This article summarizes and interprets a section from the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) Coaches Manual Level 1, Chapter 3, and adds my own thoughts.
Introduction
Before analyzing volleyball systems, theories, tactics, and coaching methods, we must first understand the essence of the game. Volleyball is a unique sport with many special characteristics, so coaches must have a deep understanding of the game. This will allow them to create excellent tactics and strategies for great play.
My Perspective:
What happens if a coach tries to coach without understanding the essence of volleyball? The players are the ones who suffer. They will never get to experience the true fun and depth of the sport. In the worst-case scenario, they may leave the sport without ever knowing its true nature. This is particularly true for volleyball, as its characteristics make it difficult for beginners to enjoy the game immediately. As volleyball coaches, we must continue to learn.
Volleyball is a Rebounding Sport
“Volleyball is a rebounding sport.”
This means that, with the exception of the serve, a player cannot hold the ball. Therefore, coaches must always focus on teaching players the correct positioning to return the ball. The coach needs to consider the most effective position for players to rebound the ball.
In most other sports, players can hold the ball and even run with it. By “carrying” the ball, they can compensate for poor positioning. In other words, they can use physical exertion to cover for a lack of proper positioning skills. However, in volleyball, we must put in our full effort to get into the right position before we even make contact with the ball.
My Perspective:
It’s no exaggeration to say that this characteristic makes volleyball a unique sport. In basketball, you can receive the ball and stop the flow of the game. In soccer, you can’t use your hands, but you can still keep the ball at your feet to stop the flow.
But in volleyball, you can’t “hold” the ball. Therefore, the ability for a team to position itself correctly against an opponent is a major factor in the outcome of a match. This strategic back-and-forth between teams is the very essence of volleyball.
Most Ball Contacts Occur During a Rally
The vast majority of ball contacts happen during a rally. Therefore, controlling the ball exactly as you intend is crucial, and cooperation among teammates is essential. Winning a match depends heavily on teamwork. As a result, teamwork has a significant impact on coaching strategies and tactics.
If you count the number of ball contacts that occur during a rally, you’ll realize just how many there are. This is why every single ball contact is so important. The term “ball control” should heavily influence a coach’s thinking.
My Perspective:
Beginners tend to focus on aggressive plays that end the rally, like spikes and serves. As a result, they often underestimate the importance of the contacts that occur during a rally, such as the seemingly mundane setup plays.
However, a match is often won or lost based on the precision of a “second ball set” or a “reception.” It is extremely important for a coach to have the perspective of improving the quality of plays that occur “mid-rally,” not just the ones that score points directly.
These “mid-rally” plays require accurate ball control, a skill that cannot be developed through ad-hoc practice. Therefore, it’s crucial to begin working on coordination training as early as possible.
Players on the Court Must Pay Attention to Teammates in a Small Space
In volleyball, players must play in a small, congested court. Because of this, a coach needs to teach players to move in an organized way. The relationship between adjacent players is especially important. One of the most critical concerns for a coach is how to get six players to move as an organized unit within a small court.
My Perspective:
Volleyball has a very small court relative to the number of players. Because players are in such close physical proximity, they must communicate quickly and smoothly and move in an organized fashion, otherwise they will never be able to win a rally. Experienced players have likely had the experience of “colliding” with a teammate or almost getting injured. These moments are the result of poor communication between players. What is needed to eliminate these communication errors? We need to think about this and implement solutions in our daily practices.
Volleyball Offers Limited Positive Feedback
Volleyball is a sport with few opportunities for positive feedback, especially in real-time. This can be a source of “difficulty” in a player’s learning process.
One important element that motivates players to learn is real-time rewards (like scoring a point) and positive feedback (from a coach or teammates). But outside of a service ace or a decisive spike, do players get enough positive feedback?
It’s actually very difficult for players to understand whether a play that doesn’t directly lead to a point was a good one. Every ball contact that doesn’t lead to a point is part of a rally. It’s particularly difficult to give positive feedback on skills like “setting” and “passing.” In addition, a coach needs to be creative and systematic to help a player improve their block and floor defense coordination, as this is crucial for a high-performing team.
Because of this, many coaches tend to teach players how to “start the play” (serves) before teaching them the “rally skills” like passing and setting.
My Perspective:
I agree that the serve is the one skill that beginners can stay motivated with. I think that’s because from a coach’s perspective, it’s a play where you can give “instant, positive feedback.“ This feedback is effective in building a beginner’s motivation.
On the other hand, it’s harder to give positive feedback for passing and setting. It’s also difficult for beginners to judge whether they are improving, which can make it hard for them to feel a sense of accomplishment or growth.
With this in mind, a coach needs to consider how to give players quick and frequent positive feedback on their “mid-rally plays.”
