Youth Volleyball - Empower the Future

Moving into the Introduction..., Dr. Cannell shares his journey from physical education student to coach, teacher, administrator, and businessman. How does he suggest that coaching skills are transferable to many other areas of life? Let's discuss his diverse background and philosophy, particularly his view on earning things of value and how the effort and time put in are directly proportional to that value

Moving to "Represent and Respect", the core message is that as a team member, you are not alone and must represent the team. How does a player's behaviour, dress, and language reflect on the entire team

Author's Notes.... Dr. Cannell talks about his experience with online education and the internet's influence. How does he compare the instant gratification of the internet and digital games to the feedback and challenges in real sports? What are the similarities he notes between good game design and a good coaching approach? And how does the observation about players potentially lacking basic movement skills compared to pre-internet players offer a suggestion for modern coaching practices

Considering the quote from Bobby Knight, "The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.". How does this quote set the stage for the book's philosophy on effort and earning value? And how does the dedication, mentioning the author's own growth in understanding parenting and coaching, suggest that having all the answers isn't the point, but rather identifying the questions is.

 Looking at the initial thoughts from Dr. Cannell about how today's youth, sometimes referred to as "internet brats," have changed compared to 30 years ago. What are the specific generalisations made about this generation (lacking fitness, respect, attention span, etc.), and how might these perceptions impact a coach's initial approach? Let's discuss the core idea that the internet age has altered behaviour and whether a coach's approach must change.

5.Impact on Athletes and Parents:

Enjoyment, Retention, and Long-Term Engagement◦

Ultimately, our goal is to help athletes reach their potential and foster a lifelong love for the sport57.... How do the different approaches to youth volleyball impact athlete enjoyment, motivation, and the likelihood they'll stay involved in the sport? The sources discuss the importance of creating fun28..., positive13..., and supportive6... environments for this. A positive coaching environment fosters skill development with confidence, enhances self-confidence, promotes enjoyment, supports social development, and helps navigate emotional challenges45. Parent involvement and managing their expectations are also crucial factors41....◦In our...

4.The Role of Competition: Balancing Winning, Development, and Stage◦

LTAD critiques a system where competition drives athlete development and winning is rewarded over skill improvement5.... It calls for competition to be integrated into an overall development structure32.... The debate often surfaces here: Is early competition, even with standard rules, essential for learning the game's pressures, or does a focus on winning hinder long-term development5...? LTAD suggests that over-competing and under-training, with preparation geared towards short-term winning rather than the process, leads to issues like early position specialization5....◦Let's discuss how competition fits into each philosophy. How much emph...

3.Coaching and Training Strategies: Tailoring Our Approach to Athlete Development◦Beyond just game rules, our sources emphasize tailoring coaching and training based on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development1.... This means adjusting training intensity and volume (considering developmental stage variability)8, focusing on fundamental movement skills and physical literacy for younger players7, introducing concepts gradually41, creating supportive environments6..., and using varied teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, including potential gender differences9.... Our Academy's tiered structure (NexGen, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Elite) is built around this idea of placing athletes in sessions that align with their skill level and goals30. Co...

2.Adapting the Game: Rules, Equipment, and Playing Area Modifications◦The LTAD document explicitly highlights issues with inappropriate equipment and playing dimensions for young athletes and suggests changes to rules to encourage all-round development32. It also discusses the promotion and establishment of Mini Volleyball22... and Atomic Volleyball23.... These are described as introductory or foundational programs often promoted within the school system or by clubs22....◦In this discussion, let's focus on the practical modifications. What are the specific rule changes (like the Libero or substitution rules mentioned as examples of rules that don't reflect participant size/ability)32..., net height adjustments (which can...

Exploring the Core Philosophies: Playing the Game 'As Is' vs. Adapting for Development◦

This first chat needs to lay the groundwork. We can dive into what these two primary approaches really mean in practice. One perspective, rooted perhaps in traditional coaching, might emphasize learning the standard game from the outset, believing it best prepares athletes for future competitive levels20. The other perspective, strongly supported by the LTAD model, advocates for adapting the game format (like Mini or Atomic Volleyball) and coaching approaches based on the athlete's developmental age and specific needs2.... LTAD argues that using chronological age al...

