The VolleyPod presented by The Art of Coaching Volleyball

In this episode of The Volley Pod presented by The Art of Coaching Volleyball, hosts Davis and Tod discuss various aspects of volleyball coaching, focusing on the importance of statistics in junior volleyball, effective leadership for team captains, and the nuances of player development.

They explore which statistics are most relevant for assessing team performance and how to use them to improve training and game strategies.

The conversation also highlights the significance of leadership qualities in young athletes and provides practical tips for captains to foster a positive team culture.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod engage with Ken Murczek, head coach at Emporia State University, in a deep discussion about leadership in sports.

They explore the dynamics of team captains, the importance of communication over accountability, and the role of leadership configurations in fostering a positive team environment.

The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt their leadership styles based on the unique needs of their teams and the individuals within them.

Key takeaways include the significance of allowing players to lead, the value of communication, and the understanding that effective leaders do not always have to be the best players on the team.

In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss the importance of defensive skills in volleyball, the challenges of managing injuries during tournaments, and strategies for effective communication and player replacement.

They emphasize the need for coaches to prepare their teams for unexpected challenges and to recognize the value of every player, regardless of their role on the team.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss recent tournament performances, emphasizing the importance of consistency and skill development.

They explore various drills and game strategies that can enhance team performance, particularly focusing on innovative drills like '21 Savage' and 'Shakespeare Serving'.

The conversation also covers late-season practice planning, highlighting the need for creativity and adaptability in coaching.

Finally, they introduce valuable coaching resources to aid in player development and team success.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of youth volleyball coaching, including team performance, strategies for players to earn more playing time, and how to handle trash talk during games.

They emphasize the importance of communication, skill development, and maintaining a positive mindset in competitive environments.

Additionally, they recommend a valuable coaching resource to enhance training and player engagement.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, coaches Davis and Tod discuss their recent tournament experiences, emphasizing the importance of team management, preparation, and mindset.

They share insights on how to handle expectations, performance, and end-game strategies, while also exploring innovative coaching practices from college programs.

The conversation highlights the significance of focusing on good efforts rather than perfection and encourages coaches to maintain a positive outlook for their teams.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod discuss the intricacies of volleyball coaching, focusing on the importance of understanding rotations and the dynamics of player roles.

They emphasize the need for coaches to adapt their strategies based on the players' skill levels and the significance of fostering a supportive community among coaches and players.

The conversation also touches on the challenges players face when they perceive themselves as the 'big fish in a small pond' and how to navigate these dynamics for personal and team growth.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Coach Davis and Coach Tod discuss the often overlooked challenges of coaching volleyball.

They delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of coaching, including the difficulties of giving constructive criticism, maintaining energy and positivity, and managing team dynamics.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, self-care, and a growth mindset for coaches.

They also share practical tips and resources to help coaches navigate these challenges and improve their coaching effectiveness.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, Coach Davis and Coach Tod welcome David Durand, a sports performance and psychology leader, to discuss his book 'Bet on It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond'

The conversation explores the importance of mental performance, nervous system regulation, and the impact of social stress on adolescent athletes.

David shares insights on how coaches can create supportive environments, utilize the BET system (Breath, Eyes, Touch) for athlete regulation, and the significance of connection in coaching.

The episode emphasizes practical strategies for enhancing athlete performance and well-being.

David Durand's book B.E.T On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond is available here:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 PST

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss essential strategies for coaching youth volleyball, focusing on ace prevention, communication, and movement.

They explore the balance between winning and development, emphasizing the importance of teaching foundational skills while also preparing players for competitive scenarios.

The conversation includes practical tips for coaches and highlights valuable resources for further learning.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball Videos of the Week

In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss various aspects of youth volleyball coaching, focusing on pursuit training, effective coaching strategies, and the importance of creating a positive team culture.

They emphasize the need for training methods that encourage players to pursue the ball without punitive measures, and they share a list of approaches to improve player engagement and performance.

