I’m not a writer, I’m a volleyball coach. However, when I start talking, I have a hard time stopping so we’re going to give this blog a shot. Maybe it’s more for me than it is for you but hopefully there are a few nuggets you can share.
Today’s topic is about what you know. Being a good volleyball coach is centered around knowledge. You don’t have to be a great volleyball player, but you do have to know a lot about the sport. Among many points of emphasis, a couple good ones are how all the positions work together and how to communicate well with players (and parents, and officials). This is absolutely a learned skill. You get better at coaching with practice. You take time to learn more about the sport – strategy, new drills, ways to communicate more effectively, etc. Each time we step on the court, we hope to be better than the last time we were there and to get more out of the players we have the opportunity to coach.
As an athlete, your goal should be to get better with each practice session. Advancing your skills and knowledge of the game is imperative. Learning the game is much more than just learning about your specific job because what if your job changes? What if your school coach needs you to do a different job than your club coach needs you to do? Now we are deep in the competition season meanwhile, spring sports are starting; athletes are tired and competing all the time, so injuries and illness are plaguing teams. What happens when your middle blocker lands wrong and can’t continue to play in the set? What happens if your setter jams her thumbs and is struggling to play the ball overhead without doubling? Your coach is looking for someone who has the knowledge to play that position and is willing to do a different job. As a player, your primary motivation should be to do what is best for your team. If you have the knowledge, you’re much more equipped to say YES to that decision and rock it.
At the youngest age group, we focus on fundamentals of all skills – even blocking for kids that can’t get above the height of the net. You never know who will be tall or have a 30” vertical. Laying the foundation is good for everyone to be able to continue to build on even if the information is something they don’t regularly apply in a match. This hinges on players taking every opportunity to learn the game that is given. Each piece of feedback can be applied to all players on the team. If the coach is giving feedback to a setter, a hitter or passer can absolutely benefit from the feedback too and vice versa.
Being a versatile athlete with a well-rounded fundamental base of both knowledge and skill WILL earn you more playing time during your playing career. Coaches like to have options and a utility player is valued. When the rubber meets the road, the athlete will benefit by being able to adapt and change as necessary.