The VolleyPod presented by The Art of Coaching Volleyball

Beth Van Fleet, a beach volleyball coach at Georgia State, joins The VolleyPod and shares her insights on teaching blocking techniques. She emphasizes creating hesitation in the attacker's mind through route, depth, timing, and hands. She uses visual cues, such as focusing on the attacker's hips and getting hands above the net, to improve timing. Feedback for blockers includes using video analysis and loops to help them understand their positioning and timing. Beth also highlights the importance of intelligence and creativity in blocking, rather than relying solely on size. In this conversation, Beth Van Fleet discusses the process of pairing or creating partnerships in beach volleyball, particularly in the college space. She emphasizes the importance of considering skills, communication styles, and work ethic when forming pairs. Beth also mentions the use of psychological testing and personality quizzes to better understand players' communication styles and preferences. Additionally, she recommends resources such as Jeff Janssen's workbooks for building team culture and leadership skills. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Georgia State's unique beach volleyball facility. The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this episode: https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/beach-no-nos-blocking-the-area-not-the-ball/ Holly McPeak https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/adam-johnson-beach-helps-indoor-indoor-helps-beach/ Adam Johnson Resource of the Week Jeff Janssen's books on leadership can be found here: https://www.janssensportsleadership.com/resources/shop-all-products/

In this conversation, Davis and Todd discuss various skills and drills that can be incorporated into volleyball practices. They cover topics such as drop kicks, spin setting, defensive pairs, long distance thumb flicks, Karch's slow pepper, threes juggle, HOCs (hold and cover), offensive shots, serving third tempo pairs, and more. They also provide tips on the scenario: how to stand out during tryouts, emphasizing skills, attitude, and composure. The conversation concludes with recommendations for videos and articles related to volleyball. Incorporate various skills and drills into volleyball practices to keep players engaged and improve their abilities. During tryouts, focus on demonstrating skills, having a positive attitude, and showing composure. Videos and articles can provide valuable insights and inspiration for volleyball players and coaches. The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos of the Week https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/april-ross-challenge-5-one-armed-juggles/ April Ross https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/using-one-hand-with-tod-mattox/ Tod Mattox https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/scrap-drill/ Michael Seeman Resource of the Week https://volleyballmag.com/usa-volleyball-jordan-larson-040924/ Jordan Larson in VolleyballMag

Summary In this conversation, Davis and Tod discuss the priorities for the beginning of the volleyball season. They emphasize the importance of serving tough and preventing aces, as well as finding reliable passers. They also highlight the need for strong hitters who can hit the ball with topspin and a right front blocker who can stop or touch the ball. They then shift their focus to the Olympics, discussing the dominance of the opposite position and the impact of instant replay. They also mention the fine line between winning and losing and the importance of the interaction between hitters and blockers. The conversation concludes with a discussion of their sponsor, Ball Time, and a recommendation for the podcast Finding Mastery with Michael Gervais. The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this episode: https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/practice-and-season-planning/ Dave Rubio https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/practice-and-season-planning-with-christy-johnson/ Christy Johnson https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/pete-hanson-organizing-practice-plans-for-the-entire-year/ Pete Hanson Resource of the Week https://findingmastery.com/podcast-start/ Finding Mastery Podcast by Michael Gervais

In this conversation, Davis, Sean, and Todd discuss various topics related to coaching volleyball. They focus on the skill of talking less and letting players play more, providing tips for planning ahead, using visual aids, and using the environment to provide feedback. They also discuss the use of keywords, giving feedback on the fly, and creating activities and games that allow for individual feedback. They touch on the complexities of blocking, the prominence of curve serves, and the advantage of having a setter who is a great defender. They also mention the route to the Olympics for volleyball player Chase Budinger and share resources for coaches. Coaches should aim to talk less and let players play more, planning ahead and knowing priorities can help with this. Using visual aids like whiteboards can help communicate information without relying on words. Using the environment to provide feedback, such as through games and activities, can be more effective than constant verbal instruction. Using keywords can simplify communication and convey multiple instructions with a single word. Giving feedback on the fly during gameplay can be more impactful than waiting until after the rally. Creating activities and games that allow for individual feedback can help coaches address specific player needs without stopping the entire team. Blocking in volleyball can be complex, with decisions based on patterns and recognition rather than simply feeling or seeing the block. Curve serves are becoming more prominent in the game, adding complexity for passers and requiring them to think in multiple planes. Having a setter who is a great defender can provide an advantage in the game. Chase Budinger's route to the Olympics as a volleyball player showcases the importance of dedication and hard work. Coaches can find valuable coaching resources from AOC and follow Dan Meske's Instagram profile for insightful content. The Advantage of Setters as Defenders Talking Less, Playing More: Tips for Coaches "Talking less equals playing more." "Use a whiteboard. Can you communicate some stuff on a whiteboard instead of using words?" "Use the environment to provide feedback."] Art of Coaching Volleyball Resources https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/communication-phrases-that-inspire/ https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/4-coach-communication-strategies/ https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/communicating-with-athletes-using-mantras-and-analogies/

