Here’s a question.
At what level or levels – or perhaps situation(s) – do we prioritize coaching for performance (meaning winning) as opposed to mainly prioritizing player development?
Notice that I used “prioritize” in there. That was very intentional. We are just about always doing both to some degree or another.
What I’m after is people’s thoughts of when the main focus for a season is (or should be) on winning as opposed to progressing players’ skills, volleyball IQ, etc.
Here’s an example. In my opinion, junior varsity teams should be about development. They exist quite explicitly to feed players into the varsity team. Thus, winning takes a back seat.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment area below.
Addendum: When I talk about prioritizing, I’m looking at the choices you make around training, playing time, etc. For example, if your priority is performance, you will generally put your best team on the court. Alternatively, if development is the priority you will put out line-ups that best develop the players (share playing time around, putting players in positions that aren’t their strongest currently, etc.). Note that this doesn’t mean the players aren’t playing to win. That should always be the expectation.
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One Response
Winning never takes a backseat!! That is something that needs to be taught also! Development is important but that does not mean winning is not important. I have a successful program at my high school and I coach JH and HS. I start them and watch them develop from 6th grade to graduation and we have undefeated JH teams for years. We start with basic fundamentals (I say that word over and over) and add skills as they learn. I definitely do not think one thing needs to suffer for the other.