Another season has flown by. We are beginning to make plans for next season.
One area that we are working on is generating more adult members which involves finding new players as well as retaining the existing players. If you have an idea about new members or suggestions about things that we can change to improve our retention of existing members let us know.
The Region expanded the coaches meeting/IMPACT clinics from one to three this year. The clinics in November at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, and November 20th at Z.B. Vance High School in Charlotte, as well as the December clinic at the Greensboro Sportsplex were all well attended.
Some of the changes for this season included: a new division was added (Gold = stronger open teams, Silver = open teams and stronger power teams, Bronze = power teams and stronger club teams, Copper = club teams), games started at 0-0, we played 2/3 matches, and modified the 5 team pool format to allow for the playing of matches and starting at 0-0 without lengthening the day. These changes allowed the players to be better trained in playing matches which is what is played in school (middle school, high school and college) as well as most junior tournaments around the country.
We have worked with some YMCAs and recreation centers on adding youth volleyball as part of their program. The Greensboro Sportsplex has been a test site and they have around 40 youth participating. There are other areas who have expressed an interest in youth programs and we will be getting to them now that we have tested the concept. I would love to help people interested in developing or enhancing a youth volleyball program in their area.
We added two levels (II and III) to the clinic structure this season and held training sessions during the fall and spring one day a month. The training sessions were well attended and have helped us to be in a position to start camp this year ahead of where we ended camp last year. With the number of talented players who came out this year we are looking into adding an A2 training weekend (for the next 20-30 players who did not get invited to the Level III camp).
For those of you attending a camp this summer, I thought I would close with an article on getting the most out of your camp experience. Have a great summer!
As I stated earlier, not all camps are created equal, it is also true that the coaches working the camps have differences. I hope that all camp coaches are working hard to provide their campers with a fun, meaningful camp where lots of learning takes place. However, not all coaches will have the same level of motivation. Some coaches love the game and want to share their passion with the campers. Other coaches may be there because they need to work, or their coach requires them to work the camp. Whatever the reason, the key to getting the most out of your camp experience is to bring out the best from the coaches who are working with you. Now I can hear you saying, "But I paid good money to come to this camp, why should I have to help them do their best to teach me? They should be doing that anyway!" I totally agree.
Unfortunately, things don't always go the way we want them to. Since the main reason you went to camp was to improve your game, why not do everything you can to motivate your coaches to do their best to teach you what you want or need to know?
Here is how you do it.
Ask for help during breaks, come in early and/or stay late each day.
All coaches love a player who wants extra work. Why sit around when you can be getting extra touches with the ball, get one-on-one or small group instruction? Most coaches will not you're your request for extra help, and if one does, ask one of the other coaches.
Hustle, hustle, hustle. Always hustle!
This is another thing that coaches love to see in a player, hustle. If a coach sees you putting out extra effort, many of them will put out more effort themselves. It is contagious, it is human nature.
Ask questions when you do not understand (and when you want deeper understanding).
This shows the coach that you want to learn and get better. Again, you are receiving one-on-one or small group instruction.
Always listen quietly when being instructed.
We all appreciate it when people pay attention when they are being talked to. Coaches are no different. Besides, it is rude to do anything besides listen when the coach is instructing. It is also rude to your fellow campers and teammates, since your actions may distract and hinder their opportunity to learn. Many times coaches (and teammates) will "turn you off" when you don't listen. You are demonstrating to them that they are not worth your investment of time and effort to get better or that you feel you are "better than them or too good". This is probably a message you do not intend to send.
Be cheerful and have fun throughout the day.
Everyone (including coaches) would prefer to be around people who are happy and positive.
Many players will go to camp this summer; some may try these tips only when they feel like it. The only players who will get the most out of camp are the ones who give their best effort all the time and employ the tips given above. Give these tips a try. You will learn more and you will be practicing skills that your coach back home will love come school and/or club season.