Day One Session two Reflection

At the Making the Cut Camp at the end of August 2019 we asked the players to reflect upon some statements.

Below is the statement from the second session of the camp.

Regardless of my playing time, I support the team.  If my playing time is decreased, I will work hard in practice to help the team get better.

Players were asked to give the statement a number.  If you totally agree with the statement give it a 10, if you totally disagree give it a 1.  In simple language give the statement a number.

Overall average 9.4/10 There were 75 responses.

10/10

You should always support your team no matter what.  Know matter how much playing time you get you should always support.

10/10

Because you are a team and you have to support and pump each other up.  Work hard and play hard.

8/10

If my playing time was decreased I would want to work hard and prove to my coach they should put me on.

10/10

I believe you should always work hard in practice to improve your person’s skills and in return benefit the team.

10/10

Being on a team is not about you it is about being a family.  You need to work hard for something playing time is one of them.

10/10

If I am not good enough to be starting line than I will support my teammates from the sideline than it gives me something to work for.

10/10

Because to be a team player you need to work with your team because not only will it help you but everyone else too.

10/10

What’s best for the team is what I always consider.  It’s selfish to put yourself above work.

10/10

Even if your playing time gets decreased, if you continue to work hard, your playing time could get increased.

10/10

Because if I get better my playing time will go up and my team and I will become better.

9/10

I agree because if you work harder at practice so I can get better so I can get more court time.

10/10

I believe that you should always be supporting your team and that should affect your playing time by how you choose to support your teammates in practice and games.

10/10

If you work hard in practice and show that you are dedicated and supportive no matter what then your coach may give you more playing time.

10/10

I’d rather not disappoint my team by being played on a bad day so I will improve in practice and earn my playing time.

10/10

If my play is bad then it is my fault, I should be working harder to earn my playing time.

10/10

It is important to support your team no matter what or else it will affect you more.

10/10

Yes because if you are playing bad you have to practice to get better and help your team.

10/10

If you don’t work hard you won’t get better and you don’t deserve to play if you don’t put the effort in

10/10

You should always help and support your team in whatever way you are needed.  If your playing time is decreased work hard is to improve your skills.

10/10

Volleyball is a team sport so if anything I have to be there for my team.

10/10

If you don’t work hard even if playing time is short. It doesn’t help to be lazy.  You need to work harder to become better and earn playing time.

10/10

I think having a supportive positive team is very important.  Most of the game is mental so making sure to have a positive mental attitude can help the team’s performance.

10/10

I believe you have to work for what you get, it shouldn’t just be handed to you.  Supporting your fellow players is so important.

8/10

You should always support your team no matter what.  However, you should always work hard in practice to get better even if you are the best player there is always room for improvement.

10/10

If you have a bad attitude the coach will not play you because if a player is too upset to focus, it would be like having 5 people on the court

10/10

When you push yourself in practice it benefits the team and your skills.

10/10

If I don’t support the team when I play it looks like I don’t have team spirit and only are about my own playing time.  If my playing time decreases working harder will improve my skills and might be able to play more.

10/10

Because you have to work hard as a team and all put in the effort if you want to succeed.  Even If you don’t play as much, you should still cheer for your teammates.

10/10

If only 6 people are playing then you should cheer them on and help them play their best.

10/10

Because it is a privilege to be on a team.  Even if my playing time is decreased.  I should be trying harder in practice so that I can get better and be ready to play my best when I’m playing.

8/10

I think it is very important to support your team.  It is good to help your team get better but you also want to get better so you have to put in the work.

8/10

Yes I will support my team, of course.  Probably if I’m sitting most of the time I will be less a part of the team and I would make it harder for me to have a good attitude and support them.

8/10

The players are on the court together which builds the energy and environment

10/10

Because everyone deserves support and that is everyone’s responsibility on a team.  I want the team to get better and so that  is me and everyone has to strive to be better.

10/10

Because you can’t just pout about it you have to do better and put in the effort.

10/10

The hype is an important factor in volleyball.  No hype form the bench could make the court side. In practice, your presence is of equal value to everyone else’s

10/10

Volleyball is not lost by one person’s mistake and it is not won by their amazing attacks it is a team sport.

10/10

Because you are a part of a team and you all  need to improve as a team.

