Coach Your Brains Out

Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching VolleyballThe Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like a ChampionBecome a Patron to support the show.

Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching VolleyballThe Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like a ChampionBecome a Patron to support the show.

Joining the conversation are Casey Kreider, the Head Coach at UMBC, and Andy Bass, a Mental Skills Coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They tackle the challenges of maintaining player engagement during the summer months and the pressure of trade deadlines. Kreider sheds light on the importance of fit in recruitment, while Bass discusses effective communication strategies to foster player buy-in. They emphasize the need for rapport and innovative training methodologies, making a strong case for narrative-based coaching in building a resilient and motivated team.

John Kessel, a renowned volleyball coach and educator, advocates for youth development and impactful coaching practices. He discusses the importance of mentorship and collaboration in sports, emphasizing knowledge sharing to enhance athlete growth. Kessel explores innovative techniques in volleyball training, promoting versatile skills and player enjoyment over rigid specialization. He also highlights successful practices in youth coaching from Japan and Thailand, focusing on creating fun environments to retain young athletes and foster their love for the game.

John Kessel, a passionate volleyball coach and advocate, dives into his work with the Let's Keep the Ball Flying Foundation, emphasizing its mission to uplift volleyball in developing nations. He shares his experiences at a healing retreat for veterans, highlighting the therapeutic impact it had. Kessel passionately discusses nurturing joy in youth coaching, focusing on fun and foundational skills. He also uses the gardening metaphor to illustrate the importance of fostering individual growth in players, steering away from blame and towards supportive coaching.

Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching VolleyballThe Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like a ChampionBecome a Patron to support the show.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Black, a college volleyball coach known for his analytical approach, and Jason Watson, an experienced university coach, delve into the nuances of serving techniques in volleyball, debating the effectiveness of hybrid vs. clean serves. They also explore the controversial topic of blocking moves, examining various movement patterns and their impact on performance. Additionally, the conversation shifts to leadership dynamics in sports teams, advocating for collective communication over traditional captaincy, and emphasizes the vital role coaches play in nurturing leadership skills.

Tom Black, a college volleyball coach at the University of Georgia, and Jason Watson, coaching at the University of Arkansas, dive into the evolution of volleyball coaching. They discuss the challenges of integrating new blocking skills and the need for athlete engagement. The impact of the NCAA transfer portal sparks a lively debate on athlete mobility versus team dynamics. They also explore the positive changes in NCAA volleyball, alongside differing views on future concerns. With humor, they emphasize the crucial role of serving and contextual awareness in the sport.

Coach Your Brains Out: The Art and Science of Coaching VolleyballThe Inner Knight: Train and Compete Like a ChampionBecome a Patron to support the show.

Kellen Petrone, Associate Head Coach at Pitt University and founder of the Duquesne men's club team, shares insights from his 12-year coaching journey. He discusses the unique challenges of developing a volleyball program and the pivotal role of assistant coaches in men's club volleyball. The conversation emphasizes open communication, empowerment, and the importance of fostering trust between coaches and players. Listeners dive into the dynamics of coaching relationships and the necessity of stepping out of comfort zones for growth and professional development.