• A Volleyball Rotations Primer, Big Fish Small Pond Syndrome, and the Newest Concussion Information
    Apr 11 2025

    In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod discuss the intricacies of volleyball coaching, focusing on the importance of understanding rotations and the dynamics of player roles.

    They emphasize the need for coaches to adapt their strategies based on the players' skill levels and the significance of fostering a supportive community among coaches and players.

    The conversation also touches on the challenges players face when they perceive themselves as the 'big fish in a small pond' and how to navigate these dynamics for personal and team growth.


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

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/understanding-rotations/ Mark Barnard

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/rotational-side-out-drill-from-russ-rose/ Russ Rose

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/offensive-defensive-strategies-for-ro-1/ Diane Flick Williams and Mark Barnard


    Resources

    JVA Concussion Info (especially for right when the injury happens)

    https://jvavolleyball.org/signs-symptoms-and-resources-for-concussions-in-volleyball/

    CDC Concussion Info (right when the injury happens and going forward)

    https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/response/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_respondingto.html


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


    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.


    volleyball, coaching, rotations, skill development, player dynamics, volleyball strategies, youth sports, coaching tips, volleyball community, player roles


    • Communication is key in coaching and community building.
    • Understanding rotations is crucial for effective gameplay.
    • Different systems exist for rotations in volleyball.
    • Coaches should visualize rotations to enhance teaching.
    • Players need to adapt to various roles for growth.
    • The 'big fish in a small pond' syndrome can hinder development.
    • Every player should experience different roles on the team.
    • Leadership roles are essential for player development.
    • Coaches can help players expand their responsibilities.
    • Practice organization can reduce injury risks.
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    38 mins
  • The Actual Hard Parts of Coaching, Middle of the Season Culture Tune-up Using Quotations, and The Why Is Everything
    Apr 4 2025

    In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Coach Davis and Coach Tod discuss the often overlooked challenges of coaching volleyball.

    They delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of coaching, including the difficulties of giving constructive criticism, maintaining energy and positivity, and managing team dynamics.

    The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, self-care, and a growth mindset for coaches.

    They also share practical tips and resources to help coaches navigate these challenges and improve their coaching effectiveness.


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

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/doug-beal-on-the-state-of-volleyball-in-america-part-1/ Doug Beal on the State of Volleyball in America


    Resources

    The Why Is Everything: A Story of Football, Rivalry, and Revolution by Michael Silver

    https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324093602



    Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:

    ⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠


    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/⁠

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    30 mins
  • B.E.T On It: A Psychological Approach To Coaching Gen-Z and Beyond with David Durand
    Mar 27 2025

    In this episode of The Volley Pod, Coach Davis and Coach Tod welcome David Durand, a sports performance and psychology leader, to discuss his book 'Bet on It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond'

    The conversation explores the importance of mental performance, nervous system regulation, and the impact of social stress on adolescent athletes.

    David shares insights on how coaches can create supportive environments, utilize the BET system (Breath, Eyes, Touch) for athlete regulation, and the significance of connection in coaching.

    The episode emphasizes practical strategies for enhancing athlete performance and well-being.


    David Durand's book B.E.T On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond is available here:

    ⁠https://www.amazon.com/B-T-Psychological-Approach-Coaching/dp/B0DB6SFDRK⁠


    Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:

    ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠⁠


    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/⁠⁠

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    37 mins
  • The 'Libero Manifesto', Timeout Ideas, and Fit for Thoughts Foundation
    Mar 21 2025

    In this episode of The Volley Pod, Coach Davis and Coach Tod discuss the essential qualities and skills needed for liberos in volleyball, emphasizing the importance of bravery, communication, and mental toughness.

    They explore the 'Libero Manifesto' which outlines ten steps to becoming a superhero libero, including being aggressive in serve receive and honing all skills, and much more.

    The conversation also delves into effective timeout strategies for coaches, highlighting the need for preparation and the management of players' emotions during high-pressure situations.


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

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/training-your-libero/ Karch Kiraly


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/the-sweet-spot-is-the-foundation-of-good-passing/ Ben Josephson


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/4-requirements-of-a-great-libero/ Mick Haley


    Resources

    https://ovanto.org/ and Fit for Thoughts Foundation
    https://ovanto.net/vt-cards/


    Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:

    ⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠


    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/⁠

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    31 mins
  • Passing an Actual Floater, 10 Ways To Improve Our Practices, and The Tough Stuff: 7 Hard Truths About Being a Head Coach
    Mar 14 2025

    In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod discuss the intricacies of passing float serves, emphasizing the importance of mastering this skill for volleyball success.

    They explore various techniques, emergency moves, and practice strategies to enhance team performance.

    The conversation also touches on the emotional challenges of coaching and the significance of effective communication.