10/10

Cause if I do bad in one of my practices then it reflects on the whole team then we do bad.

10/10

Because you should always be supportive of your team.  And not get down cause then the whole team will.

10/10

If you aren’t playing well, you are making the team suffer, so don’t give up on yourself and try hard in practice.

10/10

I think that no matter how much you play you should always support your team.

10/10

Just because you aren’t playing doesn’t mean you are not part of the team.

10/10

Because it helps the team get better together also it will get better/high placing

10/10

I agree if you work hard to get better it will help the team grow.  Always be positive and support the team because it will help you and your team get better.

10/10

I’m here to play volleyball and improve myself and I can't do that if I’m not supporting the team or trying hard in practice.  Playing time is nice but if you are not working hard you should not play.

10/10

You have less playing time for a reason.if you work hard in practices you can earn back your playing time.

10/10

I support the team because the support will cheer them up and they will do better I will work hard in practice to help the team and myself to get better so we will win more games and work better together as a team.

8/10

The harder you try the better the results will be.

10/10

I would because if I don’t get played then why should I be on the team.  And if we all work hard in practice we would push ourselves to get better.

10/10

It is all about teamwork you should be playing the players who are working the hardest that game and next game someone else will be working harder and get more playing time.

9/10

IF you are not playing great and not helping the team you have to earn the playing time but you should still get playing time.

10/10

I think supporting the team is very important regardless of how often I play the only way to get better is to practice and work hard.

10/10

If you don’t help the team you should not be on the team period.

10/10

Even if your playtime is decreased you are a part of it.  If is your responsibility to help your team in the best way you can even if you can’t help them on the court you can help them from the bench.  Working hard in practice will help you get better.

10/10

I will always support your team if I am on the bench or on the court and every practice I would work harder and harder to increase my skills to help my team when I do play.

10/10

Because it is a team sport and you get better by practicing and you get on when some go off it is only fair.

10/10

If I know that we won’t have as good of a chance to win than I will still work hard and support the team with the goal to become a starter.

10/10

I support my team, if my time is decreased I will work hard to get better with the team.

9/10

I don’t think I could work harder, I think I should put in more time and improve that way

10/10

It doesn’t matter how much playing time it matters how hard you work and how much you support your team.

10/10

That is the whole point of organized sports.  If you aren’t trying to represent your team well then you shouldn’t be on a team.

10/10

If you give to the team you should support it no matter what.

10/10

I think a 10 because no matter what you are a part of the team and should support them.  I think that you should always work hard in practice so that you will improve.

10/10

You need to put 110% in every practice.

8/10

I feel that I should work hard no matter my playing time.

10/10

If you work hard and try in practice it will help you and your team.  If you work harder and strive to be better you could see the court. You also need to work harder because you might have a certain skill that your team might lack.

10/10

No matter what you always have to support your team and decrease of playing time should motivate you to improve.

10/10

I will not waste everyone’s time by not giving it my all.  There is nothing worse than someone being on your team and not even working to be there.

10/10

If you don’t work hard you do not deserve to play.  So in order to play, you must be working hard and constantly try to improve your skills.

9/10

I agree with this however a small part of me gets sad when I don’t get playing time.  I need to get over this and work even harder.  Those who work hard will be rewarded.

10/10

This is the attitude and mindset everyone should have.

10/10

If my time is decreased I will work hard and fix whatever my coach tells me to because I want to become better and get playing time.

10/10

If you work hard enough you will improve and probably increase your playing time and even if it doesn’t, you should still support your team.

10/10

There is a reason why the coaches picked who they want to play.  I have not choice in who they play I can only work hard to prove myself and get better, everyone on the team has an important job weather it is playing or cheering.

Day One Session one Reflection

At the Making the Cut Camp at the end of August 2019 we asked the players to reflect upon some statements.
Below is the statement from the first session of the camp.

I feel playing time must be earned and if Player A is playing better than player B then A should get more playing time.

Players were asked to give the statement a number.  If you totally agree with the statement give it a 10, if you totally disagree give it a 1.  In simple language give the statement a number.

Overall average 7.6/10  There were 79 responses.

5/10

I somewhat agree with putting the best player on.  Depending on whether they come to practices or if they are good under pressure.  If player A never shows up to anything they don’t deserve a spot.

