The DC Specials started their West Chester B-1 Outdoor Grass season yesterday. Our first opponent was Team X. The match started well with the Specials taking the first game. However we couldn't build any momentum, and lost the final four games by close margins. It was a hard fought match with almost everyone getting grass stains on their clothes.
Most grass stains were from diving for balls, but plenty resulted from slips and slides on the grass surface. I just bought some new trail running shoes from DSW, and recommended them to my teammates. They're a huge help. Let the record show that I only slipped once, but everyone else seemed to slip multiple times. I bought the blue/yellow version of these Adidas shoes. Visit your nearest DSW for your own pair.
I anticipate that Team X will be one of the stronger teams in the league, since they had the most wins in the past winter season. We were disappointed to lose 4 out of 5, as we didn't take advantage of some opportunities to win games. We're a steadily improving team, and we're always looking to improve. Here are three areas where I would like us to improve upon for our next match.
1. Improve blocking technique - our blockers could improve their blocking percentage by stretching their hands as close as possible to the opponent's attacked ball (without interfering with their hit, of course). Doing this has two advantages - first, with your hands being closer to the attack, you're making it more difficult for the hitter to angle the ball away from the block and second, if you do block the ball, it's more likely to travel downward onto the opponent's side of the net. Just don't touch the net!
2. Communication - Not only do we need to communicate when we're going to receive a ball ("I got it", "Ball", etc), we need to communicate with our setters to make sure they are placing the set in a good hittable position. Personally, I prefer a higher set. Also, we need to make sure we have a positive attitude with our encouragement of each other. This includes keeping a positive outlook on our own performances and not being too critical of ourselves. It's all about staying positive. If you keep thinking negative thoughts, they'll manifest themselves even though you don't want them to. For example, don't think about elephants. You just thought about elephants, didn't you?
3. Don't be overly aggressive - this is mainly for the back-middle player. It's natural to want to follow the ball. But for the back-middle player, they have to cover the whole back line. If they creep up too far, that leaves the whole back half of the court open for an easy point. This player needs to stay disciplined and hold their ground in the back.
I'm not singling out anyone here - I'm as guilty as anyone. I chose these three points because I know they are three areas that I can improve upon personally.
Next week is a bye since I'm away for business. We'll see you in two weeks for an update. One-Two-Three, Specials!!!
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