Day Three 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.

The team culture is built more by the players than coaches.

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 8.4/10 There were 59 responses.

7/10

Everyone has an equal put in the team’s culture.  There are more players but the coach still matters a lot.

9/10

The majority of the team culture is the players but the coach also have a major contribution.

8/10

I agree the players know each other more than the coach.

10/10

The coaches can help motivate the team but they can’t do anything if the players aren’t motivated by themselves.

8/10

The coaches also because the decision about is and isn’t allowed on the team.  But the player decides how hard work the energy they give and what their goals are.

10/10

It means more when you choose to spend time with the team than when the coach makes you.

8/10

The players are the ones in control of the team succeeds or not and they decide if they want to make each other better and play as a team.

8.5/10

I agree with the statement a lot but also the coaches do play a part in that! They choose the team.

9/10

Although I think that the players play a big role in the workings of a team, the coaches still keep it together.

8/10

The coaches can try to make the team a certain way, but it’s up to the team to actually decide the attitude or culture of the team even though the coaches can influence it.

10/10

Even though the coaches built the team it’s up to the players to build the culture.

9/10

The coach is a huge aspect to the team, culture is not a team without a coach.  Coach encourages players create a bond for the most part.

10/10

The coach can teach them but the players have to build their own bond.  The team is built by them playing together.

8/10

If your team is positive it may help you play better.

8/10

The team gets closer by doing things together and the coaches can suggest things to do but it mainly the players who want to hang out together.

10/10

Because the players are the ones on the court and they have to work together as a team but the coaches are a big part of it too.

10/10

The coaches can’t motivate the players past a certain extent.  After that it is on the player because they know each other better.

5/10

Coaches help you get better.

7/10

Everyone builds the culture but the players spend the most time together so how they get along effects the team.

10/10

Because there are more players on a team.

10/10

It is the team’s job to try as hard as possible.  The coach can team them but it is the team characters that result in a good team.

5/10

Sometimes it is the coaches other time it is the players

8/10

Your coach can’t control what goes on outside practice/game with your team.  But they control the time within practice not how you bond outside.

9/10

Yes because the players have to work together in order to be a team if they work in and do good you gotta have a strong bond and if there isn’t then they won’t work together.

10/10

It is the player’s team.  The coach can only do so much.  After that, it is up to the players to decide how hard they want to work.

7/10

Every time on the team needs to bond

7.7/10

Yeah sure I agree

10/10

The team is the players the coaches are there for volleyball teaching not to develop a relationship between players.  That is up to the players.

8/10

I say the more players you have the more possibility to bring in new things however the coaches should always create the environment.

7/10

Coaches should build up the culture but if the coach is not doing that the players still should

8/10

The players play together and each other rather than the coaches.

10/10

It is because if your team does not like each other, the team will not grow together.

6/10

I believe that you need to have a special bond between the players as well as a coach to build a strong relationship.

10/10

A team is more players than coaches.

10/10

Because you need a good bond between your teammates.

10/10

Because it is the players who make the teamwork the coaches correct mistakes and coach new things.

10/10

Because of the team bond affects the playing time.

10/10

Because the players actually play and know what is going on.

5/10

Because it matters about the players and coaches.

10/10

Players should build relationships with each other outside of practices.

10/10

One of the most important things is team bonding. If your team are not friends you can play as a team.

8/10

I would say that it is but some times the coach also builds the team culture.

8/10

Opponents  view team by the players but coaches contribute to a players attitude

7/10

Because it is the player’s responsibilities to be kind to their teammates but coaches should address issues.

10/10

The players can relate more to players than an old adult, therefore the players connect with each other and make culture.

10/10

Because you are on the court together, you battle together, you win and lose together , you pick each other up the coach is there to coach.

8/10

You need to trust your team members in order to play well with them but you also need trust in your coach.

7/10

Yes, I do agree with this very much.  However a coach that is always giving good pointers and showing positivity boosts the team culture as well.

