Happy Friday!

Well, I finally was able to watch the 2010 AVP Santa Barbara Open. Thankfully the weather was much better than the Ft Lauderdale Open and so was the play of the athletes!

Since it's been a while - Please remember this is all about how the players played and not what type of human beings they are - one can play poorly and be a fantastic human being or play very well and be a complete jerk!

Women's Final

Overall Grade: C

Not too exciting of a match - although it was nice to see some consistent aggressive defense - meaning players consistently laying out for shots, getting up and at least attempting to attack the ball - there were some really nice digs on hard driven balls.

And...way too many unforced errors; average transition play (what is done when a ball is dug) and please blockers get your hands over and across the net...

Girls, Girls, Girls (and boys!); PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consistently 1) SET YOUR FEET, 2) JUMP LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS APON IT, AND 3) GET YOUR HANDS ACROSS THE NET.

ATTACK THE BALL when you are blocking!

Lamely jumping up and hoping that the hitter hits the ball into you ISN"T called BLOCKING; it's called wishing!!!

Men's Final

It started off looking VERY promising...

Then focus was lost and so was the hope of a well played final...

Overall Grade: C+

Good News:

The ONLY reason this gets a C+ is because of the blocking of Phil Dalhausser!

The blocking and setting of Mr Dalhausser was wonderful - I guess if you block 10 balls for points, and about 10 more that didn't directly get a point it's more than OK to serve 10 plus balls into the net! ;>)

So what was the problem?

Focus, FOCUS, FOCUS (anyone notice I have to say things in threes - I really have issues, issues, issues!)

OK Focus - what do I mean?

When a ball is dug - the setter MUST do everything they can to create rhythm for the digger/hitter and the hitter must do EVERYTHING possible to attack the ball aggressively BUT NOT 'stupidly'.

The ability to consistently win the transition points is what separates the great teams from the good.

Do you control the dig?

Do you control the set?

Do you control your ego when attacking the transition set?

Getting blocked or hitting out during any play is brutal, but it happens...

Getting blocked, hitting out or making a lame shot after you just dug a ball (when playing at the top AVP level) is ALL about lack of focus.

Also, when you make a mistake, (and you will make a mistake) what do you do the next play? How long does it take for the "bleeding to stop"? Where is your focus?

And, what are you doing in-between plays, games and matches to clear your head but at the same time keep your focus?

There's a BIG difference between 1) clearing your head and 2) thinking about or doing something that actually weakens your game focus.

And the last thought on focus is: When a blocker is 'on', it truly is dumb to try and hit by the blocker - Instead, hit high and off the blockers hands - this will frustrate the blocker and should get them out of their rhythm.

You are not going to hit by the best blocker in the world when he is "on". FOCUS and adjust your game!

In closing - big congratulations to Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers for not only winning the Santa Barbara Open but then traveling around the world and winning 3 FIVB tournaments in a row!

Winning in different time zones and in different countries is not an easy thing at all. The effects of the travel and having your schedule and routines be completely flipped around is extremely demanding on your body and mind and yes...it takes a TON of Focus to overcome that and compete at your very best!

Until next time

Be Your Very Best!

Dan

U of Beach Volleyball