The old adage “you reap what you sow†might not seem to be applicable in terms of a volleyball game, but it’s actually quite appropriate when you realize that the results you achieve come from the effort you put in, both individually and as a team. You have to put something in if you want to get something back out. Here are some tips on what you ought to sow if you want to reap great volleyball success in the future.
Build Trust
Whether you like it or not, a successful team isn’t a bunch of individual players doing their own thing next to the volleyball net. You really need to work together if you’re determined to emerge victorious during a volleyball game and season. To that end, it’s important to encourage selflessness among the team. Make sure that everyone is offering each other constructive criticism. Allow people to be vulnerable and give of themselves, as this leads to trust and a stronger team. Putting in the effort to build that trust will pay off big down the road.
Maintain Consistency
Consistency is key to volleyball success. Focus on working hard, no matter what. Stick to a solid workout and practice routine. Don’t dwell on past wins or losses, but put your mind into doing what you need to do to be ready for the next game. When you feel pressure from other successful teams, use that as motivation to put in more effort in preparing. Victory is never assured, and the minute you start to feel like you don’t have to try to win, that’s when you’re putting everything at risk.
Earn Your Wins
Along the lines of maintaining consistency, it’s crucial to recognize that you have to earn every single win. If you have a good record, that’s not an excuse to rest on your laurels. Instead, you now have reputation you have to work hard to maintain. To earn those wins, stay in the moment during your games. As important as your win and loss record might seem, in the middle of a game it’s all about being there for your teammates.
What do all of these tips have in common? They’re all about putting something in now before you expect anything later. Work hard to build trust with the rest of your team, put in consistent effort in practices and workouts, and do what it takes to actually earn your volleyball game wins during every match. The temptation might very well be to focus on the winning and the accolades you’ll get, but you don’t let those to distract you from the real work that needs to be done to get there.