In this Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire delves into the crucial role communication plays in coaching, both on and off the court. As an experienced NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner and a passionate advocate for effective communication, Luke shares his insights into how coaches can connect better with their players and teams.

This episode explores the key pillars of communication: understanding and utilizing body language, harnessing the power of tone, and being deliberate in your choice of words. Luke explains why these elements are essential for fostering trust, building relationships, and delivering impactful coaching moments.

But this isn't just theory—Luke brings practical advice to the table. From tips on reading non-verbal cues to strategies for refining your message, he offers actionable takeaways that can be immediately applied in your coaching sessions or professional interactions.

Whether you're a coach looking to motivate your players, a leader aiming to inspire your team, or simply someone interested in improving how you communicate, this reflective episode has something for you. Tune in and discover how mastering communication can elevate your coaching to the next level!

Connecting Through Conversation

In this reflective 30-minute Timeout session, host Luke Wiltshire dives into the art and science of creating intensity in volleyball training. As he shares his insights, Luke highlights how intensity becomes the backbone of high-performance teams, with each aspect of training—from planning to player roles—contributing to a culture of focused, purposeful work on the court.

Luke breaks down his approach to session planning, emphasizing that carefully structured drills and activities set the tone for intensity. He’ll discuss how coaches can strategically pace their guidance, using moments of quick correction and focused drills to keep players engaged and moving at the right tempo. Luke believes that the way sessions are sequenced plays a crucial role in elevating players’ mental and physical sharpness, helping them reach their peak performance when it counts.

Listeners will also hear Luke’s perspective on the importance of player responsibility in creating an intense training environment. From motivating each other to bringing energy and focus, players become key drivers in the level of intensity a team can achieve. Luke discusses how this looks different depending on the skill level of a team—whether working with beginners or experienced athletes, he emphasizes that the foundations of intensity remain the same: accountability, dedication, and a willingness to push limits.

With Luke’s practical advice on everything from warm-ups to high-energy scrimmages, this episode serves as a blueprint for coaches and players alike who want to elevate their training sessions. Tune in as Luke explains how achieving and maintaining intensity transforms practice into a powerful space for team growth, resilience, and competitive edge.

Connecting Through Conversation

In the next episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes Denise Austin, a Volleyball England Hall of Famer and a true pioneer of UK beach volleyball. Known for her grit and passion, Denise has left an indelible mark on the sport, not only as a competitor on the world stage but also as a driving force in its growth and popularity across the UK.

Denise shares her journey from her early days on UK beaches to competing internationally in Australia and the USA. She takes us through the highs and lows of her career, including the heartbreaking moment of narrowly missing Olympic qualification in 2000 by just one place. Yet, rather than letting that stop her, Denise showed incredible resilience, continuing to compete and elevate the sport she loved.

Beyond her playing career, Denise has championed beach volleyball tirelessly, creating pathways for the next generation of athletes and inspiring countless young players to chase their own dreams. As the face of beach volleyball in the UK, she’s not only been a role model but a true advocate for the sport. Most recently, she’s taken on a new role as a commentator, providing expert insights and coverage of beach volleyball events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Now retired from competition and residing in Portugal, Denise has built a thriving beach volleyball community, continuing to inspire others with her dedication to the game. Her story is one of passion, persistence, and vision—a must-listen for fans of volleyball and stories of resilience alike. Join Luke Wiltshire in this memorable episode with an icon of the sand whose legacy will shape beach volleyball for generations to come.

Connecting Through Conversation