CLUB PHILOSOPHY

Ken Bentley

University of Manitoba Women’s Volleyball

Introduction

Without a consistently applied and communicated philosophy, any team effort is sure to fall short of its goals. Be it a small business, a large corporation, a school, or a team - regardless of level. Over the past 25 years I have had an opportunity to develop a philosophy that has been battle tested time and again. Through the successes, and yes, the failures, I believe I have been able to form a plan that addresses each component of training over not just one, but several years of training that culminate with performance at the highest level in Canada and beyond to the international stage.

The philosophy of our program at the University of Manitoba also includes being strong role models for our community. We volunteer for several causes (Siloam Mission, Bisons against Bullying, Athletes in Action, etc.) as part of what we believe is an important duty. The academic excellence of our student athletes is not to be overlooked as 5 out of our 12 athletes last year were named as Academic All Canadian (those that have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher) in their coursework over the regular academic year. Indeed, the overall mission of the university is centered around what we attempt to achieve as a part of this community.

Foundations of My Coaching Philosophy

The term EXCELLENCE is not to be thrown around lightly. It is one of the primary building blocks of my philosophy. The famous Penn State Football Coach, Joe Paterno, describes excellence in this manner:

“Success is perishable and often outside of our control. In contrast, excellence is something that’s lasting, dependable, and largely within a person’s control.”

So we operate with this term in mind every day. How we train, how we act on and off the court, and how we present our program - all of this is done with the concept of “excellence”.

The term DISCIPLINE is another building block of my philosophy. I believe that discipline “is not the enemy of enthusiasm” but rather a key component of any group with the goal of doing the very best they can. This building block is critical in executing fundamental skill, systems of play, match preparation, and other off court activities such as being on time, taking care of one’s academic requirements, and being generally respectful as a member of the program. The great basketball coach John Wooden says this about the term discipline:

“There is no replacement for sound fundamentals and strict discipline. They will reinforce you in the most difficult circumstance.”

TEAM ATTITUDE is another primary building block of my philosophy. The game of volleyball is one of the ultimate team sports. One athlete can only touch the ball one time (except when blocking) out of three for a successful play to be executed. It is critical then that a strong team attitude be developed because ultimately it takes a strong TEAM to be successful. Everyone must be able to successfully execute their roles for the greater good to be served. Pat Riley, another great basketball coach says this about team attitude:

“Willing sacrifice is the great paradox. You must give up something to the immediate present - comfort, ease, recognition, quick rewards - to attract something even better in the future: a full heart and sense that you did something which counted. Without that sacrifice, you’ll never know your team’s potential, or your own.”

Our DAILY TRAINING SESSIONS makes up the final foundation of my philosophy. This is where we incorporate our team philosophy and put it to work. This is where it all happens. This is the place where we establish and reinforce our team philosophy, team attitude, and hone our skills and systems of play into a smooth working unit. This is the place where the talk stops and the work starts. Without a determined, focused and honest effort every day in practice, the realization of a National Championship is impossible.

But it doesn’t have to be a drag. The practice environment should be a place of energy and enthusiasm, and we all share the responsibility of creating this environment... Keep in mind that the last law of learning, REPETITION, is the most important of all. No system is good until you have mastered the fundamentals - we must be well grounded in fundamentals. Repetition is required day after day until a machine-like efficiency is achieved in your play. Don’t mistake activity for achievement!

The Bisons VC Environment

In the Junior Bison environment, we will foster what I believe to be fundamental training principles, rooted in the following concepts (including personal conduct):

1. • The development of sound fundamental skill - the primary building block of any successful team;
   

2. •A team system of play that the athletes play a role in developing;
   

3. •A commitment to excellence;
   

4. •Understanding effort and intensity and commitment to practice;
   

5. •Respect for a“team first”philosophy;
   

6. •Operating an efficient and productive practice environment;
   

7. •The importance of discipline in every area of team;
   

8. •Learning what is required to be successful on and off the court;
   

9. •Working together for the greater good of over all team goals.
   

Conclusion

I am hopeful that you will consider becoming part of the Bison Volleyball family. We have shared in a great deal of success (and stayed together through some disappointments) in what we hope is a healthy, happy, and worthwhile pursuit - the pursuit of excellence both individually and collectively.