What I Learned Playing Volleyball

I have always known that playing sports has impacted my life. I did not realize how much I learned until I sat down and made a list. It's amazing how much you can learn by playing a game!

1. Don't watch the score - Play your hardest no matter what.
2. You can turn your weaknesses into strengths with dedication and practice.
3. Winning doesn't happen without the participation of the whole team!
4. Everyone on the team has an important role to play.
5. Mental toughness - can be practiced & increased
6. I am in control of my self-confidence
7. Positive self-talk
8. It is important to be coachable
9. Focus on making your teammates look good
10. Giving it all you got is more important than winning
11. You perform how you practice
12. Always practice the basics
13. The game isn't over until the last point. You can always come back from behind.
14. Never take winning for granted! (see #13)
15. Heart wins over talent
16. No one can push you as hard as you can yourself
17. Practice when no one is looking
18. Visualization works!
19. You can control what you think. The game is 90% mental.
20. It's important to get yourself mentally ready before a game.
21. Check your problems at the door and PLAY
22. Off season training is important
23. To win the match you must take one game at a time
24. Play to WIN - Playing not to lose rarely if ever works and is never satisfying
25. Be aggressive. Playing too cautious costs you games
26. Block out distractions
27. Encourage your team
28. Learn from losing
29. Victory is sweet!
30. Choose a good coach
31. The bigger the challenge, the greater the victory.
32. Take care of your body on & off the court
33. Expect good results
34. Know the court
35. The team follows your lead - stay up
36. Good players make it look easy, only after years of practice
37. Drive comes from the inside
38. You can create self-confidence through positive self-talk
39. Never lose your love of the game
40. It's worth going after your dreams!