What sets my college-prep style of coaching apart from other Vegas' trainers is that I also focus on the mental aspect of the game with my clients.
As a player I was not always the tallest, and I taught myself how to use speed to my advantage.
But one thing I really worked to be was the smartest and the most emotionally stable not letting mistakes get to me.
Those are additional types of volleyball lessons I am qualified to pass on to my clients.
Volleyball at high levels is as much a mental game as it is physical. I focus intensively on
– skills that are crucial for success in college volleyball and beyond.
Every summer, current college players return to train with me, trusting that I'll have them ready for their upcoming season.
Here are some of the advanced techniques and strategies I focus on with drills that simulate college play:
1. Rapid Fire Setting:
Setters must deliver accurate sets from anywhere on the court, often off imperfect out of system passes. These up tempo drills hone that skill under pressure.
2. Multi-Directional Defense:
Liberos and defensive specialists train to cover more court with less time to react, mirroring the expanded responsibilities in college play.
3. High-Tempo Offense:
Hitters learn to approach and hit off various sets at the accelerated pace typical in college matches.
Breakfast Club for College Players Liam sets BYU opposite hitter Kate Prior for a kill
4. Advanced Serve Receive Patterns:
We work on advanced serve receive formations that allow for more aggressive offensive options, similar to what you'd see in top college programs.
5. Sophisticated Blocking Systems:
I teach a range of blocking techniques, from swing blocking to advanced read blocking, preparing players for the speed and complexity of college-level attacks.
6. Dynamic Offensive Systems:
We practice fast-paced offensive plays that incorporate multiple attack options, training players to make split-second decisions under pressure.
Watch how Brooklyn (big white tshirt right front on the other side of the net) the shorter hitter blocker has to hit past and then block #83....using a quick armswing, aggressive spike approach and a high reach so she hits the ball before the block stops her.
7. Position-Specific Technical Refinement:
Whether you're a setter working on misleading the blockers or a middle blocker perfecting your slide attack, we dive deep into the technical aspects of your specific position.
These drills aren't just theory – they're proven effective.
Many of my players report feeling over-prepared when they hit their first college practices, a testament to the intensity and thoroughness of preparing my players during my Breakfast Club for College Players training.
College volleyball demands peak fitness which is why the collegiate volleyball athletes who are home for the summer already participate in their own strength training regimen that their college coach requires them to follow.
I focus on what college volleyball coaches look for like:
1. Physical Conditioning
College volleyball demands peak fitness which is why the collegiate volleyball athletes who are home for the summer already participate in their own strength training regimen that their college coach requires them to follow.
To supplement their strength and conditioning summer program, my summer training program follows in that vein by establishing drills that require increased footwork speed, improved spike jump technique, consistent ball flat hand to the ball serving technique, and focusing on strong shoulder use when repeatedly pressing over the net when blocking.....all of these aspects and others like them are integrated into each of the basic six skills players need to perform in a way that builds the stamina and strength needed for collegiate play.
During my Breakfast Club for College Players summer training for college players in Vegas home for the summer we work on partner jump float serving technique where two servers at a time in two different lines serve behind Zone 1 and Zone 5 to a designated spot on the opposing court.
Pairs work together to get the ball "in" and if one player in the serving pair misses their serve neither of the two score a point for their team.
So no point for the two people serving and no point for the team they represent so the pressure feels like its double the weight.
The more we do this drill the more the server feels the weight of making their serve in.
2. Mental Resilience
I practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to help you perform under pressure.
I talk to my clients about what makes them nervous in very specific moments and situations in matches and we work specifically to address those issues often re-enacting those moments in our sessions.
3. Time Management:
One of the biggest aspects of entering collegiate sports that incoming freshmen have to adapt to is managing their time because their schedule and student athlete requirements instantly change the minute they step onto campus.
When most collegiate student athlete schedules look something like the schedule below being able to manage your time so you fit everything in is a priority.
Strength/Conditioning 5am -6:30 am or 6am-8am
Class One 8:30 - 9:45
Class Two 10:15 - 11:30
Lunch
Serve/Pass or Video 1:30 - 2:30
Class Three TBD
Practice - 3 hours 4-:6:30 or 5-7:30
Dinner
Study Hall/Tutor
This is type of schedule is usually a far cry from what a high school student athlete is used to, so adapting quickly to being able to manage your time and stick to the schedule everyone else on your collegiate team has to stick to is super important.
(Note in the scenario above I didn't even mention time to study and complete class assignments or meet with tutors which should be a priority as well.)
Being able to balance volleyball and academics is crucial in college, especially for those who have earned academic and/or athletic scholarships. I often discuss strategies with my college players home for the summer who request mentorship on this subject on how to excel in both arenas.
Here's what some of my athletes have accomplished:
Tommi Stockham First Team All Big West Conference Team
Private Volleyball Lessons Client 3+ Years
Taking private volleyball lessons with me is a positive experience because the drills/exercises we do in my volleyball class, are usually done at a faster pace so players get more touches and repetitions on the ball and are use to playing at varsity and when necessary college speed levels.
Kate Prior All West Coast Conference Team Honorable Mention
Private Volleyball Lessons Client 3+ Years
Taking volleyball lessons with me is a positive experience because my lessons help defensive and offensive players visualize, develop and identify realistic volleyball playing goals.
Adlai sets All West Coast Conference opposite hitter for BYU and Boulder City High school 2x -3A state champion Kate Prior during private volleyball coaching sessions.
Kate Prior is a 3 year private client of mine for the last few years of her high school volleyball career.
These success stories aren't just about athletic achievement.
Many of my players report feeling more confident, resilient, and prepared for all aspects of college life thanks to our training.
Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.
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Stay strong! Stay motivated!
-Coach April
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