9/10

If someone works harder and is better than someone else they should get to play more, but no one should be benched for an entire season, so everyone should get to play a bit, but those who are better should get to play more

7/10

Player B will never learn if they keep getting taken off because player A is better.  You should give everyone a chance to play even if they struggle.

1/10

I think playing time is earned through being a good teammate. Obviously, if somebody is being an ass, they shouldn’t be on the court.  I also think you deserve court experience regardless of skill but the less experienced should be worked with off-court too.

6/10

It’s better for the success of the team if those who are playing best get more playing time but the others don’t get any touches (don’t improve).

8/10

I think 8 because a team should always do what they have to do to win.  Teammates should sacrifice playing time if they really wanna win.  However, this also isn’t the Olympics it’s for fun and everyone should get an equal chance to play.

10/10

Because playing poorly shouldm’t be rewarded with equal playing time.  You should have to work for it.

8/10

I feel that player A has earned more time on the court by showing that they are ready to play and only have that on their mind.  This also gives player B a chance to regroup.

7/10

Because player B needs to practice more but should still get some time on the court to get better.

7/10

I think a 7 because if you are really good and committed then you should play more to make the team better but if you are not as good you should also get more time to play so you can improve.

5/10

I feel that if player A is playing better than player B and their attitude is good than they should get more playing time.  But if they don’t show enough effort and don’t show up to practice and player B does then player B deserves to have more playing time.

7/10

I think if a player is doing better than one, they are more likely to play more than the other.  I don’t think it’s completely fair sub them out from practicing but the other is doing better

4/10

While it is important for the team to do best, if player B never gets playtime they can’t develop their skills, so it really depends on their importance of the game. If it is provicials it is different than a normal game.

7/10

I agree that if player A was putting in more effort and was playing better than player B that they should get more playing time but I also think that you improve by playing time and being part of the game.

7/10

Player A should play more because if the coach wants them to win they should keep the best players on more than the others.

7/10

I mainly agree because if a player has worked hard leading up to a game, they should deserve to play more than someone that has not been working hard.  But sometimes if the player isn’t playing their best it makes sense to sub them out.

5/10

Because I feel player A has worked very hard to be a pretty successful volleyball player, but to become better you always need game experience and practice, so if player B never gets practice then they will never get better.

7/10

I think this because if you are working hard and giving your best effort, and you're playing well then you deserve to play but also if you made the team you deserve to get playing time too.

1/10

Player B needs more practice than player A

8/10

I think fighting for playing time to just better push people, but you can not get better without practicing.

10/10

They (player A) worked hard and earned the right to play.  Those who apply themselves in practice, are respectful and listen to coaches should play more.

6/10

Sometimes they need more practice on one on one time.

10/10

Because this is a team sport and the goal is to win and if that means subbing someone off then that is okay.

5/10

I think that the age we are playing at we should all get to play a good amount in a game. If you are playing in a game you need to win then we should play the better players.

8/10

I think attitude should be a part of it too.  Through player, A is playing better if her attitude is dragging the rest of the team down she doesn’t deserve playing time.

10/10

When a player misses multiple practices, games, and team events they should not get the same amount of playing time as someone who almost always shows up.

8/10

I feel that a coach must make whatever decision is best for the team, in order to win, I also think that player B should play in games against the weak teams in order to improve.

4/10

Not really because player B should get time to improve their volleyball skills.

10/10

I like to play to win so If I’m having a bad day take me off as I can take a breather and refocus so I can play better.

5/10

Because If player A is playing better than player B and the game is almost over then you would want your better players playing but player B should be able to redeem themselves at some point.

9/10

If player A plays better they are earning the spot to play more.  Everyone has bad days but other days you will have better days and will get to play more than others.

10/10

Because if Player A is committing themsleves more than player B, they deserve to play more.  And if player B isn’t completely dedicated they should not be rewarded by playing.

10/10

Cause you wanna win and in order to win you have to play the best players.

10/10

Because it shows on the court who tries harder to get better if you always want to play your best players to win.

7/10

I think it is ok for coaches to play their best players but to a certain point.  All of the players should get a chance at some point to show they want to be there.

8/10

Because if player B isn’t trying their hardest and putting 100% effort in and player A is …then player A should get more playing time.