5/10

It is kinda half and half.

10/10

Because it is the team working together the coach teaches.

8/10

It is the players that interact the most, that connect the most (usually because they are the same age) so they build the team culture

9/10

I believe this is true because I have witnessed it.

10/10

Because the players have to work together during a game and if you guys are not close then you guys will not go good together

8/10

The team bonds more because they share emotions on the court and practice.

10/10

Because a coach can tell the team what to do but the players have to make it happen.

10/10

The players create a welcoming environment

8/10

Built more by the players but the coaches are part of the team too.

7/10

When all of the players get along, it is easier to play well as a team but the coaches are also are involved.

8/10

The coach can help with it but it is up to the players.

9/10

I think a 9 because the players build the bond between each other on the court I think that the coach helps encourage building team culture but I think that the players build it for the most part.

Day Three 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.

Mental, physical and spiritual health and academic success are all factors in your ability to contribute to a team.

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 9.2/10 There were 72 responses.

10/10

All of those factors contribute to you being in the right mindset, shape and affect your ability to perform well.

10/10

Anything that is obstructing your mindset from doing what you want will make you a worse player.

10/10

If you are healthy outside of volleyball you can focus more on volleyball when you are there.  Having a clear mind when playing is important.

10/10

If an aspect of your life isn’t doing well, it can affect your ability to focus on play and your ability to support your team.

10/10

To be able to contribute to your team, you need to be prepared both physically and mentally.  When distracted big bad academics it affects your sports ability and it is good to be well rounded.

10/10

 If you are not mentally ok, then you won’t have the right attitude towards the game, or your team if your physical condition isn’t great you won’t be able to perform your best, spiritual and academic success also important for success.

10/10

In your head you don’t think you can be a good volleyball player then you won’t.

10/10

All aspects of life work with one another.  If some aspect of your life isn’t as great as it could be it will affect other things.

8/10

If you are not at your top/peak performance you are not going to play the best you can for your team.

10/10

You need to be healthy physically so you can move quicker.  You need to be mentally healthy so you know what you need to do.

10/10

You need all of these to be successful your head needs to be in the game and focus if you are negative or get down on yourself it is not going to help you.  You need all of these in order to become a good teammate.

10/10

You need a balanced lifestyle.  Other parts of your life could start impacting the game if you don’t focus on the other aspects of life as well.

10/10

If you are not healthy in every single way you are not at your very best.

10/10

If you don’t leave your ducks in a row, so to speak then you can’t focus completely on the game and practice.

7/10

All of those factors will help you contribute to your team but you don’t really need those factors.

10/10

You need to be 100% committed

7/10

If you are injured sick or your head is not in the game you won’t be able to play your best or focus.

10/10

All of these are important.  In order to bring all, you have got to the team you must be in a good place with all of these things.  Focus is key.

8/10

Mental health is very important and making sure you are taking care of your own is even more important as well as the physical and spiritual aspects.

10/10

If you are not feeling or doing your best it is hard to play your best and communicate effectively with your team.

10/10

With all of these, you become more positive and boost your team’s confidence

8/10

All of these factors affect your ability to focus on the game and your ability to play at your best.  If you are physically hurt there is a constant reminder but if you are not in the right mindset it can throw you off more than an injury can.

10/10

Sports is not just about skills it is about focus etc and you need good health.

9/10

You should have all strong factors to be the best teammates.  Mental, physical is most important for a team but academic and your spiritual beliefs will affect the team as well.

9/10

Because when you are on a team you have to give all of that to the team.

7/10

If you are not prepared in those ways you may throw your team off.

8/10

Because if you are not able to contribute to your team because of your health your team will not have any success.

9/10

That is true but also a good and positive attitude helps a good leader.

10/10

Volleyball is not only physical it is mental also without all the mental, physical, spiritual you can not play your best.

9/10

Because it takes a lot of mental work in a tourney in order to stay focused to work as a team.

