Developing a "next ball" mentality; A battle in the brain

"I just feel so frustrated with my serve. I'm so inconsistent!"
"I feel like my coach doesn't like me, that's why I'm sitting on the bench all the time."
"Whenever my high school coach watches me, I feel so nervous I can't function!"
"I feel like my love for volleyball has been sucked right out of me."

Sounds familiar? We all have those moments (athletes and coaches alike!) where we are feeling a certain way, and blaming those feelings on our circumstances.
Luckily, as our 17s coach Kori Cooper has been known to say, our feelings are the one thing we have ultimate control over. No one can decide what we choose to feel about a situation.

A popular saying in our awesome sport is, "Volleyball is 90% mental... and the other 90% physical." Although that is said with some humor to it, really, it's true. Because volleyball, like life, is a game of mistakes. Whichever team can recover the quickest from its mistakes wins.

So, how do you recover from your mistakes?

This is where things get a little tricky. There is a line to be walked between focusing on the next ball that's coming, and learning enough from the past mistake to not repeat it. How can you, in a practical way, analyze what went wrong the first time and then safely move on?

1) A different kind of "feeling"...
How did your body feel when you made that mistake? Now before you go accusing us of contradicting ourselves, we're not talking about how it felt emotionally. How did it feel physically? Did you notice where your body was positioned, what point of the ball you contacted, where your eyes were directed... these are all things that can affect your accuracy during play. The more aware we become of our bodies and what we are actually doing at the point of a mistake the more likely we are to not repeat that same mistake. So first thing's first, figure out how it felt when you made the error.

2) Let it roll off...
Clinging to a mistake that happened during the last play, or multiple plays ago, is similar to tying 20 pound weights to your ankles. Go ahead, go tie some weights to your ankles and see if you can play ball that way. It's definitely difficult, if not altogether impossible. When a mistake happens, take ownership of it, and then move on. If your mind is lingering on the last play, how will you be able to focus on the play at hand? We all know where a lack of focus leads. How many of you have heard your coach, at some point in your career, scream from the bench, "Girls, it's time to get focused! Let's go!"

3) A forward thinker...
If you've taken your mistake in step 1 and analyzed it, this is the point where you determine what can change to make it better the next time. Missed your serve because you felt yourself cross your body? Focus on swinging straight through the next time you get to the service line. Get aced because you didn't use the angles of your platform properly and watch the ball in? Focus on the next time you'll pass that ball keeping your eyes glued to it and take control, using your proper body mechanics. Same can be said for every other area of play as well. If you can not only realize what you did WRONG, but figure out what you can do RIGHT that will make the play better next time, you'll be headed full force toward a win.

Everyone knows that female athletes are emotional players most of the time, which can be of tremendous benefit. However, sometimes the emotions can also get in the way, particularly when it comes to having a "next ball" mentality. If you can be real with yourself after making a mistake, no matter at what point in the game or how loudly the coach is ripping you from the sidelines, your chances of being successful the second time around increase substantially. So remember, what was your body doing that had a negative impact on the results, take ownership of the mistake and then let it roll off, and wrap it up with determining how you are going to make it better the next go 'round.

Cheers!
- Amarillo Juniors

 

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Winning the battle; Raising champions in athletics

Parents of athletes ask yourselves, "Overall, what do I hope for my daughter to gain from her club volleyball experience?"
Team coaches ask yourselves, "Overall, what do I hope my athletes will learn from me during this season?"
Players, ask yourselves, "Ultimately, what do I hope to walk away with at the end of my volleyball career?"

Making your high school team... a college scholarship... coming away with irreplaceable life skills and experiences?

These questions are important to ask so that we stay focused and on-task with our expectations and requirements. It's important that we are moving forward toward our ultimate goals.

As a club we came off of an extremely successful weekend of play last week. Eight of our 11 teams playing ended up top 5, and 9 of the 11 made it to the gold brackets of their divisions, 2 took home the gold championship, 2 got second in gold, 3 got third in gold, 1 won the silver championship...
That was one mighty successful tournament weekend!
However, coming off that weekend our club was faced with multiple situations in which a parent or player was unhappy about playing time.
Ohhh, playing time.
Such a difficult topic, but an important one to address all the same.
Our club philosophy is heavily focused on training. It does not guarantee "equal" playing time in any age group, and once at the level of 14s time on the court is not guaranteed at all.

But when we say we're training-focused, what do we mean?

"We view the training process to be the most important aspect and we do guarantee that your daughter will be trained correctly in every skill set," said Amarillo Juniors Club Director and 15 Royal Coach Stephanie Bankhead. "One of my favorite things about volleyball is I feel it is the ultimate team sport, as it is the smallest playing area with the greatest amount of people playing together in any sport.

