In this special two-part Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, the UK’s only volleyball podcast, Luke shares his reflections after attending the Volleyball England Coaching Symposium. Hosted by Jim Stone, USA U18 National Team coach and former Ohio State University Head Coach, this event was packed with valuable insights, discussions, and practical takeaways that will resonate with volleyball coaches at all levels.

There was so much to take in that Luke has split his reflections into two parts. In this first episode, he delves into Jim Stone’s extensive volleyball expertise and experience, offering a unique perspective on what makes Jim such a respected figure in the volleyball world. Luke highlights how Jim’s approach to coaching has influenced his own thinking and how the lessons from Day 1 of the symposium are already transforming his coaching methods.

The episode covers some of the key sessions from the opening day, including a deep dive into the current state of volleyball, presented by Jim and other experts. Luke also reflects on a session led by the Chief Medical Officer, covering essential updates on injury prevention, strength and conditioning, and athlete care—topics crucial for maintaining player performance and longevity.

Additionally, Luke shares insights from an engaging serve-and-pass clinic, which focused on fundamental skills with a fresh perspective. He also explores how the use of games in training was emphasized as a powerful tool for player development and engagement. Throughout, Luke reflects on his key takeaways from each session, explaining how these lessons are already influencing his own coaching practices and what he plans to implement moving forward.

If you're a coach, player, or volleyball enthusiast, this episode will provide invaluable insights into high-level coaching strategies and trends shaping the future of the sport

Connecting Through Conversation

In this exciting episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes the show’s first international guest from the USA, Will Macdonald. Originally from England, Will now works full-time as part of the University of Baylor volleyball coaching program in Texas. During this episode, we dive into Will’s journey—how he first got into volleyball, the challenges he faced, and the hard work and determination that led him to where he is today.

We also explore the differences between USA and English volleyball cultures, touching on what England could learn from the U.S. in terms of player development and coaching strategies. A key focus of our conversation was on Will's role in performance analysis and the use of stats to inform coaching decisions, providing fascinating insights into the way data shapes modern volleyball training. We also discuss the dynamics within the Baylor coaching team, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.

To round out the episode, we had some fun with a game of 'This or That'—always a light-hearted way to end our chats. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about volleyball and eager to learn from one of the game’s rising stars!

Connecting Through Conversation

In this special 30-minute "Timeout" session, host Luke Wiltshire takes a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his personal volleyball journey. Following last episode’s conversation with Harry Jones, Luke opens up about how his playing career gradually transitioned into coaching, and his unique experiences as a referee. After receiving questions from his social media followers about his volleyball story, Luke shares more insights into his path, answering the community's curiosities. He also takes a moment to shout out and honor the key individuals who have been influential in shaping his volleyball career.

Perfect for both seasoned players and fans just discovering the sport, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into Luke's personal journey and the people who've helped him along the way.

Connecting Through Conversation