I came across the following article and thought it might be helpful for coaches and players alike. As the 2009 High-School Season approaches several coaches and players will be faced with adverse situations and it depends on how quickly a player adjusts and composes herself could be the difference between a win or a loss.
After winning the first set, your team has dropped the last
two in a row. Their backs are against the wall and they
are playing back on their heels. Chins are dragging on the
floor ...and the bench is quiet.
It's driving you crazy!
How do you spark that volleyball FIRE in your players even
though they're behind the eight ball? Scream? Yell? Stomp
your feet? No way!
Remind your players that they have NO chance of winning if
they already count themselves out. They've already won
the one game, and they only have to win another to get back
in the match.
All of a sudden it doesn't sound so bad does it.
When your players are losing, they focus far too much on
the serve they hit into the net - or the easy dig they missed
because they were out of position.
It's a proven fact that the more a player dwells on the negative
aspects of a game, the more likely they are to repeat those
mistakes...
It's planted in their mind - now you have to uproot it!
SO - How can you "uproot" those negative thoughts in your
players?
Emphasize that run of six points the team had to make the
third set close; remind them of the amazing stuffs they
made on the opposing team's top power. In essence emphasize the good that your team has done.
...ANYTHING to get your players smiling, laughing and now
motivated towards the positive things that they have done.
And most importantly: FOCUS on winning one point at a time.
Too many players will be so focused on the end result that it
affects their big hits, digs and jump serves along the way. Get
them back to doing things right.
Your players don't have to be superstars and make amazing
plays (although it does help). All they need to do is
execute their passes, get the sets above the net, and
hammer the hit down the opponent's court.
The tide of a game can change in your favor, or it can come
crashing down on your head. Remove the doubt from your
player's minds and they will come out fighting for a win!
Special Thanks to Hayley of Volleyball Magic for her insight.
If you like to get more information from her - Check it out here:
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