Libero qualities: Platform awareness, quickness, and consistency
In collegiate volleyball, coaches are able to recruit the players who are already great liberos, but what about highschool or club coaches who have to choose their libero from a group of players? What...
View ArticleRuss Rose: Bad servers – middle-back vs. right-back
Do you have a bad server on your team? Check out why Russ Rose believes these players should serve from middle back. The post Russ Rose: Bad servers – middle-back vs. right-back appeared first on The...
View ArticleDeveloping leaders: Knowing yourself
Most teams go into their matches confident, but few go into their matches fearless! See how to help develop your team's leaders and take your team to this fearless state. The post Developing leaders:...
View ArticleWhen should you call a time-out?
You can only provide so much information in such a short period of time! During time-outs, make sure you are calling out 2-3 things for your team to focus on at the right time. The post When should you...
View ArticleTips for setters: Setting middle attackers
Setting middle attackers can be tricky business but once mastered, your team becomes stronger. In this video, John Dunning explains how far off the net setters should aim to set their middles and why...
View ArticleLay the egg passing drill
Purpose: To train passers to shuffle their feet to the ball and get the ball to their midline How it works: Players line up in middle back on one side of the court with one player in the target...
View ArticleIndividual defense: Diving, rolling, & stationary digging
The goal should be to stay on your feet if you can, but even Russ Rose realizes there are times when players will have to go to the floor to make the play. In this video, you will learn how to best...
View ArticleHigher-level perimeter defense
Defensive systems are chosen based on the team’s level of play and the opposing team’s offensive style. Rosen comments on the perimeter defensive system and how it shifts depending on the team’s level....
View ArticleUnderneath the net digging drills
Purpose: Teach players to stay low as they dig hard-driven balls by utilizing the net. How it works: One player starts with her back to the net. The coach hits a hard-driven attack from the end line in...
View ArticleTraining passers: Basic form
Clinician: Debbie Brown, former head coach at the University of Notre Dame Purpose: Passing is the cornerstone of a successful team, and perfecting the basics of form and position creates a solid...
View ArticleFun ways to keep score: Candy incentive drill
Purpose: To give players a new and creative way to keep score. How it works: Players start on the court in 6 vs 6 with each side having 5 pieces of candy. The coach begins chipping balls in,...
View ArticleElastic blocking drill
Purpose: To provide an easy visual on hitting angles and blocking positioning. How it works: Have one player on a box holding one side of an elastic band. Another player will grab the opposite end of...
View ArticleServe receive from various angles
Purpose: To get passing reps coming from multiple angles on the court. How it works: Start with three players in serve receive and one or two targets on one half of the court with three additional...
View ArticleAttacking footwork: Prowl, step, close
When reviewing attacking footwork, players generally have a very powerful "step, close", but when you add in the first step, some players become less athletic and this step becomes ineffective. Using...
View ArticleGame plans and choosing a lineup
When choosing a lineup for games, several factors must be considered: the opponent, your team’s confidence in certain rotations, your team’s depth of subs, and how a change in the lineup from game to...
View ArticlePracticing in and out of system
Clinician: John Dunning, former head coach at Stanford Purpose: Learn the importance of facilitating out-of-system drills in practice to prepare for matches. How it works: Dunning describes how the...
View ArticleUsing AcuSpike to practice out-of-system attacking
Purpose: Use the AcuSpike to train players to hit the ball straight-on in out-of-system plays. How it works: Set up the AcuSpike in left front facing middle back, simulating a set from an out-of-system...
View ArticleEnforcing passing keys using the butterfly drill
Purpose: Teach players the basics of passing technique during an efficient, high-rep drill. How it Works: Warm-up passing by having partners toss 5-10 easy balls to one another, focusing on staying low...
View ArticleDon’t hurt a setter’s brain with criticism
Through years of coaching, John Dunning has found the sweet spot of critiquing and coaching setters enough to maximize their play without defeating their confidence. He recommends specific, consistent...
View ArticleCoaching secrets: Not every team is a championship team
Russ Rose addresses a hard topic: not every team is going to the best in the conference, or the state, or the nation. If you are aware of this as a coach, encourage your team to "be the best they can...
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