I want to encourage all of the parents in our club to see the big picture of what playing volleyball can teach our children about life."

What is our club goal? To help our athletes learn how to win the battles they are faced with on and off the court.

"Amarillo Juniors. We create champions in athletics."

It is no secret that we are living in an "era of entitlement." You can ask any employer, and it is getting worse by the year. There are many steps we, as a volleyball club, take to battle this era and develop athletes that are hard working, flexible and well-rounded.
Success only comes after a battle. So how do we train our athletes and our daughters to win the battle?

1. Nothing is freely given and all opportunities have to be earned.

How often have you received a job opportunity having done no work toward achieving that position? Have you received a raise or promotion at work without working hard for it and proving that you are capable? Do you get an "A" in school for sitting at your desk and putting forth no effort? Absolutely not. This concept can go even further into these young women's lives as they venture on through marriage and raising a family. Do you have a healthy, happy marriage and family life if you don't work at it, day in and day out? Everything in life takes work, and most everything in life is a battle.
On the volleyball court, these young women have to compete for their positions. They have to put forth the effort in the areas of their attitude, readiness to adjust, teamwork, and skills. This is a great training tool and practice realm for them to see that opportunities are earned, not freely given.

2. How to overcome adversity.
Adversity can present itself in a multitude of forms, but it is an ever-present companion throughout our lives. Some experience more than others, but we all are faced with it. Like this blog points out, on the court, adversity can come from your opponent. In our sport, it can also come from player to player relationships, coach frustrations, parent upsets, and more. The athletes have an opportunity to learn how to a) not be afraid of adversity when it presents itself b) make necessary adjustments to overcome the adversity c) rely on the team structure and dynamic to conquer the adverse situation. Through facing adversity we gain strength. Are you allowing your children to face adversity or sheltering them from it? 
"I'm the parent of two adult children and remember how difficult it was on me as their mom when they had problems in their lives. I wanted to just snap my fingers and make things better for them. However, in my season of now being a grandparent, I realize that allowing our kids to work through adversity while they are young and still in the nest, so to speak, enables them to handle the BIG adversity the world will throw their way as adults," director Stephanie Bankhead said.

3. The "we" is greater than the "me."
Team sports are about the best platform we can think of to teach our children how to work, function, and be successful as a unit. Regardless of positions, each player has a role to fulfill on the team. When each player stands up and fulfills her role, the team dynamic is strengthened and goals are reached.
This concept, like the others we've discussed, so easily fits in to the big picture of life. We will continually make sacrifices in our lives for our "teams"... be it our family "team," or our workplace "team." Teaching our athletes that the unit is greater and stronger than the individual creates cohesion. A team who has one another's backs and stays focused on working together may lose a battle or two, but they will definitely win the war.

In life we very seldom have gain without pain, and we've all heard the famous saying, "Life's not fair." Regardless of its cliche' nature, it is true.

"The world is not 'fair' nor is it 'equal' and we need to teach our children that they will need to work hard in life, things don't always go our way, we are right to put others' needs ahead of our own and that everything usually all works out well in the long run if we just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep our faith," Bankhead says. 

We are so grateful to have the opportunity to help guide our athletes to success on the court through our cohesive skill training programs. We are even more grateful to have the opportunity to help guide our athletes to successes in their lives through our ventures on the court throughout the seasons.

How do you win your battles? Have you overcome a particular battle that you'd like to share?
Email your story to info@amarillojrs.com for the chance to be featured on our blog!

Congrats to all of our teams last weekend and good luck this weekend!
- Amarillo Juniors

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In the coaches' heads... What are they looking for at tryouts?

What are your coaches looking for during tryouts? 
Knowing what someone expects of you can be the key to your success. Let's take a peek into a coaches' head during tryouts...

1. How aggressive is she?

Photo from snugd.com
via Google images

Timidity in the sport of volleyball is never a good thing. Coaches have a keen eye for an aggressive player, and can typically spot one the second they walk into the gym. Be sure that you are playing aggressively. This includes calling the ball loudly, no matter WHEN you're passing it. A big mistake many athletes make is getting out of the "I got it!" habit when they are in single-phase drills. Just because you may be the only person passing that ball is a poor excuse not to call it. This goes back to the fundamental aspect of "you play like you practice." Always practice with the proper technique, form, and attitude and this will carry over come game time. Coaches are aware of this, so they look for athletes who play in this manner.

