FREE COACHING CLINIC FOR NEW COACHES

The Arizona Region of USA Volleyball's Eric Hodgson hosts a FREE clinic at the AZ Region office November 10th. Email Eric to secure your spot!

• NOVEMBER 10, 2024
• 10AM - 1PM
• AZ REGION OFFICE
• RSVP HERE

Hey there, new coaches! Stepping into a coaching role is both thrilling and a bit intimidating. Many of you come from high school or college volleyball backgrounds, and it’s natural to want to replicate the coaching style you experienced. This is known as “path dependent” coaching. While it’s great to share what you learned, remember that not everything your coach did is necessarily backed by evidence or suited for the age group you’re now working with. Here are some key insights to help you get started on the right foot!

1. Rethink Warm-Ups

Let’s be honest: spending time running and stretching before practice is often a waste of precious time. Your athletes might expect this traditional routine, but it’s not the best use of your court time. If practice starts at 7 PM, encourage your players to take care of any personal warm-up needs before that time. Research shows that static stretching before activities can actually decrease muscle strength and may not prevent injuries. Instead, focus on engaging drills right from the start, maximizing your time on the court.

2. Utilize the Net

Picture this: a basketball coach having players shoot at a tree instead of a hoop. Sounds silly, right? The same logic applies to volleyball—always use the net during practice. The game is played over the net, and it’s essential for players to learn how to read the actions of others on the court. Instead of tossing balls from the side, incorporate the net in every practice. This helps players develop critical game-time skills and keeps training realistic.

3. Keep It Engaging

Engagement is key! If your athletes seem bored, they’re not learning, and you’re not effectively coaching. Avoid long, repetitive drills that could lead to disinterest. If you notice attention waning, switch things up—play a game, alter the drill, or create smaller teams for more touches. Remember the words of USA Olympic Sports Psychologist Peter Haberl: "Attention is the currency of performance." Keep your practices lively to enhance learning.

4. Ditch the Punishment Mindset

Tradition tells us that punishing mistakes will lead to better performance. But let’s challenge that notion. When you made errors in school or learning to drive, punishment wasn’t the answer. The same goes for your athletes—most of them don’t want to make mistakes. Instead of punishment, foster a growth mindset. Encourage your players to stretch their limits and learn from errors without fear. This approach will create a more positive learning environment and encourage improvement.

5. Build Relationships with Parents

Your athletes’ parents are your allies, not your enemies! Take the time to greet them, shake hands, and get to know them. They’re crucial to their child’s development and can provide valuable insights. Building a good rapport with parents will help create a supportive community around your team.

6. Never Stop Learning

Coaching is a journey of continuous growth. In today’s digital age, there are countless resources available—from YouTube to podcasts. However, be discerning about the information you consume. In the Arizona Region, we have dedicated resources to help you grow as a coach. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Coach Developer for guidance, mentorship, and credible resources. You can contact them at erichbke@msn.com for opportunities to enhance your coaching skills.

Welcome to the Arizona Region volleyball family, and here’s to an incredible coaching journey ahead! Let’s make every practice count!

CREATING SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES FOR YOUR VOLLEYBALL CLUB

USA CAP is another way to grow in your knowledge and experience of the game. The CAP Program has undergone a transformation. There are now modules that you can take to build a CAP certification. There is even a Home Equivalency Course for CAP. Check out the USAV website for more information.

For planning purposes the Arizona Region normally offers CAP I & II every other year (odd-numbered years) in the Phoenix Metro area.  Check at the top of this page for articles and/or calendar entries containing additional details and information on registration.

USA Volleyball CAP clinic information