Here We GO
If there is one thing I have learned about the PVF it is that the competition is fierce. When adding in that only the top four teams make the postseason, getting a playoff spot in Vegas is a pretty big deal. You know what’s an even bigger deal? Having it be your inaugural season and making the playoffs! Phew! I have to admit, I was nervous. It’s no secret Ignite has been struggling late in the regular season. Prior to their win on April 27th against San Diego that secured them their spot in Las Vegas, Indy was on a 5 match losing streak. Since that win, Ignite have dropped their final two matches. Not an ideal situation when you are preparing to play the number one seed in the Omaha Supernovas. So, even though no one asked, here is my “super professional” opinion on what Indy needs to do.
STAY ON THE GAS: We know Ignite is a talented team. They have the drive, grit, and competitiveness to compete in and win the PVF tournament. Yes, you heard me. However, in recent matches we have seen them really struggling to close out matches. Nnedi Okammor said it best. “If we are up the first two sets, we need to come out strong and pull out a sweep. We can’t let another team just come up from behind if we want to make a deep run in these playoffs.” While this may seem like it is an easy fix to the outside eye, when looking internally at all of the contributing factors, it is rather difficult. If Ignite can find a way to break the mental block they are experiencing and keep the intensity they have in the first set throughout the entirety of the match, I have no doubt Ignite will shock some people.
MOVE ON: When the TV series Ted Lasso came out, I took a quick liking to it. It wasn’t until later on and I started coaching that one of the scenes quickly became my favorite. To give some context, Ted (who is the head coach of a soccer team) asks one of his players if he knows why the goldfish is the happiest animal on earth. Ted responds telling the player it is because they have a 10 second memory. He then proceeds to tell his player to “be a goldfish.” This perfectly encompasses the mentality you need in the sport of volleyball. It’s inevitable that opponents are going to make big plays and score on you. However, it is how quickly you can let those points go and move on to the next play that separates good teams from great teams. So, Indy Ignite, my advice to you - be a goldfish.
PLAY THEIR GAME: When playing volleyball at a high level, scouting and watching film becomes a very important aspect to the game. It allows teams to better learn tendencies and tells of their opponents. While this is a huge part of high level volleyball, I would argue that it is only 15% of it. The teams who are consistently seen on top, are the ones that focus on controlling their side of the net. When a team fully buys into this mentally, it becomes extremely difficult to stop. Ignite has so many weapons, both defensive and offensive, that can allow them to be a deceptive and dynamic team. Going into the tournament, my hope for Indy is that they play their side. Yes, adjustments will need to get made, however, at the end of the day I truly believe that if Ignite can focus on what they are doing, good things will come.
