Ten Reasons Why Teams Win
Mike Hebert, Ph.D
- Talent
- Best worst player philosophy. Weakest player dictates more than best player because of the nature of volleyball. No one player can take over the match.
- Talent blends with style on good teams. All players fit on teams that win.
- Attributes of Coaches
- Consistent and sustained level of demand. Execution over popularity.
- The ability to teach motor learning to a group. Efficient and organized practices.
- Ability to nurture competitive attitude in players. The coach demonstrates this competitiveness and the team accepts and reflects this attitude.
- The coach consistently presents him/herself as the coach and program boss. They live with the isolation that goes with the job.
- Team Chemistry
- Blend of roles
- Stud - Feared and respected by opponents.
- Winner - Never gives in to loss; extremely driven; this can't be taught
- Stabilizer - Low error, not why you win but never why you lose; allows studs and winners to win.
- Giver: Giver makes others play well; gifted interpersonal skills.
- Taker: Taker expects others to pick them up; not responsible for own actions; whiner. Weed out takers; they have no place in a team sport and are often cancerous. Winning teams have no takers.
- Competitive Nucleus on the Team
- Realities of athletics dictate that teams confront their opponents. Males enculturated to confront; females taught by society to avoid confrontation and engage in end runs. Women's coaches must teach female athletes to confront competitive situations.
- Play at crunch time will be indicator of the team's and individual's ability to cope in the competitive arena.
- "Players"; Motives for playing.
- Volleyball playing time; Men 60% recreation, 40% coach directed. Women 0-5% recreation, 95% coach directed. Most women appear to be playing because they are told to. Winning teams seem to have more players that are playing for the enjoyment. They have taken advantage of opportunities for unrestricted free play; opportunities to try new things; spontaneity over robotics; develop own style.
- Ball Control Mentality
- Teams heart measured by the team's willingness to play Defense. No decisions, everyone's ball.
- Stopped in a balanced position when the opposing hitter contacts the ball. No Pre-hop.
- Players have a feel for the ball developed through time and numerous repetitions.
- Team passing is relative to its sideout ability.
- 3 pt. passes relative to your reliance on the quick attack.
- Frequency of unattacked balls.
- Low frequency of giving up points on sideout errors.
- Sideout efficiency: Hitting errors under 15% on sideout attack.
- Serving Game that fits.
- Ace to error ratio.
- Faith in sideout game.
- Faith in block and transition offence.
- Coach consistently focused throughout the match.
- Like a spectator or a critical thinker.
- Keeps roles in perspective: goals to strive for and consistent feedback.