10/10

These are very important

7/10

You need to be prepared mentally and physically.

10/10

Because it is always good to have all contribute to your life.

10/10

I think a 10 because if one of these areas is lacking it will affect all the other aspects and bring them down.

10/10

Because if you get down on yourself you are bringing your team down with you.

10/10

Yes because you need all to be healthy in all 3 to be a successful volleyball player.

10/10

Yes because your brain is important to your physical health.

9/10

Yes, cause you need to have the mental game when you are playing yo need to believe in yourself and others.

10/10

When you are confident you play better.  When you are healthy you play better when you play better you contribute more.

10/10

If you are less stressed about school and other activities you will play better and have more fun.

9/10

You need to be healthy in every way to be able to be a successful member of your team.

10/10

Because if you are not fully in the game or team you won’t be able to help them.

10/10

Because they can all affect your ability to play the sport.

9/10

If you can’t focus, can’t jump, just not at peace you won’t contribute as much.

10/10

If you have no confidence in physical health and mental stability you can be a good player

10/10

You need to be able to think if it goes to me where am I putting it to.

10/10

You need to maintain good mental and physical health to be a good volleyball player

9/10

No matter what is going on at home, school, friends, etc you should change and go to practice with an open mind and have fun.  Same goes with injury you still go to practice and watch and learn what they are doing.

10/10

Because it takes all of it to be a team

10/10

You need to have the right mindset in order to be successful.

10/10

Yes because you have less stress from school and other things and it will help the wellbeing of the team.

10/10

To be a part of the team you need to be fully committed mentally physically etc.

8/10

It is important to always be healthy in every single way whey you feel good you play well.

10/10

Yes because it all contributes to how you perform on the court and how you treat others.

8/10

It is very important to be focused when you are playing but if there is something going on in your life that can be hard.

10/10

Because you need all to contribute to a team and to be a good teammate.

9/10

If you can’t have all four aspects be good then you can’t fully commit to the team.

10/10

You need to have academy success and mental, physical and spiritual health because it makes you the best you can be.

10/10

Yes because when you are on a team you influence others and you have to contribute personal qualities to put the team together.

10/10

Having a clear and focused mind while playing will improve your game along with having good physical health your performance will be at its peak.

9/10

If you have a bad attitude that can affect the team greatly.  You need to always be in good shape.

10/10

 Yes because you need brain strength with some physical.

10/10

You need a clear mind to be able to focus on volleyball.  You also need to be physically in shape to do well in the court.

10/10

Mental health is one of the most important aspects.  If you don’t think you can achieve something then you won’t and physically helps with endurance.

7.5/10

Mental, physical and academic success all needed to sustain each other.  If one lacks, so will the others.  I don’t know what spiritual health is?

8/10

Because if you are not mentally or physically stable if affects your ability on the court.

8/10

The factors that you bring to the team affect the team.  Is your head out of it because you bombed a test?  Are you sore or possibly injured because you didn’t stretch right it all affects the team?

10/10

You have to have a good attitude to make everyone else have a good attitude.  You have to be physically active to be able to play.

8/10

Having success in other areas of your life allows you to have the confidence to use your skills on a team.  As well it means that maybe if you have that success it won’t be on your mind during practice constantly if you don’t receive that much success you can strive for it through volleyball.

9/10

These all affect your gameplay as part of the team.

8/10

I think that these are a big part of your ability to play.

Day Two Session Three 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.

It is not possible to be a successful volleyball player without touching a volleyball outside of practice by yourself.

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 8.08/10 There were 74 responses.

9/10

To me being a successful volleyball player means putting all you got in what you are doing so that means working on your skill outside of practice to better yourself mentally and physically.

8/10

You will get way better if you practice outside by yourself but you can also be a try-hard when you play with your team but you won’t be as stressful.

2/10

If you want to be a better volleyball player you have to put in the time and effort outside of practice as it is the only way you can become the higher level of a player by putting in the extra practice.

