Quicksets with Kenzie: Advice from Coaches
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” –John Wooden.
Throughout the years, I’ve had many coaches, each of which has their own philosophy. Some were good, some were bad, but I’ve learned at least one thing from all of them.
Ten things I’ve learned, in no particular order:
1. Hustle all the time. Hustle is something that coaches love to see, no matter if it’s something as simple as running to get a drink or sprawling out to get a ball on match point.
2. John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. I know I’ve mentioned this in my previous blogs, but it is important enough to stress again. Having natural skill doesn’t make someone a great player. A great player must have all components (enthusiasm, intentness, etc.).
3. Never give up on a ball until you hear a whistle. Referees aren’t perfect (I know many of you can attest to that), so never stop playing until you hear the whistle.
4. Be versatile. Although my primary position is a setter, I’ve also been an outside hitter, a middle blocker, a back-row specialist, and opposite. If you aren’t getting the playing time you think you deserve, then try a different position.
5. Do a good job when it’s your turn to referee. When most girls have to do book, flip, lines, or whatever else, they do a bad job. Then, when they get in their game, they complain that their line judges are not paying attention. In short, do the job as well as you would want your own team to have during your match. Another perk of doing a good job is that the referee respects you and your calls, and most of the time will be a little more lenient on you during your game (in my personal experience).
6. Don’t talk big. Don’t make yourself out to be a lion when you’re actually an ant. Be honest about your skills, because they’re out for the whole crowd to see during a game.
7. It isn’t bragging if it’s the truth. Don’t be shy about telling college coaches about your achievements.
8. Don’t back talk to your coach. It’s the highway to getting yourself a permanent seat on the bench. Even if you don’t agree, simply nod your head and say, “Okay.”
9. Don’t bring your boyfriend/girlfriend to tournaments. I am not saying that they can’t come and watch, but they should never be above your team between matches. On tournament day, you need as few distractions as possible.
10. Do the work. If your coach tells you to do twenty push-ups, do it. Most players will do as few as half of what the coach asks. If you want to be a good player, you’ll do twenty. If you want to be a great player, you’ll do twenty-five.
And remember, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.
Kenzie Aries