Don Norris shares some shots. Click images for full frame. I'll share pictures over a few days.
Saturday, November 09, 2013
Grey Matter
First, congratulations to Bishop Fenwick and Coach Adam DeBaggis on a hard-fought victory, a Division 2 North title, and advancing to the state semifinals Thursday.
Coming off of a state championship, most teams have a hangover, losing talent, and rebuilding. Melrose didn't achieve its end outcome goal (a state championship), but learned a lot about itself during a 21 win season.
Attribution bias is a psychological defense where one blames external forces - weather, health, fatigue, playing conditions, officiating, the media, or other factors. In the end of the day, sports peak performance is about making plays not excuses.
Melrose played hard throughout, but at times couldn't maintain aggressive offense, in large part due to the paucity of Fenwick serious mistakes like service errors, defensive mistakes, and attack inefficiency.
Melrose jumped out to a 5-1 lead, which Fenwick narrowed to 5-4. At that point, Fenwick put two points on the board with one play, without any explanation from the official scorekeeper. Melrose and Fenwick had a to-and-fro outcome from there, with ties at 8, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, and 20. Melrose went up 22-20, 23-21, and 24-22, and had a chance to take the set at 24-23 but couldn't deliver the kill, and Fenwick closed them out behind the superior play of Kate Lipka.
Victoria Crovo dominated as a freshman with six kills, and Meri Lessing added four, with three for Marissa Cataldo.
Melrose fell behind 6-4 in the second set, with a phantom pancake dig not helping the locals. Melrose got as close as 7-6, but the wheels came off the wagon, and Fenwick opened up a 19-10 lead en route to a 25-11 tally.
Victoria Crovo was immense with three spectacular kills, and steady Meri Lessing had four in the frame.
In the final set, Melrose came out fast again, up 4-1, but Fenwick responded to go up 8-5. Melrose got as close as 8-7, but Fenwick extended their edge with 11-7 and 16-10 leads. Melrose got within three at 17-14, but the Crusaders opened it back up to 20-15, and Melrose could only get within 21-17 as Fenwick cruised to a 25-18 championship berth.
Meri Lessing fired in another four kills, Annalisa DeBari added two, and Cat Torpey and Marissa Cataldo had one apiece.
Game Summary: Bishop Fenwick used senior experience and strong play to defeat Melrose by playing more aggressive and more consistent volleyball. The Crusader attack limited Melrose from generating enough offense and making enough aggressive choices to get the winners necessary for championship play. Melrose has a bright future, with strong play from Meri Lessing overall and exceptional, at times, dominant play from freshman Victoria Crovo.
Success follows the '3 C's', the melange of concentration, composure, and confidence, and Fenwick brought more to the court today than Melrose.
Coming off of a state championship, most teams have a hangover, losing talent, and rebuilding. Melrose didn't achieve its end outcome goal (a state championship), but learned a lot about itself during a 21 win season.
Attribution bias is a psychological defense where one blames external forces - weather, health, fatigue, playing conditions, officiating, the media, or other factors. In the end of the day, sports peak performance is about making plays not excuses.
Melrose played hard throughout, but at times couldn't maintain aggressive offense, in large part due to the paucity of Fenwick serious mistakes like service errors, defensive mistakes, and attack inefficiency.
Melrose jumped out to a 5-1 lead, which Fenwick narrowed to 5-4. At that point, Fenwick put two points on the board with one play, without any explanation from the official scorekeeper. Melrose and Fenwick had a to-and-fro outcome from there, with ties at 8, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, and 20. Melrose went up 22-20, 23-21, and 24-22, and had a chance to take the set at 24-23 but couldn't deliver the kill, and Fenwick closed them out behind the superior play of Kate Lipka.
Victoria Crovo dominated as a freshman with six kills, and Meri Lessing added four, with three for Marissa Cataldo.
Melrose fell behind 6-4 in the second set, with a phantom pancake dig not helping the locals. Melrose got as close as 7-6, but the wheels came off the wagon, and Fenwick opened up a 19-10 lead en route to a 25-11 tally.
Victoria Crovo was immense with three spectacular kills, and steady Meri Lessing had four in the frame.
In the final set, Melrose came out fast again, up 4-1, but Fenwick responded to go up 8-5. Melrose got as close as 8-7, but Fenwick extended their edge with 11-7 and 16-10 leads. Melrose got within three at 17-14, but the Crusaders opened it back up to 20-15, and Melrose could only get within 21-17 as Fenwick cruised to a 25-18 championship berth.
Meri Lessing fired in another four kills, Annalisa DeBari added two, and Cat Torpey and Marissa Cataldo had one apiece.
Game Summary: Bishop Fenwick used senior experience and strong play to defeat Melrose by playing more aggressive and more consistent volleyball. The Crusader attack limited Melrose from generating enough offense and making enough aggressive choices to get the winners necessary for championship play. Melrose has a bright future, with strong play from Meri Lessing overall and exceptional, at times, dominant play from freshman Victoria Crovo.
Success follows the '3 C's', the melange of concentration, composure, and confidence, and Fenwick brought more to the court today than Melrose.
Game 24: Fenwick stops Melrose's String of D2 North Championships, 3-0*
Note: This blog is not an official publication of the City of Melrose, Melrose High School, the Melrose Athletic Department, the Melrose Volleyball Boosters, or sponsored or endorsed by any official entity.
*Full report to follow.
*Full report to follow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