10/10

You never going to be the most successful in practice and games if you don’t practice outside of with your coach to make yourself better.

9/10

You need more practices than you think plus it makes you better so why not.

10/10

 You only get better the more you play so the more you do outside of practice the better you will become.  It will help you become better at the skills you are not so good at.

10/10

 Being a good volleyball player you must do things outside of practice.  It  will make you stronger.  Practices do help but doing extra things will make you even better volleyball player.

9/10

There is the occasional exception but yes, for the most part, the more you touch the ball the better.  Practices aren’t enough if you really want to improve you must practice by yourself.

N/A

Practicing out by yourself is good.  You can work on things independently.

10/10

In order to move forward, you need to take the initiative to practice and touch the volleyball outside of volleyball.  You can be decent but without extra practice you won’t reach the excellent level.

10/10

Practice makes perfect so the more you practice the better you’ll get those who don’t will get left behind by those who do.

10/10

Because you have to put in an effort to get better and practice makes perfect.

8/10

Because if you don’t practice outside of practices you will never become stronger at the skills you are learning.

10/10

You have to work as hard as you can inside and outside of practice.  If you don’t practice outside of club volleyball at school volleyball.  Oh sure you can be good but you are not gonna be great.

10/10

Practice only gets you so far.  The people that put in the extra wor will go farther.  If you need extra work on something like passing you can work on that at home to get even better,

8/10

The more practice you do the better you get which makes you more successful.

3/10

Although it is good to practice outside of practice it doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.  Successful might also be different for everyone.

3/10

It is possible to be a good player if you only play in practice but to excel in the sport and really progress as a player you have to practice on your own.

10/10

If you are a serious athlete you need to practice as much as you possibly can.

4/10

Some people are just more gifted than others at sports and can just be better than most others with less practicing.

10/10

I suppose it depends on your definition of success but by any definition success cannot be achieved by being lazy.

6/10

Natural talent and amount of practice time matter if you practice every day you don’t really need to do it outside of practices.

10/10

I think 10 because you have to work hard outside of practice and put in the extra commitment to improving.

5/10

Because you may be really gifted but it is really good to practice outside of practice just so you can improve on your own.

10/10

The more touches you have the better you will be.  Volleyball on and off the court.

8/10

If you don’t practice out of practice then you won’t improve but if you make every practice and go to join another team to have more practice you won’t improve

10/10

Because the more time you spend on the sport the better you get.

9/10

It is very important to work as hard as possible at practice and at home or at the gym to be the best possible player.

2/10

 Actually, some are the best, not all because some people learn from watching but yes you should use a volleyball because what is what you use in a game.

10/10

 If you don’t practice more than everyone you won’t reach a higher level.  The more touches you get the better you are.

10/10

Because if you want to do the best you need to train hard.

10/10

Practice practice practice

4/10

It is possible to be successful but touching a volleyball definitely helps. You won’t go to a super high level, but you can get better at practice only.

8/10

You can still be successful but you would be more successful if you practiced at home.

5/10

Some people are naturally gifted and don’t want to practice their skills outside of practices.

10/10

You will not get better if you don’t practice even if you are a good player you can still get better.

10/10

Everyone practices at practice but if you want to go to the next level you need to put in the extra work at home.

4/10

I believe it could be possible however it is much better to put in the work at home.

10/10

Because you can improve outside of practice.

10/10

Because you need much more than only 4 hours of playing time a week.

10/10

 It is very important to practice outside of practice so that you can improve the most.

9/10

The more you practice the better you will be and if you want to be a better player you need to work for it.

8/10

Coaching really helps if you lack self-awareness.

9/10

You need to be independent and practice by yourself if you want to succeed in volleyball.

7/10

You should always be practicing outside volleyball practice because it will make you better.

10/10

I think that if you want to be the best you can then need to practice.

10/10

You need to touch a ball to be successful.  To be successful you need to be at practice and touch the ball more than your whole team.