9/10

You always want to win so you should have your top players playing but if you play against an easy team you should let everyone play.

8/10

I mostly agree with this, I like to play to win and sometimes some people have good and bad days.  However, the effort is still a factor in playing time on the court as well.

5/10

I feel it is important for all to play, however, it highly depends on the situation.

7/10

If one player is better than the other they should get more playing time but the other player needs the opportunity to grow and learn in-game situations as well.

8/10

Because Player A is working hard then player b, player A wants more if they work harder.

8/10

Because player B should practice more to earn more playtime.

10/10

To earn playing time you must work hard and if you are not the best I believe you have to push yourself harder, playing time must be earned.

9/10

If player A is playing better than player B than A should be getting played because it is in the teams best interest.

8/10

I feel that this statement is true.  Because if I perform better than you, I should get more court time.

7/10

I agree with this because the people that are playing better should get to play, but also players need to be able to get through the tough days and they can’t do that on the bench.

8/10

Because some people can have an off day and when they keep messing up they get mad and sometimes you just need to come off the court and breath.

10/10

Players have to earn playing time.  They cannot get it handed to them they have to work for what they want.

8/10

Because if player b is worse and getting more playing time it just doesn’t seem right and if player A is better because he/she works harder on practice then they should bet more playing time.

5/10

I feel like each player should get playing time because player B will never get better if A is always playing.

7/10

Because I felt like my passing was very good and I call the ball very well.  When I play volleyball I always feel good but today I felt even better.

9/10

If player A has put the time and effort into being a better player.  The player B should work harder outside of the game to get to player A level.

10/10

Because player A will help the team the most than player B

6/10

Because player B won’t improveif they don’t play.  If player A got injured player B would have to play.

7/10

I agree on that playing time should be earned and that you should work hard to earn your playing time.

8/10

If the game is 20-8 than player B should get experience on the court.

3/10

The only way for player B to learn is to play more.

10/10

Because it would be what is best for the team.  We would want the highest possibility of winning all the time.

4/10

I think it should be equal playing time because player B can learn to be better unless it is 3^rd set.

8/10

I think that everyone should get a lot of playing time but if someone is playing better in a game and you are losing the person who is better should play.

10/10

Since Player A is playing better then player B, Player B should take time in practice to develop more skills to be more dependable if Player A  is having a bad day.

8/10

Because if in the game you are playing bad but you usually play good you should be able to play.  If they are playing really bad then they should not be able to play.

8/10

Because maybe player B is a bad player but he might be coachable

5/10

It depends on what level of the game is being played.  With younger teams playing at a lower level the players who work the hardest should be given the opportunity to grow.  At a higher level or for important games the best players should be played.

10/10

You want to do the best for your team and play the best player playing that game and next game maybe someone else will be better.

8/10

If the game is important then A should play B could always get more in another game.

6/10

I think this rule stands but only when playing important games like in provincials and nationals.  However during games for an exhibition, I think playtime should be equal because then it gives everyone a chance to improve.

6/10

I agree with this statement but believe that whoever has put the most effort in should get the most playing time.  If someone is really good but never shows up to practices, they should get less playing time than the person who always shows up and gives it their all but isn’t as good as a player.

10/10

I agree because if one person works harder then others they should be getting results and space to show it,

7/10

Because player B may not be trying their hardest and they may be costing the team points so it is not fair to the rest of the team.

10/10

If player A is working hard and putting in more effort than player B they should get time because it is better for the team.

7/10

Because if someone is putting in more effort and is showing that they are doing quite well they should get rewarded because of that.  If someone is showing they are putting in the effort and they have grown they should also get time.

10/10

Because you should earn your playing time not just because it is equal playing time but because you worked for it.

10/10

 Because you want to good and have what is best for the team.

7/10

I think a 7 because playing time should be earned but I also feel that player B should get a chance to prove themselves Player A should play more however because if they are playing better than it is best for the team.

10/10

The more time you put in the better you are therefore you get more playing time because you are better than the others.

7/10

I think that the better players should play more as they have earned the privilege, but weaker players also need a chance to improve and show their worth and skill.

9/10

If a player is working harder and playing better they should be playing more.  Player B should be given a chance but who plays should benefit the whole team and their success.

