Dear Prep Dig, The High School Season Isn’t Going So Well…
Dear Prep Dig,
My high school season is not going so well. There have been plenty of different factors that have played into this, but I’m just not in the role I saw myself filling. I’m trying to do everything I can to get on the court, but it just never seems to be enough. This is not how I thought it would play out. What can I do to get on the court? What can I do to make the last month of the season fun and help my team?
Sincerely,
Ultimate Frustration
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Sorry for the frustration! Being a month into the season, the newness has worn off, academics are picking up, and anything that doesn’t seem to be going as planned can be extremely frustrating. However, by asking how can you help your team definitely shows your heart is in the right place.
We’ve all been in a situation where the reality of a situation doesn’t meet our expectations. Does that mean we need to change the expectation? Sometimes, but not always. One thing that I would encourage you to do is talk with the coach about what the team needs from you. This is much better than saying, “Why am I not playing?”. That probably will come up in the discussion, but nobody likes to be on the defense in a conversation like that. The coach will (hopefully) give you some things to work on, maybe the coach sees you in a different role, maybe there is a position that is open that you would be willing to play. Above all, keep the conversation at the focus of the team.
If playing time is something that is a concern, what are the things you can control? Energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement. Whether you are on the court or the sideline, those are things that are controllable and can contribute to the betterment of the team. Being consistent with energy in practice, showing enthusiasm in the day to day routine of even setting up nets, shagging volleyballs, and being engaged in the training and game-like scenarios make a big difference. Encouraging is also something you have complete control over. Even a simple gesture of talking with a teammate you don’t typcially hang around, or maybe there is an underclassmen or Freshman on the team where you can ask, “How are things going for you?” – and not just the simple pass by of “Hey, hows it going?”. But asking genuinely because you care.
In volleyball, positions are specialized. If there is one setter who is running a 5-1, it can be tough to break into the rotation. If you really want that libero jersey, and it isn’t yours – that can be a tough pill to swallow. However, as a lot of players can relate, athletes have to be ready to play and ready to adjust at a moment’s notice. An illness, an injury, and the dynamic of a season can change. If the opportunity for you to play comes because of one of those situations, take advantage of it. However, teammates will have more trust in you by being energetic, enthusiastic, and encouraging all of the time, not just if you are playing.
Hang in there. Stick to the process and remember to think about the team when it comes to trying times like this. Control the controllables, and remember everyone is the leader of something. But remember to make that “Something” is a positive one to the rest of your teammates.
Good Luck!