Why? Because it Matters

One of our young volleyball players has been working on learning positions, which can be a frustrating process for any athlete. Responsibilities shift, positioning gets confusing, and insecurities can build up. We worked with her to understand the "why" behind it all.

Why is she running back and forth constantly?
Why is she bumping into her teammates?
Why has the game suddenly become so frustrating?

Why?

As athletes grow and the game becomes more complex, Athletes need to understand how they fit.
It starts with “WHY?”

Here’s how we helped her through it:

Step One: Understand the Coach’s System

Coaches often assume players know why they're being asked to play a certain way. But this assumption is particularly shaky with younger players (under 13). We had to break it down for her, explaining why the coach has them play within the system. Once she understood the purpose, it was easier to follow.

Step Two: Control the Controllables

Our player is a perfectionist and doesn’t want to let her teammates down. When her team wasn’t moving into their positions, she hesitated to move into hers, causing further confusion. We helped her focus on what she can control—listening to the coach and doing what’s expected of her. Even if her teammates weren’t in the right spot, she could control her own movement on the court.

Step Three: Stay Positive

Learning a new skill can be frustrating, and confidence can waver. We reminded her that, no matter what, her team needs her positive energy. Staying upbeat in tough moments is key to keeping the excitement alive and pushing through challenges.

At Iceberg Performance, this is what we do—help players manage their frustrations, stay positive, and maintain excitement so they can execute at their best.