There are plenty of online resources, like Channel Fireball, that analyze strategies, probabilities, techniques, and more. You can also learn variations of your own strategy and the strategies of others by watching how players execute these at tournaments. You should also be aware of changes in rules and requirements. You may have to rethink your strategy if a previously disallowed card or card type is permitted in the format of tournament play you specialize, like constructed or limited matches. Weigh your deck strategy against other dominant strategies that pros advocate. If you find your deck strategy can't hold its own against those of advanced players, you may need to make adjustments or even start from scratch. After spending time, effort, and money building your deck to achieve a certain goal or enact a certain strategy, it can be difficult admitting it isn't good enough to go toe-to-toe with other pros. The hallmark of a true pro is adaptability; never be too proud to optimize your play-style. Even if you diligently analyze every game you play and note technical errors and deck weaknesses, if you are pretentious and look down on other players you may overlook game changing details. Even lower tier players may have strategies you need to account for, although these may be inexpertly executed. Many serious player of Magic, sharing the same passion for the game you do, can become valuable allies and advisers. Never hesitate to ask questions, and always demonstrate good sportsmanship. Now that you've done your research and gauged your strategy against those of other top-tier players, you'll need to hunt for the right cards to neutralize the strategies that might undo your own. This can be an expensive and time intensive challenge. First: Use online card catalogs to find your ideal deck. Some of these cards may be ultra-rare or outside of your price range. However, there might be ways you can accomplish the same effect as these "super-cards" with combinations of more accessible cards. Rank these from most to least important. Then... Begin gathering the components of your ideal deck. You may find you need to start with the cheapest, most accessible cards. You might then use these to win money at regional tournaments and reinvest the prize money in the more expensive, less accessible cards. On the other hand, you might find you need to save up and purchase a super-card that's a lynch pin of your strategy. In either case, don't forget to... Play-test changes to your deck. This can be a painful experience. After going to the effort of attaining a super-card, finding out in a play-test that it simply does not work can be heartbreaking. However, keep in mind the card will still have value to other players. Even if this card doesn't work out, you can sell it or trade it to help you get the cards you need. There are many routes you can take to reach the pro circuit and the Pro Tour Hall of Fame, and which of these is right for you will depend on your individual situation. You may be limited by finances, travel restrictions, or the need for a chaperon in the event you are a minor. However, the three main ways you can qualify for pro-play include: Earning 33 match points, which is equal to winning 11 of 16 rounds, in previous year's Pro Tour. Qualifying for the pro-tour through official qualifier tournaments (PTQ). This may also require placing in the tournament or making the point requirement for a Regional Pro Tour Qualifiers (RPTQ). Winning enough points or entering the single elimination stage in an official Grand Prix. In the event you are playing in a Grand Prix with less than 1200 players, you may be required to place in the top four. NOTE: the qualifying rules can change considerably from year to year. Be sure to check the official Magic: The Gathering qualifying conditions on the Wizards of the Coast homepage.
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One-sentence summary -- Study new strategies and play-styles. Cultivate humility actively. Architect your deck to compensate for deficiencies. Review the criteria to become a pro-player.

Obviously, the coach isn't going to pick someone who always double touches and runs into the net. Search for the "rules of volleyball" online to see if any good websites that have the rules listed come up. Focus on sites that have rules relevant to your part of the world; variations may exist elsewhere.
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One-sentence summary -- Learn the rules.

If you don't remember the exact date, just ask! It would be really embarrassing to get the date wrong. Once you know the date, write it down in your calendar so you don't miss it next year. First you should ask her, but don't be surprised if she acts like she doesn't want anything. She does not mean nothing. You should plan to get her something, or at least spend some time with her. If you don't want to ask directly, pretend you already have the present and ask her to guess what it is. Chances are, the items she guesses are things she wants, and will give you some ideas. If she says she wants something specifically, get it for her. If it's too expensive, get her something totally different. For example, if she says she wants a certain kind of perfume, but it is too expensive for you, don't get her a different kind of perfume. Get her something like a necklace, instead. Making a present shows that you care enough to spend time and effort. Either way, consider the following: Get her a framed picture of you two. For bonus points, make or decorate the frame. Write a list of the reasons you love/like her. She will just DIE of happiness if you do this. Make sure the list is sincere and meaningful. It must be at least 10 reasons why. Hand write it, even if you have really bad handwriting. She will keep it forever! A handwritten love letter is an excellent choice, too. Some girls love flowers. If she has a green thumb, get her a potted plant so she can take care of it. Try jewelry. This includes a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings. Do not get her a ring unless you're planning to propose. Also, stick to the basic silver or gold (anything more colorful just screams middle school). It doesn't have to be expensive, just meaningful. Try Claire's for jewelry under $20, or look at your local art and wine festival for an artistic selection. If you're handy, search the wikiHow category on jewelry for pieces you can make yourself. Get her a joke gift. For example, if you two have an inside joke about monkeys, get her a stuffed monkey, or make her a sock monkey. Get her a sweatshirt or tee shirt from a memorable place you two went. For example, if you went to an Angels game, get her an Angels sweatshirt. If you haven't yet been somewhere memorable together, take her somewhere special and make that part of the gift. If you have awhile until your girlfriend's birthday, make her a scrapbook of the places you two have gone. Include pictures, ticket stubs, etc. Note that this takes a lot of time to be really good, so if you're only thinking of it the night before, save this thought for next year. Get her a book or journal. Write something on the inside front cover to give it a personal touch. Help her keep a journal of your relationship if it seems appropriate to do so. Get her her favorite candy. A birthday gift doesn't have to be a physical object. Just do something different than how you normally hang out. Go to a sit-down restaurant. If that is too expensive, make her a romantic picnic with candles and flowers. Don't forget beaches, nature, museums, landmarks, the theater, and concerts, if she likes any of those things. Make her a card, even if you are a bad artist. She will think your stick figures are cute! If you buy a card, make sure to hand write something personal on the inside. If you can't wrap presents, find someone who can. She will love it, just because it's from you.
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One-sentence summary --
Figure out when your girlfriend's birthday is. Figure out what to get her. Think about the stuff she likes. Make the gift yourself. Take her on a memorable date. Don't forget the card! Wrap the present neatly. Give her the present.