Motivating athletes on your team is an important part of coaching. And providing motivation while protecting mental wellness can be challenging. You can make simple shifts to your coaching style and language to provide motivation without compromising mental wellness.

Coaches are often faced with implementing strategic decisions and making tough calls. And just as often, the athletes on your team may resist those decisions or the changes that you’re trying to make. Getting buy-in from athletes isn’t always easy, but it is often critical to the team’s success and your relationship with players.

If you often find yourself having arguments with your athlete about things like getting to practice on time, an unfair coach or referee, or what your athlete could have done better after a bad game, there are some simple ways to improve your style when it comes to dealing with conflict.

In youth sports, parents and caregivers are often tasked with providing team snacks for everyone at least once during the season. Deciding what to bring can be stressful—and it can be expensive, depending on what you choose!

If your athlete has a bad competition, game or practice, it can lead to a tense car ride home. Often, caregivers are well-meaning in their efforts to soothe grumpy athletes with advice and reassurances. Unfortunately, we often end up creating a more stressful, angst-filled situation in our attempts to help our athletes.

As USA Volleyball coaches, ensuring athlete safety is our top priority. With 70% of sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occurring in athletes under 18, concussion awareness is crucial, even in a less contact-intensive sport like volleyball. 

Shoulder injuries are unfortunately common for athletes of all types, whether due to acute or overuse injuries sustained during sport. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to building strong, mobile, injury-free shoulders, there are some general principles that can help regardless of sport choice.

As a busy volleyball coach, making time for self-care can seem impossible. But there are small moments throughout the day and week where you can carve out this time to take care of yourself—and teach your athletes to do the same.

Busy lives for caregivers and volleyball athletes can make healthy meal prep seem impossible. But it's possible to add more whole foods to breakfast, lunch and dinner—and skip the fast-food stops after practice—with a bit of meal prep and some simple changes to avoid a fridge full of rotted veggies every week.

College recruiting preparation can be a daunting task, but don’t fret! Here are five college recruiting tips that can help both boys and girls volleyball athletes.