TIP OF THE MONTH
October
THE K-I-S-S PRINCIPLE!
Keep It Simple, Stupid
All name-calling aside, the principle of KISS states that simplicity should be a key goal and that unnecessary complexity should be avoided. Far too often, players add unnecessary movements in their mechanics while performing certain skills. Even if subtle, these mechanical flaws could hinder performance - so as a general rule it's best to eliminate all excess body movements. Often, a player doesn't feel or notice these extra motions, but that's why we have coaches. So if coach says to modify your technique in order to create efficiency/consistency, as a player you shouldn't be satisfied until you make that change.
UNNECESSARY MOVEMENTS = MORE CHANCE FOR ERROR
Unfortunately, it is typical for performance level to drop when correcting a bad habit. This is just part of the learning curve. But players....don't be discouraged, because if you stick with it, the outcome will be well worth it and you should come out a new-and-improved version of you!
Check out this article from the new USA Women's Coach, Hugh McCutcheon. Even the top players in America are still working on refining their skills and simplifying movements!
http://www.volleyballmag.com/archive/2009/AllInDueTime.php
Here is our list of TOP 10 UNNECESSARY MOVEMENTS (mechanical flaws) that we've seen in junior players:
SO DON'T DO IT!
1. DIGGING/PASSING: Swinging Arms
Swinging the arms to direct the ball (vs setting up a solid platform and using the angle of your shoulders/platform to direct the ball)
2. DIGGING/PASSING: Prayer-Passing
Unfolding the arms or bending elbows when trying to pass
3. DIGGING/PASSING: Hopping or Bobbing
When feet leave the ground at contact or legs do a dip-squat-up motion
4. FLOAT SERVE: Wild Follow-Through
Swinging through the ball to your thigh with your armswing after contact (vs stopping and popping to target)
5. FLOAT SERVE: Floppy Wrist/Hand
Breaking wrist or soft hand/wrist at contact
6. HITTING: Big Front-Swing
When the arms come up together during the approach, prior to the big back swing (note: a big back swing is ideal as it helps your lift on your vertical)
7. HITTING: The Round-House
Usually this comes as a loop with the arms prior to taking off the ground, or a big circular motion down-and-around with your hitting arm while swinging to hit the ball
8. SETTING: Bent Wrists/Fingers
Breaking the wrist or bending fingers either before contact, at contact, or after ball leaves hands
9. SETTING: Breast-Stroke
A wide motion with the arms after contact on follow-through
10. BLOCKING: Slapping
When players bend their elbows, with hands behind head, and then slap them forward towards the ball
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