Powers of Observation: ability to notice and pay close attention to things (Merriam-Webster)
Many Bay to Bay athletes are lucky enough to have parents that film all of their matches (Check out former Bay to Bay parent Jim Smith’s video archive for an example). Watching video of yourself enables you to more clearly understand and see what you need to work on. These types of video sessions can be extremely motivating for players and are a strong source of mental imagery that can help generate the feeling of performing your best.
Likewise, watching and studying the best performers in any given category is a powerful tool. In the case of volleyball, maybe it is watching the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams compete on television or checking out a highlight video on YouTube. Being able to observe these athletes through platforms like the Olympic channel or YouTube sparks confidence, focus, and creativity amongst the younger generation of volleyball players.
2016 Bay to Bay 18-1's Chicago Championship match against Canada's top club Pakmen
How do we take these tools of observation a step further? Lucky for all of us in the Bay Area, we are within driving distance to some of the highest level of men’s volleyball in the country at Stanford University. Our players are able to watch some of the top college volleyball programs compete live in person (for free!). Yet, competition is just one aspect to the development of a great volleyball player. As the great quote goes: “The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital”.
How are these top athletes preparing? While you can find plenty of highlight videos and match videos online, it is hard to find any video of a team practice. What does it take to prepare to win at a collegiate program like Stanford? There is no better way to find out than to watch a practice first-hand.
That is why tomorrow (Wednesday, November 15th) we are holding our annual Bay to Bay at Stanford practice. From 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm all Bay to Bay players, parents, and family members are invited to observe a Stanford Men’s Volleyball practice. Players can get an inside look into the practice gym of a collegiate men’s volleyball program and see how one of the top programs in the country prepares to win. There will be a meet and greet and autograph session with the team following practice. Check out all of the event information on our Facebook page, here.
Join us on Wednesday and flex your power of observation!
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