This conversation explores various aspects of volleyball coaching, focusing on mental performance strategies, parental guidance, effective communication between players and coaches, and the importance of reading the game.

The discussion also highlights creative ways to engage young players, the benefits of beach volleyball, and the significance of scouting opponents.

Additionally, it emphasizes the value of video analysis for self-improvement and categorizing cues for effective defense.

Takeaways

The coaching book includes valuable insights for players and parents.

Mental performance strategies can enhance a player's game.

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their young athletes.

Reading the game is essential for coaches and players alike.

Effective communication between players and coaches is vital.

Visual skills in serve receive can significantly impact performance.

Creative games can make learning volleyball fun for kids.

Improving reading and decision-making skills is key to success.

Exploring beach volleyball can benefit indoor players.

Scouting opponents can give teams a competitive edge.

Titles

Unlocking Volleyball Potential: A Guide for Coaches and Parents

Mastering Mental Performance in Volleyball

"Promote a healthy balance."

"Play animal volleyball."

"Let them figure it out."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Volleyball Journey

03:30 Mental Performance Strategies for Players

06:11 Supporting Young Athletes: A Parent's Guide

08:57 Reading the Game: Key Skills for Coaches

12:12 Visual Skills in Serve Receive

15:00 Creative Games for Young Players

17:52 Improving Decision Making in Volleyball

20:38 Exploring Beach Volleyball for Indoor Players

23:42 Scouting Opponents: Key Observations

26:27 Priorities for Self-Video Analysis

29:03 Conclusion and Resources

29:47 gaming-intro-high-short.wav

Keywords

volleyball, coaching, mental performance, parental guidance, player development, reading the game, communication, serve receive, beach volleyball, scouting

In this episode of The Volley Pod we get our first look at some content from Tod's upcoming book and cover lessons that coach Mark Massey observed during his time at Club Nationals.

Then we cover important lessons from experience about how to avoid coach burnout, which is rampant at this time of the season.

Finally, we share a cool coaching resource that challenges a lot of your typical concepts of coaching, Mark Lebedew's At Home On The Court.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/posture-balance-for-range-on-defense/ Posture and Balance with Ray Bechard

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/individual-defense-emergency-moves/ Emergency Digs with Russ Rose

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/individual-defense-capture-space-and-have-more-range/ Capturing Space with Kimi Olson from Michigan State University

Resource of the Week

https://marklebedew.com/ At Home On The Court by Mark Lebedew is his collection of coaching resources

Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.

Check out Balltime at:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.balltime.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.

Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/⁠⁠⁠

Email us at ⁠⁠thevolleypod@gmail.com⁠⁠

In this conversation, we explore the dynamics of being an undersized outside hitter in volleyball.

Juliette D'Eliseo, 2025 18 Open National Finalist, shares her experiences and insights on how to effectively utilize the block, the importance of smart hitting strategies, and the transition from being a libero to an outside hitter.

The discussion also delves into the mental aspects of playing in big games, the significance of team dynamics, and the mindset required to succeed as an undersized player.

Juliette emphasizes the need for resilience, adaptability, and a focus on the present moment to thrive in competitive environments.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/why-outside-hitters-need-a-go-big-mindset/ Mark Barnard

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/attacking-arm-mechanics-importance-of-torque-and-arm-height/ Kerry Macdonald

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/team-drill-1v1-hitter-isolation/ Russ Rose

Resource of the Week

https://www.instagram.com/fourathletes4/?hl=en Four Athletes 4, AJ Nally’s online training Instagram page

Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.

Check out Balltime at:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.balltime.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.

Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/⁠⁠⁠

Email us at ⁠⁠thevolleypod@gmail.com⁠⁠

In this episode of The Volley Pod presented by The Art of Coaching Volleyball, hosts Davis and Tod discuss various aspects of volleyball coaching, focusing on the importance of statistics in junior volleyball, effective leadership for team captains, and the nuances of player development.

They explore which statistics are most relevant for assessing team performance and how to use them to improve training and game strategies.

The conversation also highlights the significance of leadership qualities in young athletes and provides practical tips for captains to foster a positive team culture.

The Art of Coaching Volleyball videos from today's episode:

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/assigning-leadership-responsibilities/ Jared Rudiger

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/coaches-thermostat-or-thermometer/ Mike Lingenfelter

https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/path-sports-leadership-is-personal/ Julie Foudy

Resources

https://www.instagram.com/volleyknowledge/ VolleyKnowledge with Miles Partain on Instagram

Teaching Volleyball through story

Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.

Check out Balltime at:⁠⁠ ⁠www.balltime.com⁠⁠⁠

Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.

Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/⁠⁠

Email us at ⁠thevolleypod@gmail.com⁠

In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod engage with Ken Murczek, head coach at Emporia State University, in a deep discussion about leadership in sports.

They explore the dynamics of team captains, the importance of communication over accountability, and the role of leadership configurations in fostering a positive team environment.

The conversation emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt their leadership styles based on the unique needs of their teams and the individuals within them.

Key takeaways include the significance of allowing players to lead, the value of communication, and the understanding that effective leaders do not always have to be the best players on the team.

Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/⁠⁠⁠

Email us at ⁠thevolleypod@gmail.com⁠

Find The Art of Coaching Volleyball at:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Art of Coaching Volleyball is a comprehensive resource designed to help coaches of all levels to improve their skills, teaching methods, and enhance their knowledge of volleyball. It offers a mix of instructional support, tools, and resources to support coaches in developing athletes and running effective practices.

Check out Balltime at:⁠⁠ ⁠www.balltime.com⁠⁠⁠

Balltime is an AI-powered volleyball platform designed to provide professional-level game breakdowns, video analysis, and highlight creation for players, coaches, and clubs. Developed by a team of passionate volleyball players and technology enthusiasts, Balltime aims to make advanced video and analytics accessible to everyone.

In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Head Coach of Emporia State University Ken Murczek about leadership in coaching.

They explore various aspects of leadership, including whether leaders are born or made, the importance of allowing leadership to evolve naturally within teams, and the significance of prioritizing leadership development during preseason.

The conversation also delves into the dynamics of shared leadership versus hierarchical leadership, the influence of seniority on leadership roles, and the role of technology in enhancing coaching effectiveness.

This episode is Part 1 of 2