    Listeners are provided with actionable insights to improve their volleyball practices and player development.


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

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/3-key-aspects-to-passing/ Ray Bechard


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/passing-the-deep-ball-using-the-drop-step/ Christy Johnson-Lynch


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/how-to-pass-the-high-ball/ a "Quick Hitter" from Jim Stone


    Resources

    The Tough Stuff: 7 Hard Truths About Being a Head Coach by Cody Royle can be found here:

    https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Stuff-Seven-Truths-About/dp/1660114446/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6KA695NN4WJ6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5Lvc2cAGTBqAy4gSgE02mYyG__3OEntc5i66jbGQioxKRIcarCgQ2JnfS3iiafhVQ3Dn3Zjq_OVOKgVRFY6J4eJyk5ufijKY4385P9ikenbFZBSEM3af-3i2aczM4naLaxejVvnLK-gydrSz4xlyE2rPhsYuJLgYG_zAo0mT-OBLiDuDdi_nmVc-ACXg5kM2hbk1dIISpHVEbKHEFmaASh-lxn1LrENO9FzAlrDuvNkEp7UrokBoYinADPi9j-rZVnQ8odH_OLfr6NgMAuPpC_SJoszKVHcIV4DLAI4Bgr8tZ__uCv-6FE8h99BAjBWDA2owkmMYzzc1gEi3-V3otlijmMjMxTCb4-5X2v63T7MTNWwPqGRboU81dxqQdDR-yfA_EDalOv7QzoOvCUlp-NvyjuIPhp514C099NamboTrh01OHOple37Rtz0ghLY0.iGkzGRHJhakbHktym3XlP6rfBzNucBottJVHdpnkSoY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+tough+stuff&qid=1741717468&sprefix=the+tough+stuff%2Caps%2C447&sr=8-1


    More with Cody Royle can be found here:

    https://www.codyroyle.com/


    Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists

    is available now on Amazon here:

    ⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠


    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/⁠

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    29 mins
  • The Power of Context in Player Development with Loren Anderson
    Mar 7 2025

    In this episode, Davis and Tod engage with Loren Anderson, a volleyball coach and expert in ecological dynamics.

    They discuss the principles of ecological dynamics in coaching, emphasizing the importance of creating game-like environments for player development.

    The conversation covers the coupling of perception and action, the differences between traditional and ecological coaching methods, and practical strategies for implementing ecological dynamics in training.

    Loren shares insights on fostering a love for the game among players and the advantages of this coaching approach, including adaptability and decision-making skills.


    Check out Loren Anderson's substack here:

    https://substack.com/@nomoredrills?


    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/⁠


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    39 mins
  • Dominate the End Line: Serving for Success, My Team Misses Too Many Serves, and How To Change
    Feb 28 2025

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of volleyball coaching, focusing on serving techniques and strategies.

    They emphasize the importance of float serves, the need for players to track their serving stats, and the mental and physical preparation required for effective serving.

    The conversation also touches on the social-emotional aspects of serving, linking practice to game scenarios, and creating pressure situations to enhance player performance.


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

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/volleyball-serving-tips-where-to-hit-your-fast-floater/ Nabil Mardini


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/server-location-success/ Jim Stone


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/improving-your-jump-float/ Kevin Hambly


    Resources

    How To Change by Katy Milkman

    https://www.katymilkman.com/book


    Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:

    ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠⁠


    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/⁠⁠


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    38 mins
  • Where Do I Hit It Coach? An Attacking Choices Paradigm, My Team Is Unfocused and Does Not Play Hard, and the 900 Square Feet Newletter
    Feb 21 2025

    In this episode of The Volley Pod, hosts Davis and Tod discuss the Triple Crown tournament, emphasizing the emotional investment coaches have in their teams.

    They delve into skill development, focusing on attacking choices, shot access, and situational awareness.

    The conversation also addresses team culture issues, offering actionable strategies for coaches to improve their team's dynamics and performance.

    The episode concludes with resources for further learning and development in volleyball coaching.


    *Note: Davis speaks of a past episode with David Durand, but this episode will actually be aired beginning 2/27 at 9pm PST


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

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/hitter-training-attacking-vs-single/ - Mark Barnard

    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/outside-hitting-a-philosophy-on-sharp-angle-hits-line-shots-and-tipping/ - Mark Barnard


    https://www.theartofcoachingvolleyball.com/refining-your-hitters-toolbox/ - Mark Barnard


    Resource of the Week

    900 Square Feet Newletter

    https://volleyballmag.com/900-square-feet-ncaa-volleyball-zoom-110424/


    Tod’s new book, The Volleyball Coach’s Book of Lists, is available now on Amazon here:

    ⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0DP5HSZ5K?ref_=ast_author_mpb⁠


    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/⁠

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    35 mins