Volleyball teams come in many forms: young and old, skilled and beginner, male and female, indoor and beach. But some key practice concepts hold true for teams at every level of the sport. Coaches should select drills that challenge their players but don't overwhelm them. And how they conduct their practices -- and themselves -- will determine how much progress the team will make.
Practice Plans Keep Things Organized
Preparing practice plans helps coaches stay organized. Some coaches post their practice plans so players can prepare mentally for the session. Players must see that their coach is committed to success, and a high level of organization proves that commitment.
Common Qualities of Good Drills
Winthrop University assistant coach Chuck Rey gleaned some practice ideas from a USA Volleyball Impact Clinic. The ideas he came away with included drills that instructed players to throw/hit away from their opponent, not at them; having players to hit as hard as they can and then guiding them to find the court later; and teaching players why they should do something, and letting them learn how in their own time. The most important skill to teach in volleyball is reading the game. The best passing, setting and hitting team drills require players to perform all three skills in series of multiple movements.
Coaching Consistency
Players respond to coaching consistency. This was one of the seven secrets of successful coaches discussed at the American Volleyball Coaches Association convention. "If I come into practice on a downer, that's how the players will respond," reveals University of Florida coach Mary Wise. "They deserve my best effort and that's to be consistent. If we expect consistency from them, they have to see it from us."
Quest For Success Vs. Fear of Failure
Coaches shouldn't dwell on mistakes. "We're motivated to pursue success or motivated to avoid failure," notes Greg Dale, director of sports psychology at Duke University. "Which environment do you create? ... They're going to reach more of their potential if they're pursuing success than they are avoiding failure."
Focusing on the Process
Coaches should also create a learning atmosphere and nurture a strong sense of team. Former University of Nebraska volleyball coach Terry Pettit offered this advice in a blog posting on his website: "Great coaching is more concerned with the process and less concerned with the outcome. Are we committed to behaviors that will lay the foundation for success? Are we on time? Do we look each other in the eye when we speak? Do we give great effort? Do we maintain the sacredness of the group by not voicing our frustrations outside the team? Do we encourage our teammates?"
References
- Junior Volleyball Directors Association; The Seven Secrets of Successful Coaches: How to Unlock and Unleash Your Team's Full Potential; Greg Dale
- Coach Rey; USAV Impact Clinic; Chuck Rey; February 2010
- Terry Pettit and The Secret Life of Teams; Good Coaching Focuses on Process, Not End Result; Terry Pettit; February 2010
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