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<p>Volleyball is a game of momentum. Sometimes things are going your way, and sometimes they are not. One great play can change the energy of an entire set. On the other hand, one mistake can stick around much longer than it should.</p>
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<p>That is where self-talk comes into play.</p>
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<p>Most athletes spend hours working on their approach, platform, arm swing, footwork, and timing. However, very few spend time working on the way they speak to themselves. The truth is that confidence is a skill, and just like every other skill, it has to be practiced.</p>
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<p>Negative self-talk has a way of growing. One mistake turns into frustration. Frustration turns into hesitation. Eventually, athletes start thinking more than they are reacting. Before long, the game starts moving much faster than they are.</p>
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<p>Even worse, that energy spreads. Teammates notice slumped shoulders, frustrated reactions, and negative body language. Whether athletes realize it or not, the way they carry themselves affects the people around them.</p>
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<p>That does not mean players have to ignore mistakes. Volleyball is a game built on learning. The important thing is understanding the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.</p>
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<p>A fixed mindset focuses on what went wrong.</p>
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<p>A growth mindset focuses on what comes next.</p>
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<p>Athletes with a growth mindset understand that improvement takes time. They ask questions, stay curious, and continue putting in the work, even when things become difficult. They know one bad play does not define an entire practice, match, or season.</p>
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<p>The next time something goes wrong, pay attention to the voice in your head. Your mind is listening, and eventually your game will, too!</p>
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<p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, rankings, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p>
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<p></p>
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Volleyball is a game of momentum. Sometimes things are going your way, and sometimes they are not. One great play can change the energy of an entire set. On the other hand, one mistake can stick around much longer than it should.
That is where self-talk comes into play. Most athletes spend hours working on their approach, platform, arm swing, footwork, and timing. However, very few spend time working on the way they speak to themselves. The truth is that confidence is a skill, and just like every other skill, it has to be practiced. Negative self-talk has a way of growing. One mistake turns into frustration. Frustration turns into hesitation. Eventually, athletes start thinking more than they are reacting. Before long, the game starts moving much faster than they are. Even worse, that energy spreads. Teammates notice slumped shoulders, frustrated reactions, and negative body language. Whether athletes realize it or not, the way they carry themselves affects the people around them. That does not mean players have to ignore mistakes. Volleyball…
