Peak Performance Principles

I have had the pleasure to work with some young university setters this past season in weekly setter's training sessions for a couple of hours.   To my surprise, they didn't know everything that I knew~!!.. I forget that what I can do naturally now took many years of learning, practicing and perfecting.

For the school age volleyball player (grade school to university), volleyball skills/practice is just another spinning plate they are trying to balance.

As most sports, one must work on the mental part of the game I think the quote is the game is 90% mental 10% physical.  Volleyball certainly falls into that category on so many levels.

Below are some principles that I incorporated into my mental game that allowed me to achieve the success I did.  Even though it is written for a volleyball setter/playmaker, it  can be adapted for any position, sport or non-sport activity.

Looking forward to any discussion or feedback you may have...

Dream Big!!
diane

PERFORMANCE PRINCIPLES



PARK – As a play-maker  I PARK all my non-volleyball obligations, thoughts, concerns outside the gym doors before each practice and each match.  My mind is clear, focused and willingly accepts  what I am being taught during this time.  PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT PERFORMANCE.

POISE – As a play-maker  I stand higher than the crowd.  I am in control. I am infallible.  I carry myself with grace, a winning attitude and determined leadership.   I am the best teammate. 
“My passers/hitters willingly make me shine.”

POSTURE – How am I holding myself?  How do my team mates see me? How do I think of myself?
Only I can dictate how I hold myself.
As a play-maker, my posture will dictate how my passers will pass me the ball and how my hitters will hit the ball for me.
“ As I hold myself up with CONFIDENCE, STRENGTH, and an UNSTOPPABLE ATTITUDE, my passers will effortlessly pass the ball to my proper position and my hitters will score my sets spectacularly as I quietly and graciously accept the assist.”

POWER – As a play-maker, I AM in the Power position.  I HAVE the power to make plays happen.  As a play-maker, I am in the position of command and am brave enough to accept the challenge.  Only I can lead my team to where we want to go and as I lead my team we are all victorious in the combined effort.

POSITIONING – As a play-maker, I am the best defensive person on the team.  I instinctively react to the pass/dig knowing that not all passes are perfect.  I am PROACTIVE  to the passes.

PURPOSE – As a play-maker, I have purpose with each ball I set.  I get one chance to make a successful play each time the ball is in my control.  I set with Purpose.   Before the match, I am PREPARED I know the game plan and I follow it with PURPOSE and with the conviction of the poise, posture, power and positioning I hold within me.

PASSION - I EAT, SLEEP, DREAM volleyball. period.  I LOVE this GAME.. why else would I run around in a small area with 5 other people trying to stop a little white ball from hitting the floor!!!

PLAY – I love to PLAY volleyball. 
Definition:  play  /plā/Verb - Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
Noun- Activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, esp. by children.

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I strongly suggest to improve your performance, you have a "mantra" or a phrase/keywords that you say to yourself to get you into the right frame of mind as part of your routine.  Best times to repeat.
1. every morning when you wakeup/brush teeth/shower/breakfast
2. on your way to volleyball practice/when putting on shoes/during warm-up
3. pre-game routine
4. before the start of each game while waiting to go on court
5. whenever you can!!!

How do you do it?
1. sticky notes on mirror
2. message on your phone
3. written on your shoe
4. wherever works for you best..

as Nike says "Just Do It".

Example of your “MANTRA”:

“As THE playmaker for the (insert your team name here), I carry myself with POISE, I hold my head high in a confident POSTURE, as I lead my teammates with the POWER of my focused mind and as I move my body with cat-like reflexes to proper POSITIONING, and with pinpoint PURPOSE in execution  I lead my team with PASSION  to victory one set, one PLAY at a time. “

Copyright by Diane Ratnik Cooper Volleyball 2013.  Cannot be used without acknowledging Diane Ratnik Volleyball as the source.

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