Coaching youth sports can seem quite a daunting task at times, especially when just starting out. Having played the game yourself is an asset when it comes to coaching, but guiding and shaping new players requires more than just on-the-court knowledge.
Learn how to coach youth volleyball and give your team the best support you have to offer.
6 Volleyball Coaching Tips
Time will build your confidence, and you will find you are far more capable of doing this than you ever thought possible. To help you start strong, we have collected our best coaching tips.
- 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 teaching as your goal. Always be looking for constructive ways to reinforce good habits while correcting bad ones.
- Don’t overdo it with drills. Basic volleyball drills are important opportunities for athletes to hone their skills. With that said, drills can also get a little tedious after a while. Mix up drills with scrimmages and other exercises to help players develop well-rounded skills.
- Teach the importance of warmups. Even if you feel really pressed for time, always take a few minutes to have players stretch. This prepares bodies for practice and helps prevent injury—but young players do not always prioritize this.
- Get the right equipment. The right volleyball uniforms and equipment set your whole team up for success, coaches included. The easier your logistics are, the more time you have to dedicate to player improvement.
- Make practice fun. Ultimately, maintaining an upbeat, spirited tone is going to keep your players more engaged. Remember: Volleyball is a game. It is supposed to be fun, especially for those playing at a youth level.
Need a little more guidance? Read up on volleyball positions or learn from our how-to on teaching an overhand serve.
6 Questions Coaches Have About Volleyball
First-time coaches often have a lot of questions along with their passion for the game. Here are answers to some questions you might have about how to work with kids.
What does a youth volleyball coach do?
A volleyball coach’s role is to teach players about the game and train them to perform their best. In coaching volleyball for beginners, you are also responsible for more basic athletic principles like sportsmanship, healthy exercise habits, and mental discipline.
How long should youth volleyball practices be?
Youth volleyball practices are not as long as professional sessions. Most young players practice with their team about once a week, for one to two hours. Your practice schedule should fit with your player’s school schedule and other commitments.
How many drills should I run per practice?
Youth teams typically have time for three to five beginner drills for volleyball per practice session. This gives you enough time to hone a specific skill without overdoing any one discipline. Occasionally, you should break up drills with activities like a scrimmage game, strength training, or a longer warm-up.
How do I keep kids engaged during practice?
A variety of activities, positive team culture, and clear goals are the best ways to keep kids engaged during practice. Switch things up if kids begin to disengage. Try team-building drills or offering more constructive feedback to keep everyone on track.
How do I handle different skill levels on one team?
Skill levels can vary widely on youth teams, so it is important to understand your players individually. Stay positive with players, and give them tips and feedback relevant to their current level and trajectory. When running drills, offering appropriate modifications or alternatives will allow players at all levels to truly improve.
How can youth volleyball coaches improve over time?
Think of practice time as a practice, not just for athletes but for the coach as well. You will hone your skills and improve your coaching methods as you put them to work. Do not be afraid to brush up on the basics if you need to. Keep researching new drills and new ways to motivate players to keep things fresh.
Team Up with gearUP for Volleyball Uniforms
Both first-time and long-time coaches love to work with gearUP. We make the uniform process a breeze so you can focus on how to coach youth volleyball, rather than how to order new jerseys. Learn how our process works—including our direct-to-athlete shipping model.
Contact gearUP today to get started.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information. Please contact a professional for personalized advice.
