In May 2001, the editorial staff of Volleyball set out to put together a list of the 100 things volleyball players needed to know to be successful in the sport. Some are serious, some are ridiculous, and we certainly wouldn’t say we endorse all of them (we even felt the need to add a few updates, which you’ll find in bold), but 12 years later, most are still undeniably true, even if we don’t always like to admit it.
Here it is. A complete, exhaustively researched, finely-tuned set of guidelines for you to live and play by. Tear it out. Put it in your pocket. Tack it to your wall. Just be sure it can be found easily the next time you’re in need of a healthy shot of inspiration.
1. Practice like you want to play.
2. When you’re playing defense or approaching to hit, remember that you have more time than you think.
3. Turn off your cell phone when you play.
4. Forget the last play and get ready for the next.
5. Know the name of the sport’s founder, including his middle initial: William G. Morgan.
6. Serve the front court passer.
7. Know where the sidelines are.
8. Make sure you own any ball you kick in frustration.
9. Stay positive if you shank a pass into the bleachers. But don’t giggle.
10. Never tip a bad set.
11. Keep you love for the sport by not over-training.
12. Never make the same mistake twice.
13. When playing coed, use total discretion when choosing teams.
14. Keep your eyes open at all times.
15. Don’t act surprised when you roof somebody.
16. Don’t bring a fake ID to a Master’s tournament.
17. Hit your cut shot until they touch it with both arms.
18. Look for an off-speed shot behind a three-person block.
19. Play with the attitude that every ball is coming to you.
20. If someone is struggling to pass your serve, stay on them.
21. Learn how to tape your own ankle.
22. Remember that the most expensive volleyball camp isn’t always the best.
23. Always set your best hitter on game point.
24. Talk during the play, not between plays.
25. Know that volleyball is life between contacts.
Click HERE to READ the rest (26-100)!
