devo's volleyball

UPDATE 2 originally posted 22/02/08

Huy’s blog has an interesting look at junior state teams. It discusses the question of quality versus quantity when deciding how many teams should be selected. Although Huy is discussing South Australia, the questions apply to all states.

The main problem some people had with expanding the state program is that it would debase the value of being selected. If everyone is special, then nobody really is. Another argument was that with such a dramatic increase in numbers, the quality of coaches would decrease. more …

UPDATE:

Christian Stapff, the new face with Volleyball Australia as Sport Development Manager has responded to Huy’s post with some comments on Junior Nationals and Australian Volleyball Schools Cup.

What has occurred to me is we should maybe consider if it is not better to match second/third team against other second/third teams—a level playing field

How can we improve participation and skill levels further (at AVSC)? Should we include a height related division in each age group?

UPDATE 2:

Sally Bacon: I find that players become complacent when they know all they have to do is show up to make a team. The attitude of my players has now become competitive and they are fighting for the right to be on the team. At the recent trials they have been ranked on performance and now at the final trial they will need to perform to make the final squad. All players are aware of what lies ahead and hopefully they are all happy with this. more