The conversation also touches on the significance of utilizing video tools for player development and strategies for effective subbing to ensure all players contribute to the team.

Finally, they highlight the importance of celebrating bench contributions and maintaining a balanced approach to winning and development.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences at the Final Four and the AVCA National Coaching Convention, highlighting innovative coaching techniques, creative drills, and the importance of player development.

They share insights from various sessions, including blocking strategies, setter-middle connections, and the impact of technology in volleyball coaching.

The conversation also touches on Karch Kiraly's coaching philosophy and the significance of winning the middle in team dynamics.

In this conversation, The Volley Pod hosts, Tod and Davis, discuss the release of Tod's new book, The Volleyball Coaches Book of Lists, exploring its inspiration, the collaborative process of gathering insights from various coaches, and the key themes of coaching philosophy, leadership, player development, and effective practice design.

They highlight the importance of mindset, engaging young players, and utilizing resources for coaching improvement.

The discussion also touches on innovative practices and concludes with key takeaways and the book's availability.

In this episode of The Volley Pod, Tod and Davis discuss the essential elements of coaching, focusing on the importance of framing experiences for players, building a strong team culture, and utilizing technology to enhance coaching effectiveness.

They explore various strategies for improving player development and understanding the challenges young athletes face.

The conversation also highlights valuable resources for coaches looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos highlighted in today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, Tod and Davis reflect on their recent volleyball seasons, discussing the importance of continuous improvement in coaching and player development.

They delve into innovative serving strategies, including the 'yo-yo' effect and the 'two bouncer' serve, emphasizing the need for variety in serving techniques.

The conversation also highlights engaging games for serving skill development, the use of technology like Balltime for video analysis, and the significance of end-of-season evaluations.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos connected to today's podcast are:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis Ransom and Tod Mattox engage with legendary volleyball coaches: Russ Rose, John Dunning, and Terry Liskevych.

They discuss the coaches' new book, Learn From the Legends, which outlines 53 keys to better volleyball coaching.

The conversation covers the origins of the book, the importance of diverse coaching perspectives, effective practice planning, and the significance of player IQ and team culture. The coaches share insights on accountability, curiosity in coaching, and the necessity of lifelong learning for coaches.

Get Learn From the Legends on The Art of Coaching Volleyball website here:

In this episode of The VolleyPod we discuss innovative coaching strategies for youth volleyball, emphasizing the importance of play over work.

We introduce the concept of 'home play' as a way to encourage skill development outside of practice.

The conversation covers various movement techniques, practice strategies, and common coaching mistakes during playoffs, highlighting the need for adaptability and focus on growth.

The episode concludes with insights on innovative training techniques and upcoming resources for coaches.

Skill of the Week

This week's "skill" is an At Home Playlist that Tod created that is great for players who want to put in extra time and reps away from practice.

Scenario of the Week

This week's scenario is 7 Mistakes That Coaches Make in the Playoffs.

Of course, Davis' team just lost in the first round of State so...

He goes over ways to combat common errors that coaches make in the heat of the single elimination playoffs.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos that are connected to this week's episode are:

Setting for beginners with just a ball and a wall, Preparing to play a team a second time, and Rob Gray's new book

Our spookiest episode yet! Coming out October 31st!

In this episode of The VolleyPod, hosts Tod and Davis discuss the excitement surrounding the high school volleyball season as it approaches playoffs, and the upcoming club season.

They delve into coaching techniques, particularly focusing on the fundamentals of setting, including key principles and drills.

Then the conversation covers strategies for preparing to face teams a second time in the season, emphasizing the importance of scouting and adapting to opponents.

Finally, they discuss Rob Gray's newest book and how he is using his ecological dynamics approach for helping coaches to improve as well as athletes.

Skill: Setting for beginners with just a ball and a wall

Scenario: Preparing to play a team a second time

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos of the week were about setting fundamentals:

In this episode of The VolleyPod, hosts Todd and David engage with legendary coach Peter Ogle, discussing the intricacies of volleyball coaching.

