Stay Quiet and Let Them Play

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.

Youth Volleyball Tips for Success

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.

Growing Kids’ Volleyball

This year marks my 40th year of coaching youth volleyball, which I define as 12 and under. The last few years I have seen growth in this area, but far too much of it simply is adults coaching the adult 6 vs 6 game to little kids.

Suggested Volleyball Reading

A list of books to help you improve

STOP Teaching Robots

Watching some 80 year old players at the US Open and seeing their joy for a sport of a lifetime has me wondering why any kid in the last few decades stops playing.

I am a Teacher of Athletes

This month some kid I know really well has his senior year athlete banquet. I was looking at the Princeton website, and at the top of the athletic department’s home page was a quote I had never heard that impacted me.

How Old School Are You?

There are long time players who reminisce about the way volleyball used to be played in the days of sideout, not rally, scoring. I remember the competitions that started at 8 a.m. and went until 4 a.m. the next day, or speaking to parents about their child still playing in an event after midnight.

To Become A Skillful Spiker

Sharing the science and my thoughts based on motor learning as to it relates to most machines

Developing Real Ball Control

Lately I have been wondering why so many well meaning coaches, and players, speak to the importance of ball control. I know I will be up against the many attendees of the Church of Tradition and Ball Control (CTBC as I call it) yet this is really important stuff to change.

Five Keys to Scouting Your Opponent

Tips on scouting your opponents from coaches and volleyball professionals