Monday, 15 Jul 2024

Need a Coach?

As we work towards growing and nurturing the game of volleyball, there are three key components that we need to focus on: providing places to play, ensuring there are enough coaches to teach, and having officials to officiate. In this article, we will specifically address the shortage of coaches and explore various solutions to overcome this challenge. We encourage you, the reader, to share your ideas and experiences that have successfully provided more coaches to run programs for kids.

My First Coach was the Game

One effective approach to coaching is to let the game itself be the child’s first coach. By setting up a simple barrier and allowing kids to engage with a balloon, they can begin to develop essential skills while having fun. For older beginners, introducing them to fundamental techniques such as ball handling and basic spiking motion can further enhance their learning experience.

The Physical Education Teacher Model

Traditionally, physical education teachers have played a crucial role in introducing sports to millions of kids. To address the shortage of coaches, we can support PE teachers by providing them with the necessary resources, such as our SportKit DVD and lesson plans. By maximizing the available space in gyms and setting up multiple nets, PE teachers can efficiently coach larger groups of students simultaneously.

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Little Kids Coaching Littler Kids

An innovative solution to the coach shortage is to encourage older students to coach younger ones. By incorporating a mentoring system where junior high students guide elementary school kids, the mentors can reinforce their own learning while imparting knowledge to others. This approach not only creates a low-cost coaching program but also fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Parents as Coaches

Building on the successful model seen in soccer, parents can actively participate in coaching their children. With smaller teams and guided discovery, parents can guide their child’s development while enjoying the sport together. This approach ensures a balance between providing instruction and allowing children to discover the game intuitively.

Open Gym

Creating opportunities for kids to play freely is essential for their growth and skill development. Whether it’s setting up a net in the yard or organizing court competitions in the gym, the focus is on allowing kids to take ownership of their play and foster a love for the game. By having adult supervision in place, children can engage in unstructured play while still ensuring their safety.

High School & College Community Service

Many high schools and colleges encourage their students to give back to the community as part of their education. We encourage you to check with your school’s coaching staff to see if there are opportunities to contribute to the volleyball program. By volunteering your time and expertise, you can play a significant role in nurturing young players and growing the game.

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In conclusion, while mentors and coaches are essential, it is important to remember that youth programs can thrive with just an adult supervisor and the opportunity to play. Quality programming can be achieved with smaller team sizes, fostering a more inclusive and engaging environment. We invite you to share your ideas and experiences in the comments below, as we work together to grow the game of volleyball.