Block & Talk
From big blocks to better conversations—Block & Talk dives into everything volleyball. We break down skills, swap coaching ideas, build smarter practices, and bring on guests from all corners of the game.🛒 TavoAI - AI Analysis to level up your game!💰 Get 15% OFF | Promo Code: BLOCK15https://www.tavosports.com/🛒 Pins and Aces - Premium golf apparel, bags & accessories💰 Get 21% OFF | Promo Code: BLKNTALKhttps://promocode.to/pins-and-aces/blkntalk-n0t🛒 More Labs - Clinically proven recovery energy drinks💰 Get 25% OFF | Promo Code: BLKNTALKhttps://promocode.to/more-labs/blkntalk-yhz🛒 GummyGainz - Protein Gummies!💰 Get 20% OFF | Promo Code: BLOCK20https://gummygainz.ca/
The Back-to-Reality Break Down
We’re back on the mics after a four-week break! In Episode 16, we shake off the rust and catch up on everything happening in our lives—from summer wrap-ups to jumping right back into the swing of things.
Once we settle in, we dive straight into the action:
The Life Update: Where we’ve been, what we've been up to during our time away, and how we're transitioning into the fall routine.New Rule Changes: A look at the latest rule updates and how they are already changing the strategic landscape on the court.The School Season...You Selected Your Team.... What now?
The tryouts are over, the rosters are locked, and the clock is ticking down to Game 1. In Episode 15 of Block & Talk, Parker and Clayton dive into the chaotic, high-stakes 48 hours immediately following team selection.
Before getting into the high-school coaching trenches, the guys open with a massive week in volleyball news: analyzing the early-season chaos in the NCAA Division I ranks (including Nebraska statement-win over Texas and Stanford's gauntlet schedule) and celebrating a historic milestone as Team Canada's women secure their qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a 32-year drought.
Then, it’s down to...
Decoding Tryouts: Designing Environments to Reveal True Potential
Are your tryouts actually helping you select the right players, or are you just running traditional drills that mask an athlete's true capability?
In this episode of Block & Talk, we dive deep into the science and art of the tryout environment. We move past the surface-level evaluations of isolated drills and explore how to design high-information settings that reveal technical, tactical, and psychological traits.
Key topics we cover include:
Drill Design: Why moving away from isolated skills toward game-like environments helps you see the "real" player.The Projection Problem: How to balance evaluating an...The Practice Blueprint (Part 2)
We are back on the court to finish what we started! On this episode of Block & Talk, we are diving into Part 2 of our deep-dive analysis into Parker’s comprehensive practice plan.
If Part 1 laid the foundation for warm-ups and early skill acquisition, this episode takes you through the back half of the session. We are breaking down how to transition from individual drills into high-intensity, game-like scenarios that test your team's mental and physical endurance.
The Practice Blueprint Pt. 1
Ready to take your team's training to the next level? On this episode of Block & Talk, we’re pulling back the curtain on structure and organization. We are diving into Part 1 of our comprehensive practice plan, breaking down how to build a session that is both high-energy and technically focused.
Whether you're struggling to balance skill development with game-like intensity, or you're just looking for a fresh way to organize your court time, this episode provides a clear roadmap for effective coaching.
What We’re Covering:
The Warm-Up Phase: Why your opening 15 minutes set the...Attacking Technique and Cues
Block & Talk: Episode 11 - Mastering the Attack
Welcome back to another episode of Block & Talk! This week, we are stepping off the defensive wall and moving to the front court. In Episode 11, we are breaking down the art of the attack.
Whether you are looking to add more velocity to your swing, improve your timing, or finally master that elusive three-step approach, this episode is for you. We dissect the mechanics of effective attacking footwork and discuss the technical nuances that separate good hitters from great ones.
In This Episode:
The Approach...Picking Your Path: Club Volleyball Selection 101
Description: Trying to navigate the club volleyball recruitment maze? You’re not alone! In this episode of Block & Talk, we strip away the jersey colors and marketing slogans to get to the heart of what really matters.
We’re breaking down the "Big Three" pillars of a great club fit:
Culture & Coaching: How to spot a program that truly prioritizes athlete development over just chasing hardware.The Practical Reality: Balancing your competitive goals with your real-life schedule (yes, we’re talking about travel, cost, and that elusive work-life balance).The Gut Check: Why the “right” club isn't alwa...VNL Action & Navigating the June 15th Recruiting Wave
In this episode of our volleyball podcast, we dive deep into the high-octane world of international and collegiate volleyball. First, we break down the latest action from the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), analyzing the standout performances and tactical shifts from the opening rounds of play.
Then, we shift our focus to the future of the sport as we tackle the high-stakes world of NCAA recruiting. With June 15th marking the official date that Division I and II coaches can begin direct, proactive communication with rising juniors, we provide a essential guide for athletes and parents. We cover:<...
From First Touch to Floor General — A Deep Dive into the Setter Position with Rayn Perry
Today on Block & Talk, we’re joined by Southern Alberta standout Rayn Perry — a high-level setter, leader, and co-founder of Panther Volleyball Club whose journey has taken her from Kate Andrews High School to competing at the U SPORTS level with both the University of Toronto and UBC Okanagan.
Rayn’s story is one of growth, leadership, and mastering one of the most complex positions in volleyball. From her early days in the game to becoming a captain and on-court decision-maker, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it truly means to run an offence.
In thi...
Episode #7 - Hot Takes
Join us this week as we take a deep dive into some volleyball "hot takes" that are present in this game. Listen along to see where you stand on these controversial takes.
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Lexi Gedny - Life of a collegiate athlete
Take a listen to our first interview of the Block & Talk podcast. We have the pleasure of being joined by Lexi Gedny, a collegiate athlete who plays for the Nait Ooks. She shares her experience growing up as a young athlete, playing club, and her transition to college. Take a listen now!
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Episode #5 - Serve and Pass Pt. 2
In this episode we continue our important conversation regarding the most important contact, the first one. Take a listen to gain further insight into some serving & passing cues, as well an important conversation regarding manipulating your serve receive.
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Serve & Pass Pt. 1
This episode involves a two part series. We dive deep into the most important touches in the game of volleyball, serve and pass. Take a listen as we analyze some cues, strategy, and how us as coaches tackle this area.
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Serve and Pass thoughts Part 1
Welcome back to Block & Talk Episode #3.
This week we take a deep dive into the most important contacts, serve and pass. This part of the game can dictate success so listen along as we analyze our thoughts, cues, and ideas on how to improve this.
We talkin' 'bout practice
Clay Ressler is joined by Adam Layton for an hour to talk about practice. The place where all the magic happens. The guys discuss general things that should be evident in your practice, to volleyball specific details. Constraint based coaching in game-like format is the goldmine for success and growth. Tune in and find out if there's something you'd like to implement in your gym tomorrow!
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How Important Is Culture?
This week on Block & Talk we dive into the conversation around team culture and the importance it has on your athletes. Take a listen to hear our experience with fostering culture and what we find works in our gyms.
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Welcome to Block & Talk
Welcome to Block & Talk. Come join us for episode one as we introduce who we are and what we are about. This episode gives you an inside scoop into who your hosts are, what we are about, and where we hope to take this.
Looking forward to this awesome ride together.
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