After hearing the term “Total Football,” I began to wonder: what would “Total Volleyball” look like if such a concept existed?
This article captures those loose thoughts and musings.
The term “Total Volleyball” probably isn’t widely used (if at all), and there’s likely no established definition for it. Let me explore this concept in a relaxed, exploratory manner.
What is “Total Volleyball”? (Part 1)
I am Total Volleyball. My definition does not exist “yet.”
So let me freely attempt to define this concept of Total Volleyball:
Total Volleyball is a comprehensive term for playing model based on the essential nature of volleyball.
Yes, that sounds pretty good. It has a nice ring to it.
What Does “Essential Nature” Mean?
The key point in my imagined definition above is “based on the essential nature.”
Essential nature refers to the fundamental characteristics or form of something – the qualities without which that thing could not exist.
When considering volleyball’s essential nature, we need to identify elements that are so fundamental that volleyball cannot be discussed without them.
Of course, there are countless elements that make volleyball what it is.
Here, I’ll focus on factors that “strongly influence playing model” and represent “decisive differences from other sports” to explore volleyball’s essential nature.
The Essential Nature of Volleyball
Elements that strongly influence playing style and represent decisive differences from other sports.
Let me focus on the following key aspects:
Rotation System
Sports that “mandatorily” force positional changes through rules are quite unique. While other sports may involve tactical positioning or position changes, volleyball’s rotation rule is distinctive. Being able to use this rule to your advantage is undoubtedly crucial.
Non-Possession with 3-Touch Return Rule
Among sports played using body parts, volleyball’s complete prohibition of ball possession (catching) is rare, especially in mid-air play. Furthermore, among net sports, allowing multiple passes (up to 3) within the team is also distinctive.
Six Players Packed into a 9m × 9m Court
Few sports pack six players into such a limited space as a 9m × 9m court.
Each player has only 13.5 square meters of space (quite narrow). Players must be careful not to collide with each other, and determining whose ball it is can be challenging.
These three characteristics share one common trait: “numerous restrictions.”
What a remarkably disciplined sport volleyball is!
However, we must remember that creativity emerges from constraints.
What is “Total Volleyball”? (Part 2)
Having explored volleyball’s essential nature, let me reconfirm the definition of Total Volleyball:
Total Volleyball is a comprehensive term for playing model based on the essential nature of volleyball.
In other words, by thoroughly examining volleyball’s essential characteristics as outlined above and developing playing strategies from that foundation, we should eventually arrive at Total Volleyball.
My Conclusion
I am Total Volleyball. Specific details do not exist “yet.”
My concept of Total Volleyball lacks specificity “for now.” I will try to plan to develop these ideas gradually over time.
However, engaging in this kind of imaginative thinking and letting my thoughts flow freely onto paper has led to some realizations.
I am sure this was not wasted time.
What struck me while writing is that Total Volleyball might represent volleyball’s ultimate destination – the final evolution of volleyball coaching philosophy and playing model.
This concept challenges youth volleyball coaches to think beyond conventional approaches and consider how volleyball’s unique constraints can become sources of creative tactical development.
Keywords: total volleyball concept, volleyball coaching philosophy, volleyball essential characteristics, rotation system coaching, youth volleyball development, volleyball tactical innovation, volleyball coaching methods, creative volleyball strategies
