New to Coaching Youth Volleyball? We Were There Once Too.
Trust us, coaching youth sports can seem quite daunting a task at times, especially when just starting out. Having played the game yourself is one thing, but unfortunately that experience only takes you so far.
Sure, when it comes to breaking down serving mechanics and setting up agility drills, you know how to execute that no problem. But now you are responsible for so much more.
- How do you build team cohesion?
- How do you develop communication skills between players?
- How do you handle the logistical requirements of coaching a program?
- How do you make sure your athletes are having fun and want to stay?
At first this all can seem quite overwhelming, but do not worry. In time, you will find you are far more capable at doing this than you ever thought possible. To help, we are sharing 6 volleyball coaching tips that guided us when we first started out, as well as one additional piece of advice which we believe to be paramount for success.
6 Tips for Coaching Youth Volleyball
A few general tips and guidelines include:
- Keep practices as active as can be. You may occasionally need to have athletes sit and listen, but for the most part, young players learn best by doing. Try to keep practices fairly up-tempo and engaging.
- Have an instructive mindset. Remember that your job isn’t to yell at your players every time they make a mistake, nor to idly praise them for no reason at all. Instead, make sure all of your interactions are conducted with an instructive mindset. Always be looking for constructive ways to reinforce good habits while correcting bad ones.
- Don’t overdo it with drills. Drills can be important opportunities for athletes to hone their skills. With that said, drills can also get a little tedious after a while. Try to mix up drills with scrimmages, allowing players to continue developing their skills within the broader context of the game.
- Stretch! Even if you feel really pressed for time, always take a few minutes to have players stretch. Not only does this help prepare the body for a good practice, but it can also help prevent injury.
- Be organized. No need to waste valuable practice time figuring out what to do next. Show up to each session with a clear agenda, and a schedule of how you’re going to spend time with your athletes.
- Make practice fun. Ultimately, maintaining an upbeat, spirited tone is going to keep your players more engaged. And remember: Volleyball is a game. It’s supposed to be fun, especially for those playing at a youth level.
There is Always Room to Grow!
By no means is this a comprehensive “how-to” list for becoming a successful coach, but it certainly is a great place to start. We will be making a point to continually post more coaching advice, which we hope will help as you move forward in your career.
What is Our #1 Tip for New Coaches?
Breathe.
We know it can seem overwhelming at times but trust us, It will be alright. You got this.
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