They explore the importance of hard work, mindfulness in practice, overcoming personal roadblocks, and the mental aspects of performance.

Ogle shares insights from his 41 years of coaching experience, emphasizing the joy of improvement and the significance of effective practice strategies.

The conversation also touches on accountability within teams and innovative scrimmage techniques, culminating in a discussion about the role of technology in coaching.

Coach Peter Ogle would love to talk volleyball with you! Just email him at: peterwogle@gmail.com

In this episode of The VolleyPod, the hosts discuss various strategies for improving attacking efficiency in volleyball, particularly for hitters who may not have a powerful arm.

They emphasize the importance of understanding one's identity as a player, making good decisions, and adjusting techniques to enhance performance.

In this episode of The VolleyPod, the hosts discuss various aspects of coaching volleyball, focusing on common mistakes coaches make, the importance of resilience in teams, and how to create a fun and competitive practice environment.

They emphasize the need for flexibility in coaching rules, the significance of competition in practice, and the necessity of connecting resilience to team values.

The conversation also highlights the importance of humor and creativity in coaching, as well as the need for coaches to reflect on their own behaviors and attitudes.

Skill:

Coaching in reality

Scenario:

When my team gets down, they stay down

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

In this episode of The Volley Pod, Tod and Davis start with briefly discussing their experiences in the Coastal Conference, focusing on the competitive nature of the league.

They introduce the '46 Challenge' drill aimed at improving both offensive and defensive skills in volleyball.

The conversation then shifts to the 'Tether Method,' a technique for enhancing out-of-system play, emphasizing the importance of tight sets and player positioning. Finally, they explore leadership principles from the book 'The Captain Class,' highlighting the significance of character in team success.

Skill of the Week: The 46 Challenge

One of Tod's 'Deserted Island Drills', "The 46 Challenge" drill is discussed this week.

This drill focuses on out system play for both sides of the net and it has a really cool "get back in system" scoring system.

Scenario of the Week:

The "Tether" Method for out of system play

The Tether Method represents a shift in mentality and execution for out of system play. Tod and Davis talk about this way of playing and the changes it brings to the game.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this week:

In this conversation, the hosts, Davis Ransom and Tod Mattox, discuss the importance of training athletes to respond effectively in various situations.

They emphasize the need for coaches' words to extend beyond the present moment and for athletes to take action based on the feedback they receive.

The hosts provide strategies for teaching athletes to choose their behaviors consciously and to make informed decisions in challenging situations.

They also discuss the significance of communication and movement in improving performance.

Additionally, they share tips for managing multiple expectations and celebrating improvement.

The conversation concludes with recommendations for coaching youth players in service receive and the importance of attracting athletes of character.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos we focused on this week:

In this conversation, Todd and David discuss the importance of giving meaningful feedback to players and establishing a coaching voice.

They provide specific tips for individual coaching and catching players doing things right.

They also discuss the process of selecting players for a club team, considering factors such as goals, playing time, parents, and team style.

They emphasize the importance of attitude, learning velocity, and the ability to work well with others.

Skill of the Week:

Finding your coaching voice, what newer coaches can do to have a coaching voice of their own

Scenario of the Week:

Before club tryouts, leading up to tryouts, and putting together a club team

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this week's podcast:

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:

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

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:

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

Sean Thomas on malleability in passing, what to check out from The Olympics, and HowStuffWorks.com

Making Camp Great, Evaluating Your Practice Plan, and John Kessel USA Volleyball 6 on 6 Games

Skill: Making camps fun and effective

Scenario: How to evaluate your practice

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos we focused on this week:

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:

Upcoming High School Coaches Clinic from The Art of Coaching Volleyball this weekend (7/13))

Lessons from Tod's 11s, Starting with a New Program, and Avignon

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos of the week:

Skill: 10 Skills To Have in Your Teaching "Bag"

Scenario: Ending the Season on a High Note

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos that were discussed on today's show: