1. Teaching Confidence, Focus and Composure
Volleyball Alberta Symposium
Teaching Confidence, Focus and Composure

2. Communication challenge…partner up
Our Self Talk impacts how we communicate & if we communicate with others We perform our best when our communication is present and proactive. Player to player…players to coach…coach to player Proactive thinking/communication improves play and limits momentum shifts & negative point runs.

3. WE ARE OUR OWN GREATEST DISTRACTION
Self Talk
WE ARE OUR OWN GREATEST DISTRACTION
Negative self-talk (judge)
I suck, I’m an IDIOT
Doubt
I CAN’T
Past and future thoughts
We’re going to WIN
I’m going to LOSE
Physical state
I’m Tired

4. ROUTINES Maintaining Focus & Momentum
Physical Component
What do you or what does your team do for a warm up?
What are physical routines are in place pre rally or pre serve?
Mental Aspects of a Routine
Trigger Mechanism – what starts your routine?
Relaxation
Success/Confidence
Concentration or Refocus
Most athletes have a physical routine without mental components. This is a significant factor in inconsistent performance.

5. ROUTINES NOT RITUALS
Rituals or superstitions are: An athlete’s belief that certain actions will lead to certain outcomes with no scientific evidence supporting the success of said actions. Rituals increase the likelihood of Anxiety without having a positive impact on performance. Work to eliminate all Rituals.

6. ROUTINES
Routines needs to be simple, specific, systematic, engaging and individualized.
Two types of routines:
Pre performance/practice – Mental preparation - instill confidence, focus and a success-oriented mindset
During performance – Refocusing – The 3 R’s

7. Between Rally Routines The 3 R’s
React
Emotional Reaction – positive or negative
2-4 seconds
Trigger – 100% under your control
Relax
1-2 deep belly breaths
Shift to proactive thinking
Refocus
Thought process in preparing for the upcoming rally

8. The 3 R’s: REFOCUSING Proactive Team discussion
Prioritize: Impact & Purpose
Individualize & Simplify – What is my job?
React
2-4 seconds
Receive/Attack
Who is serving?
How are we playing it?
What are our matchups? Prioritize
4. What are we running?
What are the 1-2 things I need to do to be successful
*Trigger
Who is primarily in charge of points 3 & 4?
Relax
1-2 deep breaths
shift to proactive
Serve/Defend
What rotation are they in?
Who are the primary attackers?
How are we defending each attacker?
Who are we serve/screening?
What are the 1-2 things I need to do to be successful
Refocus

9. Final comment & Questions
Mentally tough teams/players remain consistent between rallies
They simply play 1 point
Questions?