In this episode of The Volley Pod, Tod and Davis start with briefly discussing their experiences in the Coastal Conference, focusing on the competitive nature of the league.

They introduce the '46 Challenge' drill aimed at improving both offensive and defensive skills in volleyball.

The conversation then shifts to the 'Tether Method,' a technique for enhancing out-of-system play, emphasizing the importance of tight sets and player positioning. Finally, they explore leadership principles from the book 'The Captain Class,' highlighting the significance of character in team success.

Skill of the Week: The 46 Challenge

One of Tod's 'Deserted Island Drills', "The 46 Challenge" drill is discussed this week.

This drill focuses on out system play for both sides of the net and it has a really cool "get back in system" scoring system.

Scenario of the Week:

The "Tether" Method for out of system play

The Tether Method represents a shift in mentality and execution for out of system play. Tod and Davis talk about this way of playing and the changes it brings to the game.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this week:

htt:ps://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/out-of-system-offense-and-defense-drills/ Marie Zidek from DePaul University

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/hitting-scoring-off-the-block-drill/ Mark Barnard

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/hit-more-line/ Blog from Kyle Mashima (SoloStats and Rotate123)

Resource of the Week:

https://www.bysamwalker.com/the-captain-class

The Captain Class by Sam Walker is an interesting look at a number of championship programs and their leaders. It may make you rethink what a leader is and how they behave.

In this conversation, the hosts, Davis Ransom and Tod Mattox, discuss the importance of training athletes to respond effectively in various situations.

They emphasize the need for coaches' words to extend beyond the present moment and for athletes to take action based on the feedback they receive.

The hosts provide strategies for teaching athletes to choose their behaviors consciously and to make informed decisions in challenging situations.

They also discuss the significance of communication and movement in improving performance.

Additionally, they share tips for managing multiple expectations and celebrating improvement.

The conversation concludes with recommendations for coaching youth players in service receive and the importance of attracting athletes of character.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos we focused on this week:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/the-power-of-positive-volleyball/ - Don Patterson, Responding well when it is most important

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/coaching-secrets-people-of-character-and-power-of-mindset/ - Mark Rosen, Attract people of character

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/karch-kiraly-on-the-importance-of-asking-questions/ Karch Kiraly, Encourage athletes to be better learners

The Resource of the Week is:

The Out of Rotation Podcast with Dan Meske

https://open.spotify.com/show/5Dn9K05UoQ7Iz2JQ5R0GaX?si=ab573fa6eb8b4b1b

In this conversation, Todd and David discuss the importance of giving meaningful feedback to players and establishing a coaching voice.

They provide specific tips for individual coaching and catching players doing things right.

They also discuss the process of selecting players for a club team, considering factors such as goals, playing time, parents, and team style.

They emphasize the importance of attitude, learning velocity, and the ability to work well with others.

Skill of the Week:

Finding your coaching voice, what newer coaches can do to have a coaching voice of their own

Scenario of the Week:

Before club tryouts, leading up to tryouts, and putting together a club team

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this week's podcast:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/hitting-a-flean-jump-float/

Karch Kiraly

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/mastering-serve-receive-reading-and-communication/

Joe Sagula

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/pin-hitter-transition-footwork/

Beth Launiere

Resource of the Week:

Katy Milkman's fascinating book about why having specific solutions to problems can increase productivity and enhance our lives can be found here:

https://www.katymilkman.com/book

In this conversation, Tod and Davis discuss the importance of bridging the gap between practice and competition performance in volleyball.

They explore various factors that contribute to inconsistency in teams and offer solutions to address these issues. They emphasize the need for game-like practices, matching the intensity and mode of competition, and using anchor terms to refocus on fundamentals.

They also discuss the role of communication, setting, first contact, and attacking error percentage in achieving consistency. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the benefits of playing together more and the use of keywords and positive reframing to enhance performance.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos for the week

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/keywords/

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/leave-technique-for-practice/

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/3-ideas-to-maximize-practice-productivity/

Resource of the Week

The Jon Gordon Podcast https://jongordonpodcast.com/

Beth Van Fleet, a beach volleyball coach at Georgia State, joins The VolleyPod and shares her insights on teaching blocking techniques.

She emphasizes creating hesitation in the attacker's mind through route, depth, timing, and hands.

She uses visual cues, such as focusing on the attacker's hips and getting hands above the net, to improve timing.

Feedback for blockers includes using video analysis and loops to help them understand their positioning and timing.

Beth also highlights the importance of intelligence and creativity in blocking, rather than relying solely on size.

In this conversation, Beth Van Fleet discusses the process of pairing or creating partnerships in beach volleyball, particularly in the college space.