5/10

 It is possible just much harder than if you did.

10/10

If you don’t put in any work outside practice you might be an okay player but you’ll never be the best player you can be unless you put in work outside of practice.

10/10

 Because you have to do the work too.

10/10

 It is touches and repetitions that make a good player. More reps equal more improvement.

10/10

Because you need to practice on your own.

10/10

Because you will get better every time you touch a volleyball.

10/10

To become the best volleyball player you can be you must practice at home, not just a practice every extra touch matters.

6/10

You have to practice a lot but volleyball helps.

7.5/10

Because practice makes consistency

8/10

You can be a successful volleyball player by just having practices but you should at least touch a volleyball at some point outside of it.

4/10

For me, I go throughout most of the summer without touching the volleyball but because how active I stay it is easy to get back into it all depends how active you stay.

10/10

If you only touch a volleyball in practice than you will be an average player.  But to be successful you need to practice on your own time.

9/10

True because you can do lots of drills at home and better yourself.

9/10

If you touch a ball outside of practice it will make you a better volleyball player.  But if you go to practices and some camps you can be a successful volleyball player.

8/10

I haven’t ever been on a team with practice every day so I benefit from practicing on my own time but if you practice every day you work more.

9/10

Finding and working on improving your own weaknesses will help improve the team altogether.

9/10

The more ball contact outside of practice the better.  It is important to do extra practice.

10/10

You need to practice what your coach said, then the next practice you are better at the skills.

7/10

I think that even though you may not have a volleyball to touch a volleyball outside of practice you can be a good volleyball player.

6/10

You can be a successful player without practice on your own time but then it is just talent. It is easier if you practice on your own.

10/10

A coach and other teammates are necessary to be a good player.

5/10

Because you can still work on conditioning or movement without a volleyball but it is easier to just pick up a ball and start playing.

10/10

If you are very passionate you will likely practice outside of practices.  All great players do it.

10/10

There is no way that you can get better without practicing at something you have to practice a lot to get better at something.

Day Two 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.

Full commitment to a team is not possible for multisport athletes if the seasons are at the same 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 6.25/10 There were 74 responses.

7/10

You can’t be fully committed to two teams if you have to miss events and tournaments because of the other sport.

4/10

Because they are still there for their team.

6/10

It depends on their schedule if the other sports are conflicting with each other or sometimes they choose one of their sports where they will never miss.

7/10

It depends on how busy the sports are.  If one of the sports is super busy then it might be tough to make it to all of the practices and games.

10/10

 If you have lots of practices you will not have time to practice at home.

3/10

Although it makes it more difficult if an athlete decides to always choose priority for one team then they can be fully committed.

2/10

 It is possible but one sport at some point will take priority over the other.

2/10

 You can balance out when you go to each sport and if games and practices are on different days you can still go.

7/10

If the schedules and tournaments are not at the same time then it is fine but that rarely happens and missing practices are not ok if you are on a high-level team.

6/10

 There will always be a conflict if the seasons are at the same time and there has to be some give and take with both sports.

7/10

 Sometimes sports overlap making it impossible to have full commitment to both sports however you can have full commitment to one team at the expense of another.

10/10

Because you need to stay committed it would be hard if you are going back and forth to sports.

9/10

Times will overlap and you will have to skip practices to go play with another team.

7/10

An athlete will have trouble fully committing but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible It just requires more time and effort.

4/10

Playing other sports can help with your physical strength.

7.5/10

Why not

7/10

 Because they are really busy and couldn’t really play your best. I think they should get less playtime, they need to work for it unless they are really good.

5/10

It depends if the person misses a bunch of practices.

9/10

If it is coming in conflict with each other than you might have to choose.  But multisport athletes are good because things from sports crossover.  Like dance helps with footwork and so does soccer.

7/10

I think 7 because I think that you can be committed but not fully because you will have to miss practices and games.