2. Does she have good court awareness?

Photo from atlantaputtinggreen.com
via Google images

Just because you can go up and bang a ball doesn't necessarily mean you are guaranteed a hitting position on a team. Swinging as hard as you can at every ball will create a high error percentage; coaches are looking for low-error, high-success hitters. This means they need someone getting a large margin more kills than they are making errors. Coaches really look for smart athletes who have good placement with the ball; be it a hit, serve, pass, or set. Always be aware of both your side of the court and the other side, making sure you take into account what is happening around you. A player who adjusts mid-play is a player every coach is looking for.


3. Is she afraid to make mistakes?

Photo from johngeddert.com
via Google images

Fearing making a mistake is a mistake in and of itself. Coaches are looking for a "go big or go home" player. Never be afraid to make a move because you think you might not be successful. If you think your jump float serve will get an ace because of the serve receive pattern on the other side of the net - GO FOR IT! This goes back to being aggressive. Always perform your task with the expectation that you WILL succeed, not with a fear that you won't.





4. If she makes a mistake, what is her response?

Photo from staugustineduckrace.com
via Google images

This is a theory that 15s coach and Amarillo Juniors Director Stephanie Bankhead calls "The Duck's Butt" theory. When a duck gets wet, the water rolls off his back smoothly and swiftly, leaving no trace of it in its wake. This is the mentality coaches expect you to have when it comes to mistakes on the court. When you make a mistake, be a "duck's butt" athlete - let it roll off and focus on your next job! A popular name for this is "next ball mentality" ... but we think duck's butt is cuter. :)




5. How does she relate to the other athletes on the court?

Photo from 123rf.com via
Google images

Are you encouraging the other athletes on the court? Are you cheering them on when they do something good and lifting them up when they make a mistake? This may be the most important thing of all to a coach, because these actions show coaches whether or not you will be a good team player. The bottom line is that each team must be focused on the "we" and never the "me." Your attitude towards the players around is a big, flashing sign to the coaches. It's your choice whether that sign says, "I'm a winner and a team player who will do my very best for the betterment of the TEAM" or, "I'm mainly worried about my own performance and myself so I don't take into consideration the athletes around me." It's up to you, so make it count!

Good luck to our 15s-18s teams this weekend at tryouts. And remember, "duck's butt!"

- Amarillo Juniors

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rumor squasher:

AMARILLO JUNIORS TEAMS ARE NOT PRE-FORMED. No team selections are made until tryouts are completed. In the older age divisions specifically, it is true that the coaches have typically seen the athletes play during school season and former club seasons, but their teams are not yet chosen. Help us out and be a rumor squasher! 

A chat with Misty May-Treanor



Misty May-Treanor digging a ball.
Photo courtesy of zimbio.com via Google images



Today we chatted live with Misty May-Treanor on Twitter ! It was very cool. We got to pick her brain a little (in under 140 characters - yes, it was impressive). In case you missed it, here's a quick re-cap...

@AmarilloJuniors: @MistyMayTreanor How important is #club #volleyball to getting a college scholarship? #livechat

We were curious about Misty's opinion on the importance of club volleyball in getting a collegiate scholarship. Obviously, we think it's very important. Her answer was right in line with what we think!

@MistyMayTreanor: @AmarilloJuniors I think that playing club is important, that is where most of the college coaches search out players, also training is key.

We couldn't agree more! To add to that, since high school volleyball seasons and collegiate volleyball seasons coincide, most college coaches only have the opportunity to scout athletes during off season, which so happens to be club volleyball season. Additionally, when college coaches go to large club tournaments they have the opportunity to see many athletes in one location, as opposed to a visit to one particular high school to watch one athlete.

We were also curious about what age Misty thought is a good starting point for girls to play club volleyball. This is definitely a hot topic, not just locally, but nationally as well. In the Panhandle it's typical for girls to start playing club volleyball around ages 9 and 10.

@AmarilloJuniors: @MistyMayTreanor Thanks! We agree! What would you say is a good age to start playing #club #volleyball? #livechat

@MistyMayTreanor: @AmarilloJuniors I started when I was 10 but I like kids playing all the sports that they can along with club volleyball

We thought this was interesting, so we asked...

@AmarilloJuniors: @MistyMayTreanor Gotcha. What's your no. 1 reason for preferring kids play multiple sports in addition to #club #volleyball?

