Week 3: Step Your Game Up, Part 1
As you may have noticed from my previous entries, being a college athlete is anything but easy. But, let me tell you, it is 100% absolutely positively worth it. There is no feeling comparable to overcoming a 14-11 point deficit in game five of the first round of the NCAA tournament to eventually reaching your first Sweet Sixteen appearance…hypothetically speaking of course. There’s a lot that goes into being successful as a student, and even more that goes into being an elite athlete. Most people think that having skills is enough to make you a great player, and well, most people are wrong. The recipe for success in athletics, whether in college, high school, club, etc., goes way beyond physical talent. In fact, some of the best players in the country may not necessarily be the most gifted athletically. In my opinion, success boils down to two factors:
Mental vs. Physical
I’ll start with the physical. Once again, there are several components to the physical aspect of the game (I told you it wasn’t easy):
1. Commitment – Becoming a great athlete means you have to be willing to sacrifice your body and your time. Yes, you’re going to have to miss out on some awesome parties and maybe a Homecoming Dance or two, but like I said, it’s worth it.
2. Fitness – Obviously it is important for players to be in shape. Although volleyball doesn’t involve a ton of running, players need to be able to last through five set matches and long rallies. In order to do so, you need to put in extra work whenever possible and always give 100% in everything you do.
3. Nutrition – A huge part of being in shape is treating your body right. That means getting enough sleep, eating healthy (and eating enough), and making sure you prevent and treat injuries.
4. Practice – It is a proven fact that the way you perform in practice will carry over into actual games. Getting better at volleyball is all about doing as many reps as possible. So even if you have to go out in your driveway and pass or set balls against the side of your house (Yes, I’ve done it), you’re putting yourself ahead of the competition.
Just as, if not more important than the physical aspect, is the mental aspect. The makings of a great mental player are more ambiguous than the physical components, but they are essential:
1. Positivity – You’re not going to play your best every time you step on the court; even Michael Jordan had bad days. But having a good attitude and not getting down on yourself in tough situations are behaviors that separate the good players from the great ones.
2. Prepare – Basically, this can be summed up by one of our team’s favorite sayings: “Get your mind right.”
3. Visualize – Before every match our team meditates in a dark room in complete silence. Personally, I visualize myself making plays and doing great things in the upcoming match. Picturing yourself being successful can actually lead to success come match time. Call us crazy, but it works.
4. Trust – Players who are confident make everyone else on the court feel comfortable. Trusting in yourself and your teammates is the only way to be successful in pressure-filled situations, of which there will be plenty.
When it all comes down to it, every athlete has one goal: win. Our trainer, Coach Tracey, tells us that every day is an opportunity to get better, and I truly believe that.
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| AVCA All-American Stephanie Klefot makes her way up the steps of Commonwealth Stadium. |
”Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win.” - Bobby Knight
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