7/10

You can have other interest then, just one sport as I play and hockey full time it was very hard I had to pick what game I had to go to but that was the best shape I’ve ever been in!

7/10

Multiple sports during one season can make practices overlap and the sports can make plays and positions and might not remember or use what you learned.

2/10

You should put a full commitment to any team.

3/10

Being committed to a team is dependent on the athlete attitude if they are willing to spend their time on being part of their team they will be able to do it but it will be difficult.

3/10

I am a multisport athlete.  I have been on four different team s at the same time.  I was able to sill fit time in to make up for missed practices and still practiced on my own.  There are also transferable skills that are beneficial to both sports.

5/10

It is harder to come to every  game and practice

8/10

Because if your seasons are at the same time you are still committed if you come to the practices after your other season is done.

8/10

It is very difficult to commit fully to a team if you are playing multiple sports.  If one is fully committed to sports in general then they could probably do two seasons at the same time

7/10

I rate it 7 because as an athlete reaching 15-18 age the high demand for kids wanting to play university is high and your body is fatigued if not taken seriously.

5/10

 I feel you should be able to put as much commitment into the team but sometimes you won’t be able to make it.

6/10

 Because they might have practices at the same time and will have to choose.  But they will get more conditioning and exercise.

8/10

 You will always have conflicts between sports but you can fully commit to one of them.

5/10

Commitment for both is important to a team.  Always for a coach you not going to be there.

5/10

I do volleyball and basketball which fall under the same session.  It is a little stressful but because I  love both sports I am able to make it work.

2/10

Some people get super busy but you still need to be as committed as you can.

2/10

 I think if some people are committed enough to both sports it can be done.

3/10

You can put your full effort into every sport that you play.  And therefore you are fully committed.

8/10

At older age athletes need to prioritize one sport and be full commitment.

7/10

Well, I feel multisport athletes should only do one sport cause it is a big commitment and they can bring the team down if they don’t commit.

8/10

At this age, it is best to commit to one team because intensity raises in sports as you get older.

7/10

You can commit to both teams you would just have to work harder.

5/10

Because lots of people play two sports struggle at getting commit to both.

5/10

A multisport player may not be able to show up to every team event but that doesn’t mean they aren’t apart of team / committed.

7/10

 Because someone could pick one sport over the other during the season

2/10

You can play other sports they just have to be in the offseason

4/10

There may be athletes who choose to miss the other sport or the sports run at different times.

5/10

I really don’t know.

8/10

It depends on when the practices are and how often you have them there are sometimes when you can do both.

9/10

I agree with this because I have been in this same position.  In my opinion, it isn’t a bad thing that you are on more than one team however you should still be making most events of the sport.

10/10

Sometimes you value multiple different teams equally and are forced to prioritize one over the other during the season.

9/10

I play multiple sports and yet my coaches and dance instructors both thought they constantly had my full commitment.

7/10

Because

9/10

It would be a miracle if schedules would work and so that you could be at all the events of each sport and even then you would be drained and not able to put in your best effort.

4/10

I believe that you can be fully committed to another sport.  I don’t think you have to commit to only one team.

4/10

I’m a multi-sport athlete and I don’t really agree with this statement.  You are still committed you may not be able to make it to some of the games and practices but you are still working hard.

8/10

Because if you choose to be on a team you should try to put your full commitment into it but if you have other sports and stuff.

7/10

You can do two sports at once but be more committed to one then the other.

1/10

 I think multisport athletes are important to have just because they are committed to other sports does not mean it is impossible to be committed to that specific sport.

4/10

It all depends how advanced you are I’m a multisport athlete and I am always 100% committed to both teams but if you have many sports it is harder to stay committed.

5/10

Depends on how much effort you put in when you can be there and on your own time.

4/10

If you are very committed to volleyball then you would go to every practice.

7/10

It is difficult to be 100% committed when you have other interfering sports, however you can always give your full effort when you attend your practice.

