How to Coach Volleyball

Have you ever thought about coaching a volleyball team? Perhaps you played in high school or college and miss your involvement with the sport. Opportunities could exist through your local Parks and Recreation Departments and surrounding schools; all you need to do is take a few simple steps, and you are on your way to coaching a great team.

1. First: Build up your team's camaraderie

   Teamwork is the key to winning, but it is also important to help the team regroup after suffering a loss. Start by playing a few ice-breaker games that help team members get to know each other. Set season goals, and promise the team rewards, such as a nice dinner somewhere, if they meet them. Schedule a few events for the team to do together away from volleyball, such as going bowling or ice skating. After games, choose a few players to praise, citing specific examples. Make sure that every player receives praise for their strengths, and avoid showing any favoritism, or all of your teamwork-building dissolves.

2. Second: Institute team workouts

   Before the season gets started, implement a 45-minute stretching routine before each practice. Once the season starts, cut back on stretching time. Design a program that targets key muscles that are susceptible to injury, such as hamstrings and shoulder muscles. Use a timer to count down the minutes for each stretch to ensure a consistent workout for each team member.

3. Third: Establish your coaching strategy plan

   Outline your plan of attack for the season. Start the team on drills to develop their skills, including the overhand serve, setting, passing the ball, blocking and attacking. Perform these drills in a routine fashion to close out every practice. Educate the team on volleyball rules and the functions of each player position and court boundary. Split the team and arrange games; after the first month, schedule games with all of the pressure and formality of a real competition to get players used to game-day nerves.