Court Chatter: Phone-Based Generation Speaks Loudly

Michelle Bamford January 1, 2024 @ 09:32 PM

On Day 2 of the UA Next All-America practice in Orlando, Florida, we observed the top 28 high school seniors in the nation engaging in lively exchanges on the volleyball court. In an era dominated by phone-based communication, an extraordinary form of interaction thrives within the gym. While words may seem scarce off the court, the symphony of loud and crucial communication among athletes speaks loudly.   In the athletic arena, attention typically gravitates toward the physical power of athletes. Yet, beneath this surface, it is the communication that truly determines the strategy and success of gameplay. In today's practice, the athletes' lack of familiarity with each other necessitates a heavy reliance on communication. Among the myriad skills essential to a volleyball player, communication is arguably just as important. It serves as the differentiator among athletes, showcasing preparedness, awareness, and the adeptness to lead and direct. Confidence manifests through one's communication style and lack thereof could be a distinct disadvantage.   It is more than simply calling “I, go”; it's the art of attentive listening—listening to who calls for the ball and understanding the directives from the players. It involves listening to teammates analyzing blockers providing pivotal instructions for hitting placements and so much more. During the UA All-America practice, the communication among these elite players goes beyond mere conversation. It embodies volleyball IQ, precision, and significance—exactly what's required to secure each point on the court.   Coach Mike Lingenfelter explains this well by stating, “Everyone is talking, and no one is listening. If there is no listening, then there is no communication. Talk doesn't matter. Talk and listen matters.”   Team Fire's well-executed court chatter narrates the play-by-play on the court. Lola Schumacher and Maylssa Cawa lead in the back row, hyping up teammates with pre-pass communication, and strategizing on serve receives responsibilities. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='162772' first='Charlie' last='Fuerbringer']: and [player_tooltip player_id='411370' first='Nayelis' last='Cabello'] act as quarterbacks for hitters in the front row. Kiylah Presley and Skylar Pierce excel in calling the ball during passes, showcasing exceptional communication skills. [player_tooltip player_id='348432' first='Kendall' last='Beshear'] and Jaela Auguste assertively demand the ball be set to them. Subsequently, the entire team engages in exchanging reminders on coverage and offering guidance regarding hitting placements.   At this elite level, the detailed court communication is so profound that one could nearly visualize the game with closed eyes. Each play unfolds through a wealth of meticulous communication. This skill is crucial to integrate into your practice, particularly at a younger level. I strongly advocate for coaches and players to engage in verbal drills, not only to grasp how to call the ball but also to understand what to communicate effectively.   Finally, to conclude, I had the opportunity to catch up with two of our superstar athletes and gather their impressions on today's communication during practice.   In their words:   [player_tooltip player_id='162772' first='Charlie' last='Fuerbringer']: “The whole team has very strong chemistry and we use our time off the court to really connect with one another. I like eye contact and high fives to create a strong connection.”   [player_tooltip player_id='159532' first='Malyssa' last='Cawa']: “I feel like everyone connects well and we do a good job matching each other's energy. we're a very energetic and enthusiastic group and tomorrow's showdown should be fun!”   Tomorrow's the game and the culmination of this unforgettable week! Game Date: January 2, 2024 Time: 4:00 p.m. EST Venue: UCF - Orlando, Florida Tickets: Sold Out TV: ESPN U

On Day 2 of the UA Next All-America practice in Orlando, Florida, we observed the top 28 high school seniors in the nation engaging in lively exchanges on the volleyball court. In an era dominated by phone-based communication, an extraordinary form of interaction thrives within the gym. While words may seem scarce off the court, the symphony of loud and crucial communication among athletes speaks loudly.