I have coached volleyball for more than 20 years.  This includes coaching at every level, beginning with high school and USAV Junior club coaching all the way through NCAA Division I.  Through clinics, I have instructed coaches from all over the United States and internationally.  During this time, I have had the opportunity to coach with some of the best volleyball coaches in the game.  I have also benefited from studying my opponents as well.  I have had the luxury of being able to discuss at length the principles adopted by the world’s greatest coaches.  Finally, during my association with Gold Medal Squared Elite coaching clinics, I have had the benefit of working with and learning from four of the finest volleyball coaches in the world; Dr. Carl McGown, Hugh McCutchen, John Cook, Marv Dunphy and Jim McLaughlin.  Having had the benefit of working with and observing these coaches, and based on my own experiences, ideals, and beliefs, I have developed a fundamental coaching philosophy.  Everything that I teach is based on research proven principles.  The laws of motor learning, proper bio mechanics, efficient movement patterns and appropriate energy systems used in volleyball.

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My coaching philosophy is centered on the following critical components.  These elements are instrumental in order to be a transformative and effective coach.  The main in order of importance as it relates to volleyball are the following: (i) improvement, (ii) proper environment, (iii) relationships, (iv) organization, (v) training methods, and (vi) faith in myself.  While a description of each of these areas follow, it goes without saying that they are interrelated and must be considered in total to fully capture the overall philosophy.

 

A. Training Methods.  Improvement will come slowly but steadily if the proper training methods are followed.  The coach must be a teacher and follow the laws of learning.  Are we doing the right things the right way on a daily basis?  This is a key objective that I constantly monitor.  The first things the players must learn are the skills necessary to be successful within any system in volleyball.  The players then must be prepared to adapt to the continuous refinement of these skills and movement patterns.  They must also understand the objectives and standards I will ask them to meet on a regular basis.  It is critical for them to learn, among other things, the proper technique, positioning, movement patterns, and speed of the game in order to excel.  As with anything, to master the movements of volleyball requires a very large volume of repetitions over a long period of time.  There is no substitute for reps. I will give the players opportunities to respond to the situations that occur most often at the highest level.  This calls for the players to be exposed repeatedly to the different situations that may present themselves during a game or match.  There is a “randomness/uniqueness” that occurs in every play.  Providing athletes appropriate game-like stimuli better trains them for these situations.  I want my players to not only know how to do things properly but also to understand why we do the things we do.

 

As part of my teaching method, I will work one-on-one or in small groups with players always providing information feedback.  Video review will be utilized as another tool to help the players see and understand their movement patterns as well as systems and tendencies.  This helps build the mind and body connection.  When players are immediately able to see what their bodies are doing, they can make quicker adjustments.  This leads to more efficient use of practice time and faster improvement speeds.  In my view, you must prepare your players so that they will react properly during a game.  That is why most of the time during practice and private lessons I will create situations to which the athlete is forced to react.  Over a period of time, the athlete becomes familiar with the situation, learns to recognize it (developing their eyes) and, finally, becomes adept at anticipating and reacting to that situation.  Volleyball is a visual motor sport, with the emphasis on the visual.  Training our athletes to see and “read the game properly, is paramount for success. Seeing the game is also known as “Volleyball IQ”.

 

 

B. Improvement. The critical factor in achieving success for an individual is to ensure that they strive to improve each and every day.  If I can get athletes to improve on a daily basis, with the focus always on making better connections between the mind and body of the athlete, When the athlete is psychologically aware of what they are doing and how they are performing the skills of the game, they will be better able to make physical changes needed for improvement. The end result will be a much-improved volleyball player.  In order to facilitate improvement, all of the other parts of my coaching philosophy will also be brought into play.  As with many of the other items that comprise my coaching philosophy, improvement is the responsibility of both the player and the coach.

 

C. Proper Environment. I believe that the optimum way to get the player to improve on a regular basis is to provide the proper environment.  One must provide an environment that pushes the athlete to perform at the highest level.  I strive to create an atmosphere that instills in each individual the desire to compete and reach that individual’s maximum potential.  In a competitive situation such as a volleyball match, the players must maintain their poise and remain under control.  The overall environment of the program can help the players develop the poise and control that will be necessary when they find themselves in a difficult situation.  Of course, the coach must set the example if the athletes are expected to keep their composure.  I pride myself on remaining composed even in the most hostile environment and this helps keep the players in control of their emotions. 

 

D. Relationships. Another vital part of my overall coaching philosophy deals with relationships.  In this area, there are two primary relationships to be cultivated.  The relationship I have with each individual player and the helping players develop better relationships amongst their teammates as well.  I long ago recognized that every individual has a different personality and temperament.  Some players need to be pushed hard to help them reach their potential while others need to be in a more praise driven environment in order to perform at their best.  Getting to know the players on a personal level is critical in order to be able to know how to reach each player and bring out the best in that player.  This, of course, requires communication between the player and the coach.  I believe that communication is essential to gain the trust of the player and, more importantly, to be able to properly provide feedback, make sure it is understood and followed.

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In addition to the player-coach relationship, I believe the relationship among the players themselves is vital.  I will always speak with athletes about the importance of being “a good teammate.”  Good teammates support each other, they have productive dialogue with one another and settle disputes through conversation and strong listening skills.  I have observed first-hand how good team chemistry can elevate the performance of a team while a similarly talented team that has poor team chemistry will not perform as well. Mentoring athletes When the players get along and communicate well, the benefits are evidenced by the success of the team.  I make sure the players build their relationships with each other while improving their skills.

 

E. Organization. Another fact I have learned while coaching is that in order to be successful, you must be organized.  Organizational skills are critical to the success of any performance plan.  This is especially true when you are competing at the highest levels.  The differences in ability may be small, however, at times the smallest details can be the difference between winning and losing.  I believe that everyone involved in the program must know their responsibilities and what role they are fulfilling to make sure nothing has been overlooked.  Being organized and thorough ensures there is no wasted time or effort.  As I prepare my athletes for competition, this is essential.  Also, being very well-organized increases the productivity of everyone involved. 

 

F. Faith in Myself.  I have faith in myself and I have faith in my coaching philosophy.  I have been successful at each step of my coaching career and attribute that success, at least in part, to my coaching ability.  My ability to coach will continue to improve.  As a coach, I am always working to prepare my athletes for competition with the ultimate objective being improvement leading to victories.  I have faith that if the proper training principles are applied daily, the progress needed to reach the end result will occur.  I demand that my athletes be fully invested in their own improvement and I will be fully invested in them.  Although my goal is to win every time my players and teams competes, I do not necessarily equate success with winning.  Success comes from putting in your best effort and being able to walk off the court with pride that you have done your best and have properly represented yourself and your team. 

 

In conclusion, my coaching philosophy has many components, which overlap in various areas.  It is virtually impossible to discuss one part of my coaching philosophy without touching on another.  I strongly believe that utilizing the principles outlined here, I can guide student athletes to their highest potential.