Reflections as Volleyball Coach

For the last couple months, I've been the coach of Danielle's rec volleyball team...on paper. There were things happening at the time of registration, and a coach's name was required to be on the paperwork, so I volunteered. Thankfully, the real coach's schedule cleared and she took over the actual coaching duties during practice and games. However, since my name was still on the paper, I decided to embrace the situation -- I elected myself as the cheering coach!

I tried to provide encouragement and positive vibes, with a few motivational quotes thrown in:

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Nothing changes, if nothing changes. 

Practice like you want to play in the game.

This usually led to a few eye rolls from Danielle (she said my eyes get really big when I talk while I'm excited), and I honestly have no idea how much of it actually sank in with the girls. But as much fun as I've had, I do realize I'm not so effective at motivating 7th grade girls. I don't think I speak their language or emphasize what matters most to them. And I think I get a little too serious, when they really just want to have a good time.

However, as the encourager, I wanted to help keep focus on the journey and the overarching goal for the season: prepare the girls for 8th grade school volleyball. (I love setting goals...) That goal could be accomplished by focusing on three main things: 

1. Help the girls master their overhand serves,
2. Focus on bump-set-hit (ie. don't just hit it over) 
3. Gain actual game-time experience (It's one thing to perfect your hits during drills; it's totally different to hit balls when they are coming unexpectedly from another team.) 

The season is not quite over yet, but I can say, the team has come a long way since the first game! More serves are getting over. Our team is the only one in the league that consistently hits 3 times before sending the ball over the net (#teamwork!). The girls have definitely increased and improved their game experience! Time will tell how those successes play out on the scoreboard during the tournament, and ultimately how it contributes toward making the 8th grade team. (NOTE: A single season in rec league will not be the only predictor of success for school tryouts.) 

I sure have enjoyed the opportunity! And as "coach", I have learned to be less intense during the games. From the stands, as a parent, I would get waaaaay too emotional and worked up about things. But being on the sidelines with the team, in the role as motivator and cheerleader, it definitely helped me change my perspective. I now focus on all the little things the girls are improving and doing well, instead of just the score. 

And what are Danielle's thoughts on my coaching? Well, I think this casual comment from her the other day sums it up: I really think Ms. Amy would make an excellent assistant coach for Coach Terry. 😉