After nearly 40 years of spending time coaching 12U, I though it might be of value to share some of the best ways to grow the game, which should start at this 6-12 year-old age group level.

Many younger players might not know of the myriad ways to get even better at volleyball while also helping grow the game.

Sometimes as coaches, we need to stand back and see if we have taught them anything (the ducklings.) If you are simply quiet, and let them have a little independence, they’ll prove your worth as a coach.

Spent some time in June  based out of Pago Pago, teaching the coaches and players one of the farthest “regions” that USA Volleyball supports, American Samoa. Since 1878 the US had a naval station there, and during World War II a 2,500 ft long run way, airbase and mobile hospital. 

The term false or fake fundamentals, along with the concept of irrelevant training, is one that it seems coaches, parents and players simply want to ignore.  Understandably so, as it gives them a feeling of success and mastery, even though it is not helping them in competition. 

My son had something that I gave to him in his dorm room at Princeton; in capital letters on an orange post-it note, the word “YET.”

Words have little meaning to beginners in motor learning.

If you live in a place with thousands of players, this article might help you get better. If you live in a small market with just a few or maybe no players (yet), this is a competitive advantage to help you take on those teams that seem to have all the talent.

We’ve become so ingrained with how indoor volleyball should be: nice gym floors made of wood or tile with shiny red or blue poles surrounded by thick padding and pristine black and white game nets in use because the practice nets might have a small tear in them or seem dingy.