Parent/Player/Coach Expectations

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Our philosophy regarding sports in general, and volleyball specifically, is pretty straightforward. Sports are an important, even essential tool in teaching life lessons: camaraderie, teamwork, discipline, resiliency, respect, and sportsmanship. The fun comes not only from individual accomplishment, but in seeing the team succeed through mutual effort and cooperation.

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“This year’s team builds the foundation for teams in the future. No Player should feel that she is not a valued member of the Timberwolves Volleyball Club. “

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Seasons Goals/Objectives:

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• Every athlete will learn the value of team work and commitment.
• Every athlete will love the sport at least as much at the end of the season as at the beginning.
• Every athlete’s skills and tactical knowledge of the sport will improve.
• Every athlete will get an opportunity to play in game situations.
• Every athlete will want to play the sport again next year.
• Team will be competitive and have a successful season.

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Volleyball Player:

• Team comes first. Decisions made are for the good of the team.

• Our team thrives on trust and respect. You must trust your coaches and your

  teammates, and behave in a way that earns their respect.

• Our athletes must be coachable. There is often more than one way to do

  things correctly. In some cases, your coaches will select a specific strategy for the benefit of the entire team, even if it doesn't benefit a particular individual. You must be willing to accept and make changes according to your coaches' suggestions.

• Our team works hard. Everyone wants to win, but you have to make sacrifices to do it. No one will give you anything in life - you must earn it. You cannot cut corners. Strive every day to improve.

• Bench time is playing time. As a Timberwolves volleyball player, you maintain the same focus and enthusiasm whether you are between the lines or on the bench. You accept that you know that our bench is its secret weapon - every player has in her head the game at every moment and is ready to come in at any opportunity.

• Our team can be successful. Almost any obstacle can be overcome with hard work. Commitment, perseverance and responsibility will be rewarded.

• Our team has fun. Volleyball is one of the most fun sports in the world. You know you've chosen the right sport if you simply cannot wait to get back in the gym and absolutely love stepping on the court with your friends and teammates every chance you get.

 

Remember, “once a Timberwolf, always a Timberwolf”! 

Come back and cheer us on!

 

Coaching Philosophy:

• We strive to provide positive feedback. We believe that the best development environment for athletes is through positive reinforcement from parents, coaches, and other players.

• It is important for a coach to demonstrate equal interest in all the players. We will try to work with and connect with each player individually during practice. It is our goal to let them know we care about their development and that it is through their effort they will grow.

• As important as skill development is, so is knowledge of the game. We will ensure the girls are learning more than they knew when they entered the season. This includes rules, strategy, and team play.

• We have a zero tolerance policy for any display of poor sportsmanship, attitude or disrespect by a player both on and off the court.

 

Playing time:

For a coach, the decision to give one player more time on the court means another player will get less. As such, each decision however well-considered brings the likelihood that someone will be disappointed.

• This is competitive volleyball, and we are in a competitive league. Players are NOT guaranteed equal playing time.

• Lineup decisions are primarily the result of careful consideration about our own team’s chemistry, and our opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

• Strong teams have strong benches. Players who keep focused on the match while not on the court greatly increase their chances of success once they enter the game. Spirited bench players almost always infect their teammates with optimism and extra energy.

• Playing time for all players are affected dramatically by the quantity of players on the team, the player positions, type of offense/defense as well as other factors.

• Measuring one’s volleyball experience solely by the amount of her playing time should be resisted. We strive to inject each player with a love for the sport, teaching to value the opportunity to be part of a team, and to be strong and confident, whether in practice or a game.

 

Parents:

• Most importantly, we ask that you model the same level of respect that we are asking of our players. It is impossible to teach appropriate levels of respect if our parents and fans are failing to act accordingly. If our parents are failing to demonstrate appropriate levels of respect, it makes the dialogue about respect far less meaningful and negatively impacts the overall development of our athletes and success of the team.

• We make judgment decisions based on what we believe to be in the best interest of the team‘s goals, welfare and success.

• We would ask that the following be left to the coach’s discretion:
  • Team strategy
  • Coaching of players during the game

• • Playing time