Coaching Volleyball
Teaching Techniques and Strategies

Coaching volleyball is both a science and an art. The science part refers to the information regarding the knowledge of the game.

To improve scientifically, coaches strive to advance their knowledge and understanding. The science of coaching is important, but the artistic dimensions of volleyball can effect the information or undermine the value of content.

If you are like most club volleyball coaches, you have probably been recruited by concerned volleyball parents or community volunteers. Like many rookie and veteran coaches, you probably have had little formal instruction on how to coach volleyball.

When the call went out to coach youth volleyball, you answered because you like children and enjoy volleyball. Like many new coaches, you may not know everything about volleyball or how to work with kids.

Let's first start by taking a look at what's involve in coaching volleyball.

Coaching Volleyball

What are your responsibilities?


As a volleyball coach, you'll be called upon to do the following:

  • Provide a safe physical environment.
    Playing volleyball holds an inherent risk, but as a coach you're responsible for regularly inspecting the practice and competition courts.

  • Communicate in a positive way.
    Your communication involves not only players, but also parents and volleyball referees. Communicate in a positive way and show that you have the best interest of the players at heart.

  • Teach the tactics and skills of volleyball.
    Making practices game like is especially important for youth volleyball.

  • Teach the rules of volleyball.
    It's important for players to understand volleyball rules. Understanding the rules makes playing the game much easier. You'll also have an advantage over your opponent if you know what they don't. Not knowing the rules can cost your team points. For instance, if you're a back row setter and you don't know what you can legally do and legally can't do when playing the ball at the net can cost your team points and possibly lose the game.

  • Direct players in competition.
    This includes determining starting line ups and a substitution plan. Also, making tactical decisions during the game and communicating with opposing coaches and players.

  • Help your players become fit to play volleyball.
    You want your players to develop the right conditioning for volleyball so they can play the game safely and successfully. Players should also understand the value of fitness and enjoy conditioning for volleyball. Avoid punishing players by making them do push ups or run. Make exercise fun and they'll enjoy getting in shape for volleyball.

  • Help young people develop character.
    Character development includes learning caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. It's best to teach these values to players and demonstrate and encourage behaviors that express these values at all times.


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Coaching Volleyball Tips


These are your responsibilities as a coach. But coaching volleyball becomes even more complicated when you have a child on the team. If this is the case, you'll have to think about both roles of coach and parent and how these relate to one another.


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