Cultivating a Strategic and Aggressive Mindset

Mental Toughness: 

Attacking requires mental toughness and the ability to stay composed under pressure40.... Resilience and a positive mindset are essential for bouncing back from strong blocks or errors and staying focused on the next opportunity to attack

Mastering the Fundamental Attacking Technique:Explosive Jumping Ability: Generating height in the attack is crucial for hitting over blockers and creating scoring opportunities8.... Explosive leg drive during the approach contributes significantly to jump height and power

Mastering the Fundamental Attacking Technique: Body Control and Hang Time: Good body control in the air allows hitters to adjust their attack based on the block and defensive positioning39. The ability to maintain balance and hang time can create opportunities to hit around or over blockers

Mastering the Fundamental Attacking Technique:Arm Swing and Technique:

 The arm swing is the primary source of power in hitting38.... It should begin with a high reach, followed by a rapid acceleration of the arm to generate maximum force38. Contact with the ball should be at the highest possible point, allowing the hitter to drive the ball downwards38. A proper arm swing technique includes a snap of the wrist at contact and full extension of the arm, which contributes significantly to both power and control

Mastering the Fundamental Attacking Technique:Timing and Coordination: Effective attackers coordinate their approach, jump, and arm swing to contact the ball at its optimal height37.... Athletes must anticipate the setter's delivery and adjust their approach accordingly to be in the right position for a powerful attack37. Good timing maximizes height and reach

Mastering the Fundamental Attacking Technique:

•Approach Footwork: 

A powerful attack starts with the approach37. This typically involves a three-step or four-step pattern designed to generate momentum and power37. The footwork should be explosive, with a strong final push-off to maximize jump height8.... Proper timing of the approach to coincide with the set is crucia

Next Step: I suggest you encourage the athletes you are working with to film their hitting and review it with a coach to identify specific areas in their technique (approach, timing, arm swing, contact point) that they can focus on to generate more power. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises that target the legs, core, and shoulder muscles would be a beneficial next step in their development.

5. Continuous Improvement and Self-Awareness:

Goal Setting: 

Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for hitting power and accuracy provides direction and motivation for improvement

5. Continuous Improvement and Self-Awareness

Self-Assessment: 

Regularly reflecting on performance and self-assessing strengths and weaknesses helps athletes understand areas needing improvement in their hitting118.... Tools like performance evaluation forms or video analysis can aid in this process119....

5. Continuous Improvement and Self-Awareness:

•Commitment to Improvement: Athletes must commit to continuous improvement by actively engaging in training, attending practices regularly, and seeking learning opportunities

Consistent and Focused Practice -

Seeking Feedback

 Athletes should actively seek feedback from coaches and experienced players on their hitting technique to identify areas for improvement and ensure they are practicing correctly

Consistent and Focused Practice -

Individual Practice

Athletes should dedicate time to individual practice to focus on their specific weaknesses and refine their hitting technique175.... This allows for targeted drills and focused repetitions to improve specific aspects of the hit175. Setting specific and measurable goals for individual practice can help track progress

Consistent and Focused Practice -

Consistent practice and repetition are crucial for developing proper technique and power in hitting33.... Deliberate practice, with a focus on specific goals and techniques, is more effective than simply going through the motions

Consistent and Focused Practice -

Targeted Drills: Practice sessions should incorporate specific hitting drills that focus on different aspects of the attack, such as approach and attack technique, hitting from various positions, and hitting against simulated blocks

You and your team are off to nationals. Here is eight minutes of quotes as a pre-prep for journey off to the competition.

This is where the rubber meets the road, putting in that individual practice time6.... You can focus on specific techniques and movements related to diving and the core skills it relies on. Having a ball at home is almost essential for elite players to practice15....