She emphasizes the importance of considering skills, communication styles, and work ethic when forming pairs. Beth also mentions the use of psychological testing and personality quizzes to better understand players' communication styles and preferences.

Additionally, she recommends resources such as Jeff Janssen's workbooks for building team culture and leadership skills. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Georgia State's unique beach volleyball facility.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this episode:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/beach-no-nos-blocking-the-area-not-the-ball/ Holly McPeak

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/adam-johnson-beach-helps-indoor-indoor-helps-beach/ Adam Johnson

Resource of the Week

Jeff Janssen's books on leadership can be found here:

https://www.janssensportsleadership.com/resources/shop-all-products/

In this conversation, Davis and Todd discuss various skills and drills that can be incorporated into volleyball practices.

They cover topics such as drop kicks, spin setting, defensive pairs, long distance thumb flicks, Karch's slow pepper, threes juggle, HOCs (hold and cover), offensive shots, serving third tempo pairs, and more.

They also provide tips on the scenario: how to stand out during tryouts, emphasizing skills, attitude, and composure.

The conversation concludes with recommendations for videos and articles related to volleyball.

• Incorporate various skills and drills into volleyball practices to keep players engaged and improve their abilities.
• During tryouts, focus on demonstrating skills, having a positive attitude, and showing composure.
• Videos and articles can provide valuable insights and inspiration for volleyball players and coaches.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos of the Week

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/april-ross-challenge-5-one-armed-juggles/ April Ross

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/using-one-hand-with-tod-mattox/ Tod Mattox

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/scrap-drill/ Michael Seeman

Resource of the Week

https://volleyballmag.com/usa-volleyball-jordan-larson-040924/ Jordan Larson in VolleyballMag

Summary

In this conversation, Davis and Tod discuss the priorities for the beginning of the volleyball season. They emphasize the importance of serving tough and preventing aces, as well as finding reliable passers. They also highlight the need for strong hitters who can hit the ball with topspin and a right front blocker who can stop or touch the ball. They then shift their focus to the Olympics, discussing the dominance of the opposite position and the impact of instant replay. They also mention the fine line between winning and losing and the importance of the interaction between hitters and blockers. The conversation concludes with a discussion of their sponsor, Ball Time, and a recommendation for the podcast Finding Mastery with Michael Gervais.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from this episode:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/practice-and-season-planning/ Dave Rubio

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/practice-and-season-planning-with-christy-johnson/ Christy Johnson

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/pete-hanson-organizing-practice-plans-for-the-entire-year/ Pete Hanson

Resource of the Week

https://findingmastery.com/podcast-start/ Finding Mastery Podcast by Michael Gervais

In this conversation, Davis, Sean, and Todd discuss various topics related to coaching volleyball. They focus on the skill of talking less and letting players play more, providing tips for planning ahead, using visual aids, and using the environment to provide feedback.

They also discuss the use of keywords, giving feedback on the fly, and creating activities and games that allow for individual feedback.

They touch on the complexities of blocking, the prominence of curve serves, and the advantage of having a setter who is a great defender. They also mention the route to the Olympics for volleyball player Chase Budinger and share resources for coaches.

• Coaches should aim to talk less and let players play more, planning ahead and knowing priorities can help with this.
• Using visual aids like whiteboards can help communicate information without relying on words.
• Using the environment to provide feedback, such as through games and activities, can be more effective than constant verbal instruction.
• Using keywords can simplify communication and convey multiple instructions with a single word.
• Giving feedback on the fly during gameplay can be more impactful than waiting until after the rally.
• Creating activities and games that allow for individual feedback can help coaches address specific player needs without stopping the entire team.
• Blocking in volleyball can be complex, with decisions based on patterns and recognition rather than simply feeling or seeing the block.
• Curve serves are becoming more prominent in the game, adding complexity for passers and requiring them to think in multiple planes.
• Having a setter who is a great defender can provide an advantage in the game.
• Chase Budinger's route to the Olympics as a volleyball player showcases the importance of dedication and hard work.
• Coaches can find valuable coaching resources from AOC and follow Dan Meske's Instagram profile for insightful content.

• The Advantage of Setters as Defenders
• Talking Less, Playing More: Tips for Coaches

• "Talking less equals playing more."
• "Use a whiteboard. Can you communicate some stuff on a whiteboard instead of using words?"
• "Use the environment to provide feedback."]

Art of Coaching Volleyball Resources

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/communication-phrases-that-inspire/

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/4-coach-communication-strategies/

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/communicating-with-athletes-using-mantras-and-analogies/