

The VolleyPod presented by The Art of Coaching Volleyball
Davis Ransom and Tod Mattox
The VolleyPod is all about coaching kids volleyball!
Each episode we cover 3 segments that are each designed to help you become a better volleyball coach.
First, we focus on a specific volleyball skill, talk about how to teach it, and provide drills and video links for further help with that skill.
Then, we present a common coaching scenario and discuss tips for how to (and how not to) handle it.
In the third segment we share a resource that has helped us to become a better coach, with the hopes that it can help you too!
See you on The VolleyPod!
Each episode we cover 3 segments that are each designed to help you become a better volleyball coach.
First, we focus on a specific volleyball skill, talk about how to teach it, and provide drills and video links for further help with that skill.
Then, we present a common coaching scenario and discuss tips for how to (and how not to) handle it.
In the third segment we share a resource that has helped us to become a better coach, with the hopes that it can help you too!
See you on The VolleyPod!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 21, 2025 • 31min
The 'Libero Manifesto', Timeout Ideas, and Fit for Thoughts Foundation
In this episode of The Volley Pod, Coach Davis and Coach Tod discuss the essential qualities and skills needed for liberos in volleyball, emphasizing the importance of bravery, communication, and mental toughness. They explore the 'Libero Manifesto' which outlines ten steps to becoming a superhero libero, including being aggressive in serve receive and honing all skills, and much more.The conversation also delves into effective timeout strategies for coaches, highlighting the need for preparation and the management of players' emotions during high-pressure situations. The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/training-your-libero/ Karch Kiralyhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/the-sweet-spot-is-the-foundation-of-good-passing/ Ben Josephsonhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/4-requirements-of-a-great-libero/ Mick HaleyResourceshttps://ovanto.org/ and Fit for Thoughts Foundationhttps://ovanto.net/vt-cards/ Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.comBalltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Mar 14, 2025 • 29min
Passing an Actual Floater, 10 Ways To Improve Our Practices, and The Tough Stuff: 7 Hard Truths About Being a Head Coach
In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod discuss the intricacies of passing float serves, emphasizing the importance of mastering this skill for volleyball success. They explore various techniques, emergency moves, and practice strategies to enhance team performance. The conversation also touches on the emotional challenges of coaching and the significance of effective communication. Listeners are provided with actionable insights to improve their volleyball practices and player development.The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/3-key-aspects-to-passing/ Ray Bechardhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/passing-the-deep-ball-using-the-drop-step/ Christy Johnson-Lynchhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/how-to-pass-the-high-ball/ a "Quick Hitter" from Jim StoneResourcesThe Tough Stuff: 7 Hard Truths About Being a Head Coach by Cody Royle can be found here:https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Stuff-Seven-Truths-About/dp/1660114446/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6KA695NN4WJ6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5Lvc2cAGTBqAy4gSgE02mYyG__3OEntc5i66jbGQioxKRIcarCgQ2JnfS3iiafhVQ3Dn3Zjq_OVOKgVRFY6J4eJyk5ufijKY4385P9ikenbFZBSEM3af-3i2aczM4naLaxejVvnLK-gydrSz4xlyE2rPhsYuJLgYG_zAo0mT-OBLiDuDdi_nmVc-ACXg5kM2hbk1dIISpHVEbKHEFmaASh-lxn1LrENO9FzAlrDuvNkEp7UrokBoYinADPi9j-rZVnQ8odH_OLfr6NgMAuPpC_SJoszKVHcIV4DLAI4Bgr8tZ__uCv-6FE8h99BAjBWDA2owkmMYzzc1gEi3-V3otlijmMjMxTCb4-5X2v63T7MTNWwPqGRboU81dxqQdDR-yfA_EDalOv7QzoOvCUlp-NvyjuIPhp514C099NamboTrh01OHOple37Rtz0ghLY0.iGkzGRHJhakbHktym3XlP6rfBzNucBottJVHdpnkSoY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+tough+stuff&qid=1741717468&sprefix=the+tough+stuff%2Caps%2C447&sr=8-1More with Cody Royle can be found here:https://www.codyroyle.com/Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Listsis available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.comBalltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Mar 7, 2025 • 39min
The Power of Context in Player Development with Loren Anderson
In this episode, Davis and Tod engage with Loren Anderson, a volleyball coach and expert in ecological dynamics. They discuss the principles of ecological dynamics in coaching, emphasizing the importance of creating game-like environments for player development. The conversation covers the coupling of perception and action, the differences between traditional and ecological coaching methods, and practical strategies for implementing ecological dynamics in training.Loren shares insights on fostering a love for the game among players and the advantages of this coaching approach, including adaptability and decision-making skills. Check out Loren Anderson's substack here:https://substack.com/@nomoredrills?Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.comBalltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Feb 28, 2025 • 38min
Dominate the End Line: Serving for Success, My Team Misses Too Many Serves, and How To Change
In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of volleyball coaching, focusing on serving techniques and strategies. They emphasize the importance of float serves, the need for players to track their serving stats, and the mental and physical preparation required for effective serving. The conversation also touches on the social-emotional aspects of serving, linking practice to game scenarios, and creating pressure situations to enhance player performance. The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/volleyball-serving-tips-where-to-hit-your-fast-floater/ Nabil Mardinihttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/server-location-success/ Jim Stonehttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/improving-your-jump-float/ Kevin HamblyResourcesHow To Change by Katy Milkmanhttps://www.katymilkman.com/bookTod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.comBalltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Feb 21, 2025 • 35min
Where Do I Hit It Coach? An Attacking Choices Paradigm, My Team Is Unfocused and Does Not Play Hard, and the 900 Square Feet Newletter
In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod discuss the Triple Crown tournament, emphasizing the emotional investment coaches have in their teams. They delve into skill development, focusing on attacking choices, shot access, and situational awareness. The conversation also addresses team culture issues, offering actionable strategies for coaches to improve their team's dynamics and performance. The episode concludes with resources for further learning and development in volleyball coaching.*Note: Davis speaks of a past episode with David Durand, but this episode will actually be aired beginning 2/27 at 9pm PSTThe Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/hitter-training-attacking-vs-single/ - Mark Barnard https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/outside-hitting-a-philosophy-on-sharp-angle-hits-line-shots-and-tipping/ - Mark Barnardhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/refining-your-hitters-toolbox/ - Mark Barnard Resource of the Week900 Square Feet Newletterhttps://volleyballmag.com/900-square-feet-ncaa-volleyball-zoom-110424/Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.comBalltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Feb 14, 2025 • 32min