8/10

You can fully commit it the schedule don’t aline but you always commit to one more than the other.

9/10

It isn’t possible because you are committed to 2 or more teams, not just one.

10/10

 If you play football you can play volleyball at school.  If you play hockey it will interfere with volleyball

9/10

Because you can’t play both games and practices.

4/10

You can always take turns in practices so you will have good commitment

9/10

?

8/10

I understand how it may be difficult but at this age, you should start prioritizing.

10/10

Because if some of the practices and games intercept then cannot do both at once.

6/10

Because it is really hard to be committed to more than one team, but if you prioritize volleyball then you can commit.

10/10

Because full commitment to a team is putting every spare second into practicing for said sport.

7/10

Because the athlete might decide to the team they like better.  But outside of the sport, they might not have enough time to practice at some.

I made the team but don't play in games what gives?

I have been approached by a couple of different parents who would like me to speak to the athletes who make the team but do not get played in games.  This is a complex situation as I have to consider a couple of different people.  The first one is what was explained to the athlete when they make the team.  Making the cuts and being selected to represent a school or club means you have displayed a set of skills or potential to make it worth a coaches time to help you develop your game.  It does not mean you have displayed the skill necessary to be on the court during games.  A coach should explain what skills an athlete needs to develop or perfect to allow them to contribute to a successful team.  Successful teams are made up of various skills; no one athletes have all the necessary skills, but some have more than others.  One of the most valuable athletes that I have ever coached was an athlete who, in four years of playing on my team never started a game or played even large portions of important games.  However, she helped us win more games in critical situations because of her ability to block and serve.  I would put her in when games were tight, and I needed to break a streak of great hits, which she would end with an ideal block and then would go back and have a killer serve, which would change the momentum in many a game, a fantastic tool for any coach to have on the team.  She worked hard on her blocking and serves to the point where no other player on the team was better at those skills.  A single season is short and is not the measure of a successful career. It took me three years to make the starting lineup on the university team, it took a lot of work and training to achieve that and was one of those things that I earned, which gave it value.  If I had been given the opportunity without the effort and work, it would not have been something that would have made me proud.

To summarize, a player who makes the team has been allowed to practice and become better he or she has shown the potential that at some time they could offer something which will make the team successful.  The athlete has to decide what to do with this gift and opportunity.  The lack of playing time is because a coach does not feel the athlete has anything that fits into a successful team's puzzle.  A good coach will explain that, but part of it might just be how an athlete reacts to not playing, and if he/she is still working hard and helping make the team better, the athlete is displaying the right stuff.  Any athlete who takes the practice opportunity and strives to make themselves better by putting in the effort, sweat and tears and figures out what the team needs and how they can contribute will almost always get themselves onto a starting lineup or onto the court during the game maybe not fast enough for the athlete's parents or the athlete themselves but practice does make perfect.  If you are not practicing harder and more often than others, what right do you have to demand or expect to play? 

The biggest problem with many athletes today is that they feel that making the team automatically means they will get a chance to play.  The biggest lesson to be learned is earning it, quit thinking you are entitled to game time simply because you made the team and showed up to practice.  Practices are where you earn the right to play in games, not tryouts.  Figure out what skill you can do so a coach can use you to win games.  Serving is the easiest but works at it in piles of time outside practice.  Then when the opportunity presents itself, and you enter into a game you have earned, and you will be ready.

Major Announcement Elite Academy Soccer

Making the Cut Soccer

August 24-27 2020...so you know someone who might be interested we will be launching it soon.

Stay tuned.

Making the Cut Camp 2020

Making the Cut Camp

I have already added the Making the Cut Camp to the calendar as it was oversold and a little bit of a mess for scheduling.  The players who will be trying out for the Senior High School teams will have camp from August 24-27 and the athletes trying out for the Elementary and Junior High School will have camp from August 17-20 2020. It is a long ways away but registers early and save 25 dollars on the registration.

Making the Cut Camps