Differences in Basic Technique
Over the years I have been blessed to be able to work with a variety of coaches from both the US, Europe, and Asia. There are such varying differences between coaching philosophies, not only on technique, but the theory behind play, as well. Whether this is just a difference between coaches, or differences in coaching based on geography, I cannot say. Of course things change, when you move from different levels of play (high school freshman, compared to collegiate athletes), but there are certain things you would expect to remain the same.
The ideas behind some of the basic techniques of the game are taught differently.
Champs vs Chumps
I've always believed that the quality of a coach comes from a combination of things such as:
- Experience (coaching and playing)
- Exposure to quality coaches
- Self-study
- Ability to relate to players
- Ability to adapt
But I personally believe that the most important aspect of a coach is belief. The belief that, in time, they can improve any player.
I've recently been exposed to a coach that I will refer to as "he who cannot be named". He might end up being a recurring theme on this blog as an example of what not to do as a coach of high school players. Within a private conversation with him after a high school practice, he muttered a comment to me that he found particularly humorous, and I found to be particularly heinous.
Disagreements in Philosophy
I've been both playing and coaching the sport of volleyball for a number of years at a variety of different levels. For any of you who may have played for or worked with different coaches throughout your careers you can all agree that there are always different philosophies behind coaching. From the technical aspects of the game, to defensive and offensive theory, coaches all have different methods of conveying their knowledge and teaching their players.
And so we start from the beginning - that is the beginning of learning this great sport we call volleyball - and this is where I tend to disagree with some coaches.