Here are 5 suggestions for things you can do at home:

1.Dive & Roll Technique Practice:

2.Digging Platform Consistency:

3.Quick Footwork & Lateral Movement:

4.Core Strength & Balance:

5.Mental Rehearsal & Visualization:

Cultivating a Strategic and Aggressive Mind

Court Awareness and Shot Selection: 

While hitting hard is important, hitting strategically is equally crucial6.... Attackers need to read the game well, anticipate defensive formations, and identify openings on the opponent's side of the court6. They should develop a versatile repertoire of shots, including power spikes, line shots, cross-court shots, tips, and roll shots, to keep the defense off balance9.... Smart shot selection, based on the positioning of blockers and defenders, is key to exploiting weaknesses

Cultivating a Strategic and Aggressive Mindset:

Aggressiveness: A competitive and aggressive mindset is important for outside hitters10. Confidence and a willingness to risk attacks challenge the opposing blockers and defenders10. An aggressive approach puts pressure on the defense and inspires teammates

Hitter Harder Part 2 - Developing Physical Attributes

Endurance and Stamina: 

Maintaining attacking power throughout long rallies and extended sets requires good endurance and stamina11. Physical conditioning is essential for consistently generating force in attacks, even in demanding situations

Hitting Harder: Volleyball Attacking Power Part 2

Developing Physical Attributes:•

Strength and Conditioning: 

Developing muscular strength, power, and endurance through targeted exercises is pivotal for hitting harder83.... Weightlifting exercises like squats and deadlifts can build overall strength, while plyometric exercises such as box jumps enhance explosiveness needed for jumping83. Consistent strength training contributes to generating more power in the attack

Building a Sustainable Future: Innovative Approaches to Coach Recruitment and Retention in Youth Volleyball 

This concluding episode would explore forward-thinking strategies for creating a sustainable and thriving community of youth volleyball coaches. It could discuss innovative recruitment methods, enhanced support systems, and long-term investment in coach development to ensure a positive experience for both coaches and athletes

One of the biggest challenges for parents when they first start at the academy is choosing the right level.

Episode Title: Understanding the Departure: Exploring the Reasons Behind Coach Turnover in Youth Sports.

Overview: This episode would address the reasons why coaches choose to leave youth volleyball. It could discuss factors like burnout, time commitment, lack of support, challenges with parents, and the need for better recognition and development opportunities

The Long Game: Why Dedicated Coaches Stay Committed to Youth Volleyball.

This overview would feature experienced coaches sharing their perspectives on what keeps them motivated and dedicated to coaching youth volleyball over the long term. It could highlight the lasting impact they have on athletes and the personal fulfillment derived from the role

Addressing Compensation, Recognition, and Workload to Retain Quality Coaches

Valuing the Investment: Addressing Compensation, Recognition, and Workload to Retain Quality Coaches.◦Overview: This episode would delve into the crucial aspects of valuing coaches' time and effort. It could discuss different models of compensation, the importance of acknowledging contributions, and strategies for managing workload to prevent burnout and increase coach satisfaction

What do you need to hear as a daily quote for your volleyball quote.

Each day we will try to upload a daily quote for you.

Navigating the Parent-Coach Dynamic: Strategies for Effective Communication and Partnership

Overview: This overview would address the often-complex relationship between coaches and parents. It would provide strategies for establishing clear communication channels, setting expectations, and addressing concerns in a way that fosters a positive and collaborative environment focused on the athlete's development

Strength in Numbers: Building Supportive Networks and Mentorship for Coaches.

Overview: This episode would explore the critical role of support systems in a coach's journey. It could highlight the benefits of mentorship programs, collaborative relationships among coaching staff, and the creation of a community where coaches can share experiences and learn from one another

Now, about these clinic levels on Sunday, May 11th. It's completely understandable to feel that little bit of uncertainty when you're deciding on the right fit. She's got a year of high school league under her belt, which is fantastic, but serving is something she wants to work on. That honesty and self-awareness are the first steps to getting better, so give her props for that!