Watch as Coach Ryan Theis explains, and a player demonstrates this passing platform drill. The result of a pass is a reflection based on the platform angles a player creates. This is a one knee […]
Strike Fast: First Kill Opportunity Drill
By: AVCA Originally Published in: Coaching Volleyball Copyright and Provided by: American Volleyball Coaches Association It seems like the season just ended, but here we are – back in the gym as the season approaches! […]
Post-Match Analysis: Practice Implementation with Chad Callihan – Furman Univ.
Watch as Coach Chad Callihan explains the importance of using post-match analysis to correct mistakes and build a better practice in preparation for the next match. He encourages you to not get hung up on […]
Improving the Speed of Your Attack with Ron Zwerver – International Hall of Famer
Watch as Coach Ron Zwerver explains the importance of moving fast between ball touches. When a player attacks the ball, the approach is normally faster and this creates a disadvantage for the blocker.
Sum of All Parts – Your Team Is a Product of Your Training
By: Nick MacRae, Long Beach State Univ. Originally Published in: Coaching Volleyball Provided by: AVCA Throughout the process of winning back-to-back NCAA National Championships with the Long Beach State men’s volleyball team, Head Coach Alan […]
Blocking: Planning and Reading with Hugh McCutcheon – (Retired) Univ. of Minnesota
Watch as Coach Hugh McCutcheon discusses the importance of knowing what your opponent’s tendencies are, which allows for better defensive preparation. Coach also states that reading is the premier skill in volleyball and he suggests […]
Hitting: Jump Approach with Jim Moore – Lane CC (OR)
Watch as Coach Jim Moore explains, and players demonstrate the jump approach. This is a good exercise for players struggling with their approach. Start at the ten-foot line and approach the net with right/left steps […]
Team Building Activity Instructions
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics E-File Team-Building Activity Instructions Objective The E in E-File stands for enthusiasm. The activity is designed to teach and reinforce the […]
Hitting Footwork: Small, Bigger, Biggest with Ryan McGuyre – Baylor Univ.
Watch as Coach Ryan McGuyre explains, and players demonstrate this hitting footwork drill with emphasis on how many steps to take. The hitters will take four steps. The size of the steps is important to […]
Two Minute 6-on-6 Pressure Cooker Drill with Jacob Thompson – Rouse High School (TX)
Watch as Coach Jacob Thompson explains, and players demonstrate this two minute 6-on-6 pressure cooker drill in which the receiving team must get 7 points in a two minute span.
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make This School Year
If only someone had told me earlier in my career! Raise your hand if you have big plans to improve your program this school year. I know I go into every year with a plan […]
Thumb Up and Thumb Down Attacking Progression with Brian Gerwig – Arkansas State Univ.
Watch as Coach Brian Gerwig explains how blocks are bigger and blockers are better as skill level increases. The feet and body should be used to put your shoulder in a good spot then use […]
Scouting an Opponent – Checklists
By: Joe Trinsey Originally Published in: The Volleyball Coaching Bible Volume II Provided by: Human Kinetics It’s a great idea to have a checklist to run down every time you begin to scout an opponent. […]
Short and Deep Drill with Cliff Hastings – Parkland College
Watch as Coach Cliff Hastings explains, and players demonstrate this short and deep drill. It is important that the players are trained in all aspects, with the players at the net working on offensive skills, […]
Competitive Multiplayer Drill: Three vs Six
By: Teri Clemens and Jenny McDowell Originally Published in: The Volleyball Drill Book Provided by: Human Kinetics Purpose To give players practice in playing six-person defense and transitioning to offense. Setup One passer (who covers […]
Blocking Recommendations with Bob Bertucci – Sacred Heart Univ.
Watch as Coach Bob Bertucci discusses his blocking recommendations for high school and club teams. He encourages coaches not to spend too much time working on multiple methods of blocking footwork in practice – pick […]
Mentoring
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics Networking helps coaches build a support system for regular and ongoing coach learning. Effective networking can lead to opportunities to connect […]
Individual Defense Drill with Beth Launiere – Univ. of Utah
Watch as Coach Beth Launiere explains, and players demonstrate this individual defensive drill that focuses on transitioning from serving to digging. This drill is run on two courts – one court features serving and digging […]
Frenzy 6-On-6 Serve Receive Drill with Jacob Thompson – Rouse High School (TX)
Watch as Coach Jacob Thompson explains, and players demonstrate the Frenzy 6-On-6 Serve Receive Drill. This point-based exercise is usually two to three minutes but can be extended.
Learned Optimism
By: Mike Hebert Originally Published in: Thinking Volleyball Provided by: Human Kinetics For those of us who had become skeptical of the power of positive thinking (repeating affirmations and visualizations to oneself) as the road […]
Digging: Reducing False Movements with Brian Gimmillaro
Watch as Coach Brian Gimmillaro explains, and a player demonstrates that you move before, during, and after a dig, but you cannot have any false movements in executing your defensive responsibilities.
Post-Match: Analyze Yourself with Chad Callihan – Furman Univ.
Watch as Coach Chad Callihan discusses that, after a match, it is important to analyze yourself as a coach and see what you can do better to help your team be successful.
Seeking Continuous Improvement
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics Successful coaches have an inner drive to change and evolve. This approach sustains their passion for coaching and keeps them fresh […]
Blocking Footwork: Hop and Block Drill with Bob Bertucci – Sacred Heart Univ.
Watch as Coach Bob Bertucci explains, and players demonstrate this hop and block drill.
Passing Drill with Emily Kohan – Colorado State Univ.
Watch as Coach Emily Kohan explains that her squad works on passing 30 minutes before each practice. Coach utilizes block training in this period and, with the passing reps, involves specific skills and movements.
Presenting the Game Plan
By: Joe Trinsey Originally Published in: The Volleyball Coaching Bible Volume II Provided by: Human Kinetics Once you have gathered all the necessary information and formulated a reasonable game plan, it is time to transfer […]
Blocking: Eye Sequencing Drill with Tom Hilbert – (Retired) Colorado State Univ.
Watch as Coach Tom Hilbert explains, and players demonstrate this blocking: eye sequencing drill. The objective is to have the players see the whole court and have wide vision. By watching the opponent’s hitters’ movements […]
Serving: Jump Float/3 Steps with Ruth Nelson – BYOP
Watch as Coach Ruth Nelson explains, and players demonstrate the jump float serve and the technique for using 3 steps. The first step is on the ball of the foot and then right – left […]
Improving Communication
By: Wade Gilbert Originally Published in: Coaching Better Every Season Provided by: Human Kinetics Miscommunication is repeatedly cited as the number one source of stress for coaches. Effective communication is a learned skill, and like […]
Blocking: Backward Step-Close Drill with Ryan McGuyre – Baylor Univ.
Watch as Coach Ryan McGuyre explains, and players demonstrate this backward step-close drill where the middle blocker must return an opponent’s overpass.