Vision
SHERI’S initial VISION:
A coach of mine once told me that I needed to start developing and using my “Third Eye”. Once mastering the physical tasks of setting a ball to the proper location and tempo I began to learn the importance of “Vision”
To see beyond what was immediately in front of me and begin to visualize and see what was to come.
When I was young, I had a standing weekly appointment to play Chess with a friend of mine. Through that experience I learned very early on the importance of seeing three or four moves ahead in order to overtake my opponent.
I also had the unique opportunity to start playing pool at the age of three by my father. Once again, another experience I had in thinking three to four steps ahead to achieve success when competing.
I was unaware at the time that these types of experiences had gave way to my ability of looking at a situation or observing an individual, then quickly visualizing the next few steps of progression in my head.
My focus and attention to detail was enhanced tenfold. I began looking at things from many different perspectives and without prejudice. I started to see things that were not yet there but could imagine them being so.
This is what I attribute the foundation of my success as an athlete, a business woman and an instructor of the game.
VISION EVOLVED
I, Sheri Sanders, along with many other colleagues, have been privately training volleyball players for the past 20 years. I have developed many systems over time to reach a player when they are at a ‘sticking point’ or plateau in a particular area of their development. We have learned that lack of progress for a player does not simply amount to a mechanical or technical issue. Quite often the limiting issue is not due to one thing but a combination of factors.
It would be foolish for any one coach to say they are an expert teacher in all areas of this game, even if he or she played at the Olympic levels. Even the Olympic programs and Top Division I collegiate programs bring personnel in to specialize train players in their positions. They may even go so far as to bring in Strength coaches, statisticians, meditation and mental focus persons, videographers, nutritionists and so on.
Maybe a player lacks confidence or is easily distracted. Maybe the player needs to improve in physical performance or to better focus attention on instruction. Perhaps the player needs to develop communication skills and become a better team player. For some, it is simply determining if their commitment level and work ethic matches their goals and expectations. For a complete player, it is rarely just one thing that needs improvement and far too often we are looking in the wrong place.