Coaching philosophy.(Building the High School Volleyball Program, part 2)

AS WE EXPLAINED LAST MONTH, the St. Augustine High School volleyball program is organized into three age categories: bantam (grade 9), junior (grades 10 and 11), and senior (grades 12 and O.A.C.).

To ensure any chance for success at the senior level, we have to to make sure the bantam and junior coaches are knowledgeable and focused in their approach. They must give the players a sound foundation and prepare them for the more sophisticated play on the senior level. Note: The senior coaches cannot afford to spend their precious gym time on the rudiments of the game.

The success of a multi-layered operation has to start with organization. All the coaches have to agree on a basic philosophy and a teaching approach. They must have an understanding on whether to play a 6-up or a 6-back defense, whether to be offense-minded or defense-minded, whether to run a 4-3, 5-1, or 6-2 attack, and whether to spend the first half of the season reteaching the skills that were incorrectly taught the year before or two years before.

In short, it is imperative for everyone to be on the same page with regard to how the team will be coached and how the specific skills will be taught. The program must have coaches with a tremendous knowledge of the game and who are always ready to read anything that can help them attain it. If the new coaches need help, the head coach must be ready to supply it.

The first thing to do would be to contact the local volleyball association or, if necessary. the state or provincial association. They ordinarily will be able to recommend a course of action in educating coaches.

Provincial and state coaching certification in volleyball is accessible to all, wherever they coach. Level one, the basic level, is a must for the high school coach. Level two will introduce more of the finer points, explore the intricacies and team tactics in detail.

TOURNAMENT PLAY