Sean Thomas on malleability in passing, what to check out from The Olympics, and HowStuffWorks.com https://store.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/middle-school-prep-clinic-24/ Skill: Malleability in passing Scenario: What to check out from The Olympics Resource: HowStuffWorks.com https://www.howstuffworks.com/

John Kessel, a renowned figure in USA Volleyball known for his innovative coaching techniques, discusses enhancing volleyball camps and practice sessions. He shares strategies for making camps both fun and effective, focusing on player engagement and skill instruction. Kessel highlights the importance of aligning practice activities with seasonal goals and introduces unique tournament formats to foster community. He also mentions valuable resources, including a comprehensive list of 166 top drills to elevate coaching practices.

Day 1 Practice Plan, Moving Up a Team, and Top Dog by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman Skill: Creating a Day 1 Practice Plan/Tryout Scenario: When your players want to move to a higher team, what steps should they take Art of Coaching Volleyball Videos we discussed on the pod this week: https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/jim-stone-practice-plan-1-2/   Transition Focus https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/jim-stone-practice-plan-2/      Out of System Focus https://usavolleyball.org/resource/top-166-drills-from-around-the-world/ John Kessel Resource: Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman https://www.amazon.com/Top-Dog-Science-Winning-Losing/dp/1455515159/ref=asc_df_1455515159/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16026186167066837636&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031292&hvtargid=pla-2281435177618&psc=1&mcid=2aec2956776b3a51a6dcac40b593f0ac&hvocijid=16026186167066837636-1455515159-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1

Upcoming High School Coaches Clinic from The Art of Coaching Volleyball this weekend (7/13)) Check it out here: https://store.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/high-school-prep-clinic-24/ Skill: The Difference Between Just Playing and Playing to Win and How To Win More Through Intentional Training Scenario: Tod's Book of Lists This week's videos from The Art of Coaching Volleyball https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/karch-kiraly-mini-games-to-practice-serving/ Karch's serving mini-game https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/karch-kiraly-validation-6-v-6-game/ Karch’s “Validation” drill set up https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/6-vs-6-competitive-tug-of-war-drill/ Tug of War   Resource: https://www.soccerpoet.com/ Dan Blank's online home for his international bestselling book about soccer and more coaching tips and resources

Lessons from Tod's 11s, Starting with a New Program, and Avignon The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos of the week: https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/eyes-closed-advanced-setting-drill-with-john-dunning-and-cassidy-lichtman/ https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/integrating-drills-into-practice/  https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/out-of-system-attacking-error-management-with-glenn-hoag/  Resource: Avignon Volleyball Club https://avignonvolleyball.fr/

Summary In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts engage in a game called 'This or That' where they discuss various coaching methods and strategies. They debate topics such as coach-imposed team values vs. team-determined values, dynamic team stretching routines vs. no consistent team stretch, using music in practice vs. no music, and more. The hosts provide their arguments for each side and discuss the pros and cons of each approach. Keywords Coaching methods, team values, team stretching, music in practice, dynamic warmup, static stretch, communication, blocking techniques, teaching skills, 4-2 vs. 6-2Takeaways Involving athletes in determining team values can lead to greater buy-in and commitment Dynamic team stretching routines can be time-consuming and may not directly contribute to skill development Using music in practice can create a positive and energetic atmosphere, but it may also be distracting and hinder communication Breaking down skills into parts can help athletes focus on specific aspects and improve their overall performance Teaching athletes to communicate effectively is important, but finding the right balance between constant communication and focused play is key Swing blocking can enhance blocking skills and athleticism, but it may also introduce more complexity and potential errors Starting young players in a base position close to the net can help them develop better court awareness and transition skills Choosing between a 4-2 and 6-2 system depends on the team's strengths, skill levels, and game situations The Impact of Music in Practice Choosing Between a 4-2 and 6-2 System "Coach imposed team values or team meets and determines team values" "Dynamic team dynamic stretching routine at the start of practice or no consistent team stretch at the start" "Use music in practice or never use music" Titles Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 02:15Promoting Athlete Buy-In Coach-Imposed Values vs. Team-Determined Values 06:08 Efficient Warm-Up: Dynamic Team Stretching vs. Volleyball-Specific Warm-Up 10:18 Using Physical Consequences in Practice: Yes or No? 13:06 Teaching Skills with or without a Box 28:00 Communication: Call the Ball All the Time or When Necessary 35:20 Blocking Techniques: Swing Blocking vs. Non-Swing Blocking 38:21 System Selection: 4-2 vs. 6-2 for Young Teams