8/10

Because Player A should play to get the win however B needs more time playing on the court.

7/10

You want to win so you play your best players but at the same time, everyone deserves to play so everyone should play there is just a time and place to play people.

7/10

If player A shows up to one practice and player B shows up to all practices then player b should get to play but if they both have similar attendance levels then player A should play.

8/10

Usually, this is true, but some game situation calls for certain plays or players.  A worse player is maybe better for a certain situation.

10/10

 You want your team to succeed and a positive attitude.

10/10

Because you have to give your team the best chance to succeed.


Feel free to post comments about this below.

Making the Club Sessions

I am working on an idea to help athletes during their tryouts for the club.  During these sessions (which will appear as "Making the Club U13 U14 U15 Boys") we will design a three-hour session to allow the athletes lots of touches.  What we will also do is get the demographics of an athlete which we will then place on a sheet which they can print off and take to their tryouts.  This will allow them to be different than some of the other athletes who will be trying out and hopefully make them stand out and be noticed.

All the tryouts I have attended it is hard to remember all the athletes and I hope this document will help that happen.

The document will look like this...

Making the Cut Royalty Search

The Making the Cut camp had a royalty search for the King/Queen of the Court.  This four day tourney is designed to seek out the best player who makes the others around them better.  It is based on the King of the Beach format and seemed to work well after we worked out all the kinks.  It will be a smoother process next year.

The Royalty for the three tiers were...

The Making the Cut Athlete choice award

The Athlete choice awards are chosen by the athletes, they are given a list of awards and they are asked to place two names beside each of the awards and to only use a players name twice on the sheet.  The process seemed to work very well and the awards given were as follows.

The following were the clarifications for each of the 9 questions

#1:  Toughest Serve _____          and        _____ 

This player’s serve is hated by passers every day!

#2:  Stability.    _____ and _____ 

Nothing bothers this player.  Not a hollering coach, a bad call, being behind in the score, The player’s next play is not affected by anything.  Whatever occurs, the player is solid, cool, and stable for the next drill and the next challenge. 

#3:  Intensity.      _____ and _____ 

This player takes winning and losing personally.  This player is ready to win every drill, every match, every day. 

#4:  Most Improved.      _____ and _____ 

We are SO impressed with how much more this player can do now than this player could do earlier this season!  We’re so impressed and amazed!  This player’s improvement is nearly inhuman!!!   CONGRATS! 

#5:  Does And Says The Right Thing.      _____ and _____ 

This player tries extremely hard to say and do only those thing that will motivate and benefit the team.  This player tries hard to keep inside all the negative comments, attitudes, and expressions that could hurt the team and could hurt a teammate.  We LOVE how you’re team, team, team.  Thank you. 

#6:  Most Encouraging     _____ and _____ 

This player is always positive in drills, matches, all the time.

#7:  Most Dedicated.      _____ and _____ 

You can rely on this player every day, but I imagine this player has been like that his or her entire life.  Always where she/he is supposed to be and always where the teammates need her/him to be.  Usually early and is usually volunteering to do more than expected.  You’re amazing!  

#8:  Most Wanted Teammate.       _____ and _____ 

This is the player who you want on your team during a Drill,  during ANY competition.  This player helps you win! 

#9:  Most Hustle.       _____ and _____ 

This player will go after any ball, anywhere, anytime, all the time.  This player never gives up on a ball.  This player believes every ball is playable! 

Making the Cut Art award

For those that do not know, I was a high school art teacher in a previous life and I could not pass up the possibility of mixing sports and art.  The Making the Cut art award was stencil type drawing of the front and back of a volleyball player in a ready position with a set of questions posted all over the place.  The challenge was to decorate, change, create or develop something creative.   I was planning on giving out one award and was so amazed at the time and creativity of four of the pieces that I gave out four.  Here they are the volley artists

 I can hardly wait until next year where we will offer another opportunity for athletes to show their art side.

Making the Cut Coach's' Choice award

During the Making the Cut Camp the coaches are asked to hand out awards to athletes who are amazing.  The criteria are simple, it does not have to have anything to do with volleyball skills (it can) it is just to those athletes who make coaching worthwhile.  The awards this year was a coupon for a free academy session.
The following were the winners and the reason is written right underneath their name.

Congrats to all the award winners.