As a volleyball coach, you need to display control by providing your players with a set of rules and requirements that they need to know and comply with. Laying the law through the first week will be crucial if you want to run a well-oiled machine. I have produced a summary of some tips that I think will be essential.
Unacceptable behaviour
1. Engage in anything other than watching and cheering when players are on the bench. Players should not talk about Jersey Shore or their friends. They must pay attention to the game.
2. Distract the player who is trying to play the ball. This is along the line of good sportsmanship. Don’t let your players fall for this because you really don’t want to hate other teams. You will quickly make a name for yourself.
3. Shouting or swearing angrily. Again, sportsmanship. I had a player chant the “F” word during a tight game and a lot of people were watching. The worst aspect was that she was very quiet because it was such a sexy play. A very uncomfortable moment no doubt.
4. Questioning or criticizing an official call. Almost nothing annoys me more than watching players dial in after every game. Don’t allow players to do that. Let them understand that this is your job.
5. Throwing or kicking the ball in anger. If you’ve ever coached boys, you know what I’m talking about. They really like to kick the ball as much as they can. Plus, isn’t this like the first rule of volleyball you’ve ever learned? That and rolling the ball under the net (I really like to throw it to the one who serves it).
6. Talk to the officials. You definitely need to make sure that everyone knows that only the captain can talk to the officials. It’s not really fun to receive a yellow card in an important part of the match.
7. Cheers are negative. Mention this?: We want a pitcher, not a tummy ache. None of that please.
8. Blaming colleagues. Another thing I feel like I notice a lot. Every team has that player who likes to look at the person who made a mistake and say something. This is the coach’s job. Don’t let that get out of control.
9. Pouting after a bad play. If this happens, just eject the player. This will not really benefit the team.
Here is a list of points to encourage:
1. Help fellow extraterrestrials
2. Praise your teammates and opponents for great plays
3. Roll the ball under the net
4. Run to catch a foul ball and return it to the server or referee
5. Cheering at the conclusion of each point (win or lose a point)
6. Cheering from the sidelines (“Jenny’s on fire, Ooh, Ah”, “Keep it up Sara, keep it up”, “Here we go Red, Here we go”)
7. Motivate the player who makes a mistake (“Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time”)