Volleyball camps, volleyball training, coaching volleyball IFREE SPECIAL VOLLEYBALL http://www.yesicanvolleyball.com!docl ubseasonrightarticI e.html REPORT: "HOW TO IMPROVE MENTAL TOUGHNESS!" II The Club Season: Let's Do It Right! -By Dave Cross Ok, it's soap box time! Club season is gearing up across the nation, and with it, are the yearly occurrences some things that, in my book, just aren't as they should be. of First of all, my philosophy ofthe club season is simply that it should be used to prepare for the more-important next high school season. So, if you feel differently on this, which many do, you may not agree with some (or maybe all) of what I have to say here. All I ask is that you read the following with an open mind-and possibly give my ideas a thought: l.Coaches: Quit bad-mouthing other clubs in your area in an attempt to recruit a player to your c1ub.lfa player has played for another club, and is now considering coming to yours-they already know why they don't want to return to the prior situation. Instead, how about pointing out the positives that your organization brings to the table? And if a player tells you they are thinking about going back to their old club-let it go. Don't lower yourself and start telling them why that is a bad decision and why they should come to your club instead. What happens then, ifthe player and her parents buy into your negative "sales-job", and for some reason, your club doesn't deliver? How have you then effected that player's future? What do you say to them then? Here's a good one for you: I actually had AN OFFICIAL at one of our tournament matches a few years ago get my attention during the pre-game player announcements to tell me he was going to "steal my big freshman for his club"! Hello? What was this guy thinking? And why was he thinking it at that time? Well, one thing was for sure, he had to buy a ticket to get into my gym after that! Take the players that come to you because you offer a good learning experience for them. Sure, I think it's alright to inquire into a player's plans for the upcoming club season. But, let's not talk each other down-coach with class! 2.Coaches: Players need to play the postions that they need to improve on for their high school team. Please don't put winning at the club level above improving for the school team. I suggest taking the players you have, play them where they want to play, (which usually will be where they need to play to improve for the next school season), and do the best you can with that lineup. An example for you: One club season my #1 middle and setter were on the same team. The coach decided to play my middle outside, even though the other middles were not as strong-because she thought this was the best way to win for this club team. The team did alright. But, my point is, they would have still done alright with my middle playing her position. My middle ending up being Honorable Mention All-State that fall. And my question is: How would she have done ifshe had played her position, working with her setter, all that club season? Every year, I will also hear of teams running a 5-1 with the strongest setter, while the team's second setter plays libero. Or girls that need to improve their back row skill only playing front row. At least do this: Pick out the weaker teams you will play against at a tournament and give these girls time in their school positions 100 11/8/200910:58 AM Volleyball camps, volleyball training, coaching volleyball http://www.yesicanvolleyball.comldoclubseasonrightarticle.htrnl against them. 3.Players: Give the same commitment to your club team that you give to your school team. Be at practice and attend all your tournaments. Never miss for reasons that wouldn't be accepted at your school. Your teammates and coach are counting on you-and just how are you going to improve if you don't show up consistently? Now, if you are playing a school sport at the same time, that's a different story. I feel very strongly that your school sport should come first when you have a scheduling contlict and you are supposed to be in two different places at the same time. And when picking a club to play for, I strongly suggest you make sure this is their philosophy also before signing on to play for them. Every year I hear stories of players that miss club practices and tournaments for reasons that just aren't acceptable. When this happens, it hurts everyone involved-including the player in question. Whether you are playing to improve for your school, or simply playing for fun-you have to be there to accomplish either! Even if you feel your teammates aren't as committed as they should be, take the "high-road" and do what you truly know is right-instead oflowering yourselfto a level you know in your heart is not. Here's one for you: A setter missing a tournament on that one. because she had a hair appointment. Aye-yi-yi-enough said And another thing, be ready to play on tournament day. Take care of yourself-get your rest the night before. There is nothing more frustrating than watching a player scuffle through the day because she had a date the night before-or a sleep-over. You know way in advance when your tournaments are-so plan your social life accordingly. Your teammates and coach are counting on you-and even if, again, you have teammates that aren't doing as they should in this area- that is no excuse to let yourself slack off. 4.Parents: Please conduct yourself as you would during the school season. Just because there aren't any "school administrators" around doesn't mean you should change your behavior. Support the girls and let the coach do their job. If you have a concern, please go through your clubs established channels to address it. Getting negative or loudly voicing your concerns at a tournament site will undoubtedly embarass your daughter and put a sour-taste in the coach's mouth. And honestly, what good will this do in the long run? The vast majority of club coaches earn even less than they do during the school season-they are coaching simply because they love the game. Take away that love, and more times than not, you'll also take away their desire to do the best job they can for your daughter's team. And of course, I have an example: A player gets disrespectful with her coach and the coach sits her down. So, the parent decides to loudly try to persuade all the team's parents to take their daughters and go home-right in the middle ofthe tournament, (and right in the middle ofa match, too). Ok, there you have it, I feel better now! :) Look, the club experience is a very valuable one in the growth of player. If you will think closely about what I am saying here, my main point is this: Let's make sure our main focus is on the quality of this experience for all involved-and nothing less. -Dave Cross National Director Yes I Can Volleyball ATTENTION: GET OUR "TOTAL PACKAGE" CLICK BELOW FOR DETAILS: ----------------f"TEll 20f3 NOW ME MORE!"_'-..,- _ 11/8/2009 10:58 AM