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"... we must
demand better coaching."
GYANKEE |
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By
Thomas Houser
First, let’s tackle the IN-SEASON
PLAYING TIME. Players will hear this from me: “We’re going
to try to go undefeated this year, and I’ll put whoever in the game whenever
we need them in order to try to win every match.” So obviously, some
kids will get to play very little. But here’s how I’ve always balanced
that philosophy. My players will also be given the opportunity to
attend camps, play in offseason tournaments, play Junior Olympic or AAU,
attend open gyms, etc. That’s where my team members can get their
fill of volleyball. Each player will be told up front that for 3
months they are expected to sacrifice so that the TEAM achieves; but, for
the other 9 months, each player can get as much playing time as he/she
wants. Since we’ve always followed through on our promises of having
numerous offseason activities, our players and their parents usually accepted
our philosophy without much debate.
On the other hand, even I have gotten
ill with some coaches who wouldn’t put little Janie in the match.
There are times when everyone MUST play. First, most JO teams are
organized with that in mind.......some aren't. Second, if 8 girls
are taken to a week-long team camp, they all have to play equally, or some
can be DS’s each game. Furthermore, if a high school team is
winning 10-1 or losing 1-10, subs are made......period. Personally,
I'm more likely to sub if we're losing. I’m thinking, “I’ve got to
change the momentum, the starters aren't getting it done, she’s been aced
3 times already,” etc. Here’s the neatest example of that from
this past season! We were in the quarterfinals of our conference
tournament, seeded 6th of 8 teams, playing #3......lost the first game
4-15.....but all 13 girls played. I told them, "Now here's where
we make our move. I’m going to find the right combination, and since
everyone's been on the court, no one will be nervous when I put you in."
Well, good speech, but we got down 2-10 in the 2nd game. Sheeeesh.
Then Kimberly, a senior, nonstarter Kim, went in the game to serve.......BOOM.........7
straight points (4 aces)! Whoa!! The other coach had to burn
both time-outs, and we're back in the match. WOW, she'll never forget
that day and I won't either. We lost that game, our season ended,
but our TEAM gave their best effort. We all did all that we could.
If you have other questions that
you think I should address, please send me an email.
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