Posted on June 26, 2023
As a volleyball coach, I am aware that the ability to problem-solve is an essential component of the skill set necessary to overcome challenges and guide a team towards success. In my first week at the HPCTL program in the class of Coaching Effectiveness however, while talking to the instructor, I realized that problem solving is not just about finding solutions, it is also about cultivating an environment that includes and encourages creativity, innovation, and adaptability. I thought back to my previous season and saw that by embracing these qualities and applying them to my coaching and leadership style, our team had been empowered to achieving their fullest potential. I have written this blog entry to share the experience from my university coaching 2022-23 journey with you, when I employed problem-solving to plan and execute a comprehensive strategy to transform our team.
Identifying the Challenge:
Picture this: I walked into the university gymnasium, ready to embark on a coaching adventure, only to discover that the program was struggling, the team had faced a couple of disappointing years with few successes, and I had no time or opportunity to recruit new players. The players who were present were demoralized and lacked the confidence to excel on the court. It was a complex problem with many aspects to consider and I needed to plan and prioritize. I knew I had to put on my problem-solving cap and think outside the box to help this team achieve success. I also knew that this challenge demanded a proactive problem-solving approach to identify the underlying issues and develop a comprehensive plan for improvement. I was determined to turn things around and problem-solving became the key to our success.
Thinking Outside the Box, Together:
My first step was to break the ice and foster open communication with the players. I wanted to understand their perspective and get their insights on what had gone wrong and what needed to go right. I also wanted their input on what they believed were the team’s weaknesses and areas requiring improvement. By encouraging them to share their thoughts, I gained valuable information. This collaborative approach allowed me to develop a more holistic understanding of the team’s dynamics. It was like piecing together a puzzle, and their input became the pieces I needed to start construction.
Implementing New Solutions:
Armed with a deeper understanding of the team’s challenges and a fresh perspective, I knew it was time to shake things up. I focused on implementing new solutions. I introduced innovative training techniques from my coaching toolbox, and modified the team’s philosophy to foster a more cohesive and resilient unit. By incorporating elements from different coaching methodologies and drawing inspiration from successful volleyball teams, I encouraged my players to adopt new strategies and techniques that would enhance their overall performance. It was all about injecting new energy into the team and breaking free from the confines of conventional approaches. The players were skeptical at first, but they felt involved and so were willing to try something new. This fueled our journey towards transformation.
Developing a Comprehensive Plan:
To ensure a systematic approach, creating a comprehensive plan was my next priority. I considered every aspect, from team philosophy to game systems to player mentality. The plan provided a roadmap for achieving our objectives while considering the unique strengths and weaknesses of the existing team. I sold the plan to the players, I let them choose their path and ask them to pick their goal ensuring the motivation was both intrinsic and shared. They all agreed, they wanted “to have a pro experience and a season to remember.” The key to this plan’s success was emphasizing the importance of unity, individual growth, and collective effort, it was not about the outcome but about the effort, the experience, the hope. We were all in this together, and this plan became the guiding light on our journey.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Life rarely follows a straight path, and the same goes for coaching a team. As we progressed, I realized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in problem-solving. I closely monitored the team’s performance and assessed the effectiveness of the strategies employed. When necessary, I adjusted the plan, considering player feedback, individual skill development, and evolving circumstances. This flexibility allowed us to respond proactively to challenges and make timely course corrections.
Results and Conclusion:
Our journey of transformation had begun, and as the season progressed, step by step, game by game, we witnessed the team’s remarkable progress. The players embraced the new strategies, techniques, and mental approach we introduced. They started playing with renewed vigor, displaying a resilience that took everyone by surprise. By leveraging problem-solving techniques together, we had unlocked the team’s true potential.
Despite the initial setbacks and limited resources, the team achieved a significant improvement in their overall performance. By incorporating fresh perspectives, implementing new strategies, and adapting our approach, we overcame the challenges we faced. The experience reinforced the importance of collaborative problem-solving skills in coaching and leadership roles, demonstrating how thinking outside the box and maintaining flexibility together can lead to tangible results.
This experience taught me that it is more than just finding solutions; it’s about empowering your team, encouraging creativity, and fostering a culture of adaptability. As coaches we have to remember to think outside the box, implement new solutions, and be flexible enough to adapt our plans. With problem-solving as an ally, the transformations that can be achieved are limitless.
Keep digging deep, stay open to new ideas, and let your passion for the sport guide you. Together, let’s continue to make a positive impact in the world of volleyball coaching and leadership!
*And if you’re wondering how this season ended: the team made it to the playoffs for their first time ever. We lost that final match unfortunately (injury struck), however, we fought hard until the end. We lost the last set 31-29, and after 5 minutes of sadness, the players started to hug each other and smile. The fans did not expect it after coming so close, but our team was celebrating, we had achieved our goal of doing our best and improving, it had been “a season to remember.”