ON‐COURT ADVICE/ONE‐LINERS FOR ACADEMY COACHES

• We are here to have FUN and learn volleyball 
• Show them before telling them 
• Young people need models, not critics 
• Stay out of nearly all drills, including any tossing, so you can coach 
• Conduct yourself professionally—don’t do anything you wouldn’t Dr. Darren Cannell to see 
• Mention the goal or focus of the drill, if needed 
• Always end the drill on a positive note 
• Build on strengths, rather than focus on weaknesses 
• Positive, brief keywords 
• Give them PLENTY of water 
• Refrain from using the word “don’t” EX: “Don’t swing” in an athlete’s mind may register as “do swing”, the brain does not register the negative 
• Stop drills while intensity remains 
• Fatigue is detrimental to learning 
• Vary toss positions, timing and toss heights, not the drill mechanics 
• The camp is for trying new things! 
• Create an environment where there is no fear of making a mistake 
• The skills that the coaches use should be at the High School level—high toss, readable actions, IQ, etc.   
• Speak to each player at least once every day—not just the superstar   
• Have the targets practice moving to the ball by catching it before it hits the ground 
• Never set limits on your players
• Try to create each drill so that there is 0‐little standing around. The campers paid to touch the ball as much as possible and get better.  
• Use specific feedback   
• Ask questions instead of dictating to enhance learning    
• Teach something beyond them—life lessons