@MistyMayTreanor: @AmarilloJuniors I think it prevents overuse injuries, burn out, and helps them develop into better all around athletes

Very good points! Burn out is especially an issue for athletes who play a single sport year 'round starting at a young age. As athletes get older, however, it becomes harder and harder to be a multi-sport athlete. (Not to mention more expensive and time consuming for you parents out there.) Misty herself grew up playing tennis and soccer in addition to volleyball. She was also in dance. Aaaaand now she is the winningest female volleyball player with 107 career wins and a two-time gold medalist at the summer Olympics in both 2004 and 2008, according to her website, http://www.mistymay.com/. We can see her point, here, for sure.

To wrap up our Q&A we inquired about the important role a parent plays in their child's success or failure in a sport.

@AmarilloJuniors: @MistyMayTreanor Good point! Last question from us: Any words of wisdom to the PARENTS of athletes out there? #livechat

@MistyMayTreanor: @AmarilloJuniors be supportive and be a fan.

Well Misty, we couldn't agree more!

- Amarillo Juniors Volleyball Club

We'd love to know what topics YOU would like to see covered in our weekly blog. Comment below or hit us up on Facebook and Twitter to connect.

Reminder: Our website is under construction but will be rolling out soon! Keep your eyes HERE for its new look and all things Amarillo Juniors!
For dates and to register for our 15s-18s pre-tryout clinics and tryouts, click HERE.

Get noticed at tryouts!

Obviously, tryouts are important. Tryouts are when it comes down to the wire. You've prepared for months, but there are so many girls in the gym for such a short amount of time!

As an athlete, how can you be sure you don't get overlooked?

Here are the top 3 tips for getting yourself NOTICED at tryouts!

1. Be LOUD!

• The sport of volleyball obviously requires a lot of communication, as there is a lot of people playing in a small space. A lack of communication can be the downfall of an entire team - the difference between being successful or not - just like it can be your downfall at tryouts.
• Talking doesn't JUST happen when it's your turn to play the ball. There is ALWAYS something to say. Encourage other teammates in tryouts; this shows you're a team player. Call for every ball when you're a hitter; this shows a willingness and yearning to be the "go to" girl. Call every ball well before you pass it, and don't be afraid to take a ball that might be someone else's IF they didn't call it; this shows your aggressiveness on the court.
• Don't be afraid to be "that girl." If coaches watching you play refer to you as the loudest girl in the gym, you are on the RIGHT track!

2. Wear something MEMORABLE!

• At tryouts, it's not always easy for coaches to see the number pinned on the back of your shirt. Wear something noticeable, something memorable, so that coaches can easily refer to it when talking about you. i.e. - Did you see that girl in the neon pink shirt with the matching bandana on her head? She passes nails in serve receive!
• Don't be afraid to repeat. Did you wear that pink bandana to the first day of tryouts? Well, wear it the second day! Once a coach spots you, you stay in their sights easier if you have something memorable on and you don't blend in with the rest of the athletes. Then, they will be sure to go look up your name!

3. HUSTLE everywhere you go!

• Coaches aren't basing their decisions solely on skill during tryouts. Surprised? In fact, a variety of things go in to a coach's decision making process (but we'll save that for another post...). One way to not only get seen during tryouts, but to tip the scales in your favor is to hustle everywhere you go in the gym!
• If you're shagging a ball, be running to go get it. If you're standing around waiting to go into the drill next, be the player who is making sure balls are in the carts. If the coaches huddle you up to break out for a quick water break, run to them as soon as you hear about it.
• Just broke out of the huddle to go get water? RUN to your water bottle. That will definitely grab some attention! Hustle shows coaches that you are a hard worker, which usually means that you are also a focused athlete. Hard working, focused athletes have the most potential, and coaches LOVE kids who show lots of potential!

Most of all, try to stay relaxed and have fun! After all, that's what playing volleyball is all about!

We hope these tips will help you during tryouts. If they do, let us know about it! We'd love to hear your story. Connect with us on...

Facebook! Click HERE or go to www.facebook.com/amarillojuniors

Twitter! Click HERE or find us at @amarillojuniors

Our website (currently being renovated but info is still there), click HERE or visit www.amarillojuniors.com.

If you are trying out for Amarillo Juniors in the 12s-14s age groups this weekend, be sure to click here for updates and information and here to get registered.

Happy tryouts!

- Amarillo Juniors Volleyball Club

Welcome!

Welcome to the Amarillo Juniors Volleyball Club blog! We're excited to share insight, tips, and information with you guys about all things volleyball!
WE want to know what YOU want to know! Feel free to comment here and let us know what you'd like to learn more about. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! We have updates, contests, and other fun things on both.
Check back soon for our first post, "Top 3 ways to get NOTICED at tryouts."

- Amarillo Juniors Volleyball Club

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@amarillojuniors