Metaphors for Teaching Skills, App Solutions for Coaches, and Talent and the Secret Life of Teams
In this episode ofThe Volley Pod, hosts Davis Ransom and Tod Mattox discuss various coaching techniques and metaphors to enhance volleyball skills.They explore the importance of using external cues over internal cues for skill acquisition, share creative metaphors for teaching spiking and serving techniques, and emphasize the role of technology in coaching efficiency.The conversation also highlights valuable resources for coaches and concludes with a reflection on the impact of integrated coaching.The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/float-serve-fundamentals/ - Kirsten Bernthal Boothhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/strategies-for-coaching-10-year-old-volleyball-players/ - Tracy Vondranhttps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/attacking-arm-mechanics-importance-of-torque-and-arm-height/ - Kerry MacdonaldResourcesfrom today's episode:Talent and the Secret Life of Teams by Terry Pettithttps://terrypettit.com/shop/talent-and-the-secret-life-of-teams/Our host Tod Mattox's new book,The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb FindThe Art of Coaching Volleyball here: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.comBalltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts,Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.Check outThe Volley Podon Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Feb 7, 2025 • 32min
Mastering the Triangle, What To Say During Timeouts, and What Drives Winning
In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss the new rule eliminating doubles in high school volleyball and its implications for coaching.
They delve into the triangle concept in volleyball, emphasizing the importance of passing, setting, and hitting as interconnected skills.
The conversation highlights the benefits and challenges of this approach, including the need for game-like randomness and decision-making.
The hosts also share strategies for incentivizing player performance, error correction techniques, and effective timeout strategies for coaches.
They conclude with insights from the 'What Drives Winning' team, exploring themes of selflessness and confidence in sports.
The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/over-the-net-triangle-pepper-with-terry-liskevych/ - Terry Liskevych
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/player-ds-triangle-set-drill/ Tod Mattox
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/two-drills-4-on-4-short-court-and-doubles-deep-court/ Mike Sealy
Resources
What Drives Winning newsletter - Brett Ledbetter and Becky Burleigh
https://whatdriveswinning.com/newsletter/
Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb
Utilize The Art of Coaching Volleyball www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com
The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.
Discover Balltime at: www.balltime.com
Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.
Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Jan 31, 2025 • 41min
Training in Pairs: Differential Learning Ideas, When Your Team is Losing, and Think Again
In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss various aspects of volleyball coaching, focusing on differential learning, effective passing and setting techniques, and strategies for serving.
They also address the challenges coaches face, the importance of building a positive team culture, and provide resources for further development in coaching.
The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability in training and the significance of mental resilience in competitive environments.
The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/youth-hand-contact-progressions/
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/what-to-do-when-youre-stuck-using-your-toolbox/ Luka Slabe
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/middle-school-volleyball-warm-ups-short-ball-long-ball-drill/ Mike Lingenfelter
Resources
Think Again by Adam Grant
https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again
Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb
Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com
The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.
Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.com
Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.
Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Jan 24, 2025 • 43min
Teaching Blocking To Young Players, Keeping the Big Things Big, and TedTalks
In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss various aspects of youth volleyball coaching, focusing on team progress, decision-making, and the importance of teaching blocking to young players.
They explore the psychological impact of blocking, share effective drills and techniques, and emphasize the need to reinforce team values and systems.
The conversation concludes with valuable resources for coaches to enhance their training methods.
The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/volleyball-blocking-fundamentals-positioning-and-posture/
Joe Sagula
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/blocking-hand-position/
Mike Sealy
https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/good-blocking-watching-right-things/
Karch Kiraly
Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com
The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.
Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.com
Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.
Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/

Jan 17, 2025 • 37min
In The Lab with Sean Thomas: Analogies for Passing
In this episode of The Volley Pod, Tod and Davis are joined by Sean Thomas to discuss various aspects of youth volleyball coaching, focusing on the importance of teaching philosophies, particularly the use of analogies to enhance understanding.
They share personal coaching experiences, explore passing techniques, and emphasize the significance of balance and movement in volleyball.
The conversation also touches on the role of biomechanics and data in coaching, as well as the need to engage young players with fun and relatable analogies.
The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges of teaching overhead passing and the importance of creating memorable learning experiences for players.
Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at: www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com
The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.
Check out Balltime at: www.balltime.com
Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.
Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/