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What session do you think is suitable?

This is a question that I am asked often by parents and participants.  I try my best to write up the descriptions of the sessions to help interested people understand the level which is taught.  This email response is one that I gave to a parent in the last few days.

I try not to make a suggestion based on the skill of the players as they get enough of that with their tryouts and team coaches, I do my best in the session descriptions to describe the type of session which will be offered and hopefully the athletes will be able to decide if the session is for them.  For newer players, the word Basic will be used in the session as the footwork will be taught and a step by step instruction.  Sessions with the work advance on them or where I state the player should have an ability to attend the session, for instance, the setting session is for high school starting setters and will be for players who can set and are looking for the next step of the instruction, not the basic hand position or footwork.
 
Having said all that, sessions are for all genders and all ages, we will not refuse attendance to anyone, if the players and the parents think the session is good they can show up.  The lack of politics, evaluation and individual instruction at the sessions is refreshing for both the coaches and players.  We try to make the session individualize enough and challenging enough that everyone will benefit from any session we offer.  Yes, some athletes will be in way over their heads but it is not a competition, each athlete should hopefully leave a session better than when they walked in, they should not compare their skills with others and then it is fun for all involved.  
 

Basketball Elite Academy

We have a vision for the Academy which states “Taking the Skills to the Next Level”.
The academy’s next level is the introduction of the Basketball Elite Academy.  It will begin offering sessions on the week of January 6^th, 2020.  We are seeking interested Basketball coaches (mature, good at working with school-age athletes and willing to coach the odd sessions every so often).  If you know any such person please pass on my name on to them.
All the systems and methods learned while building the Volleyball academy will be used to make the Basketball Elite Academy.  We hope to develop the same level of sessions and coaching making it as popular as the Volleyball Elite Academy.  I (Dr. Darren Cannell) will be the head coach for the Basketball Academy setting up the sessions and assigning coaches.

Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Sessions are selling out. Today I opened the academy manager page and this image was what I saw.  Thank you to all of you volleyball people for helping to make and develop the format for the academy.  Your suggestion, comments and feedback help to shape the format.  We tried developing our own system, used about four different systems and researched close to 13 others before settling on the current Corsizio system for registration.  During the last three years, we compiled a list of interest participants, developed a communication program, recruited a great list of interested coaches and a list of sessions that fit the needs of the athletes. We will continue to request suggests and comments to help us continue to improve and make the academy better tomorrow than it is today.  But if you don't register early you will not be able to attend a session as we do not want to mess up our coach to athlete ratio as it drops the level of instruction at the sessions.

Register now for future sessions

Canada Volleyball National team Qualifing journey to the Olympics (Tokyo 2020)

For our teams in Canada, they have to qualify at the tournaments in January. The women's tournament is January 9-12 in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic.  The winning team will get to go to the Olympics.  The FIVB rankings (as of September 29, 2019) of the four teams at this qualifying tournament can be seen in the table below.  The teams in the black box are the ones at the tournament.

The men's team will be in Vancouver Canada on January 9-12, they too will need to win to go to the Olympics 

Good luck to both our teams...Make us proud.

What is go great about being part of the Academy?

The best thing about being involved with the academy is seeing the athletes mature and grow into awesome players.

This past week I was Mustang Volleyball tournament and some of the Junior City playoffs.

It is so great to see some of the 360+ athletes who have attended sessions since last January on the court.  To see them playing the game and doing so well brings a smile to my face knowing that is some small way I was lucky enough to meet these athletes and be part of their volleyball journey.  The coaching at the academy is so much fun for me as a veteran coach of 30+ years it has revitalized my love for the sport and I look forward to the limited time the athletes allow me to be part of their development.  To all athletes entering into city playoff and club tryouts continue to work hard and enjoy the game and never ever forget it is a game and it should be fun.     

The Basketball Elite Academy will begin in January.

The current goal is to launch the Basketball Elite Academy in January 2020.

The following will be used for the base for the sessions which will be offered at the academy.

Dribbling

Dribbling is an important skill for all basketball players. This skill will allow you to move up and down the court, maneuver past defenders and execute plays. Proper dribbling requires ball-handling skills and knowledge of how to spread your fingers for ball control. It is also best if you know how to dribble equally well with both hands.  There are different types of dribbles: 

• change-of-pace,
• crossover dribble,
• behind the back,
• pull back dribble,
• low dribble,
• basic dribble,
• between the legs dribble

Shooting

In order to score points in basketball, you need to shoot the ball into the hoop. This requires the ability to properly hold and throw the ball into the air toward the basket while avoiding defenders. A proper shot requires precise aiming, arm extension and lift from the legs. There are different types of shots you need to learn, including jump shots, layups, and free throws.  There are several ways to score in the game:

• Jump Shot
• Dunk
• Alley-oop
• Free throw
• Layup
• Three-Point Shot
• Hook Shot

Running

Running is a big part of basketball. In a full-court game, you will find yourself running back and forth as the game quickly transitions between offense and defense. When you have the ball, running will help you to avoid defenders and get to the basket quicker. On defense, you often will find yourself needing to run after the opponent, especially during fast breaks.

Passing

Passing is another skill that when mastered can help you become a complete basketball player. Basketball is a team sport that involves finding a teammate who is open for a shot. The ability to pass the ball to this player can make the difference between scoring and not scoring. Really great passers are an important part of a basketball team and usually the ones who set up scoring plays.  There are several types of passes you need to learn:

• Overhead Pass
• Chest Pass
• Push Pass
• Baseball Pass
• Off-the-Dribble Pass
• Bounce Pass

Jumping

Jumping is another skill that can define how good a basketball player is. Jumping is involved in offense during the jump ball in the beginning, while taking shots and sometimes while trying to catch a pass. On the defensive end of the game, you will need the ability to jump when trying to block a shot or a pass. Being able to out-jump your opponent for a rebound also is important.   Rebounding - is essential to gain or regain possession after the shot. Usually, the team who has the most number of rebounds after the game has more shot attempts and chances to score.