Volleyball Over Everything: The Next Level

This week I would like to talk about getting your athletes ready for the next level. The next level could be being promoted from junior varsity to varsity, playing in college, or going pro. I personally wish that my high school coach took out more time and invested in our talent more. There were thing that should have been done that could have helped me have a longer career in volleyball. So depending on the level that you are coaching, make sure you invest in your athletes accordingly.

I will be looking at the youth aspect of this subject. When parents come to me, their main concern is getting their daughter ready to try out for the seventh and eighth grade teams. So there are a few things I take into consideration to decide if that athlete is ready.

1. Understanding of the game -Do they understand the basics of sport physically and mentally? More importantly, are they coming to LOVE the game? If not, no more time should be wasted from anyone involved.
2. Skills of the game – Are the skills either at or close to the level of competition of another level? If not, how fast can this athlete grasp concepts, technique, and skill? What is also key here is that an athlete expresses a DESIRE to grow; he or she should be joyfully committed to getting better at the chosen sport!
3. Knowledge of the game- The athlete should be comprehending more complex game strategies and recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of themselves, their teammates, and their opponents.

Along with the athlete being ready, is their parents or support base ready? This is key when it comes to a progressing athlete, everyone involved must be on one accord. The parents have to want this for their kid and not themselves. With the help of these points you should be able to get your athletes ready. However, It is up to you (as their coach or mentor) to make sure that they have the understanding, skills, and knowledge of the game in order to make it to the next level.

  

Reference

1. Upward Sports. (2016, June 19). Retrieved from http://www.upward.org/blog/cazscorner/advancing-to-the-next-level