Coaching Management 15.11

Coaching Management VOL. XV NO. 11

VOLLEYBALL

POSTSEASON

LEADER OF THE PACK

Developing team captains ■ ■

Becoming an Athletic Director A Plan for Strength Training

EDITION

■

$7.00

2007

AVCA Booth No. 308

Circle No. 100

Coaching Management Volleyball Edition Postseason 2007

CONTENTS

Vol. XV, No. 11

29

23

2

LOCKER ROOM

COVER STORY

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Leader of the Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Collegiate beach volleyball gains momentum … Michigan high schools move to fall play … Former Fresno State Coach Lindy Vivas is awarded $5.8 million in Title IX suit … Online volleyball fundamentals course is in the works …

New NCAA video to help stat keepers … How to take a season off.

Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Nancy Williams, of Analy (Sebastopol, Calif.) High School, talks about pushing athletes to the next level, competitive practices, and working with different age groups.

VOLLEYBALL COURT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 UNIFORMS & APPAREL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 TEAM EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 MORE PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Publisher Mark Goldberg Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editor Dennis Read Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Nate Dougherty, Abigail Funk, Greg Scholand, Laura Ulrich Art Director Pamela Crawford Photo Researcher Susan Morrello Business Manager Pennie Small Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Great teams always include great captains. But it doesn’t happen magically.

Coaches can train their team leaders by explaining roles, providing opportunities, and giving feedback.

YOUR CAREER

Tossing the Whistle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ever think about making the jump from coaching to athletic administration?

Here’s a look at the pros and cons, and how to stick the landing.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

From Low to High. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The University of Kentucky’s strength and conditioning program for volleyball has helped athletes go from dig to spike—and from losing to winning—in record time.

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 On the cover: Junior setter Nellie Spicer is one of UCLA’s tri-captains this year. Story begins on page 14. Photo by Don Liebig/ASUCLA Photography.

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Marketing/Sales Assistant Danielle Catalano Circulation Director Dave Dubin Circulation Manager John Callaghan Production Director Don Andersen Assistant Production Director Jim Harper Production Assistant Jonni Campbell Prepress Manager Miles Worthington IT Manager Julian Cook Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell

Advertising Sales Associates (607) 257-6970 Diedra Harkenrider, ext. 24 Pat Wertman, ext. 21 Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend

Business and Editorial Offices 31 Dutch Mill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com

The Coaching Management Volleyball edition is published in April and November by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright © 2007 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved.

Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852. Printed in the U.S.A.

Mailing lists for Coaching Management Volleyball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

1

LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD Playing in the Sand The stakes were a little different when Stanford University and the University of Nebraska met in April for a rematch of the 2006 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship final. So was the playing surface.

This time, instead of six players competing together on a hard gym floor, teams of two squared off on a San Diego beach. Playing in the POWERade Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championships, Nebraska defeated Stanford in three sets to win the tournament of eight top Division I programs.

use as they please,” he says.

“Any increase in the number of athletes playing volleyball is a good thing. For the purposes of increasing women’s scholarship opportunities alone, I think there’s a very good chance it could become a collegiate sport.”

The tournament counted as one competition in the spring season, which can include no more than four matches or

four one-day tournaments.

Mansfield says his squad hesitated before giving up a team competition date to participate, but in the end found attending the event was a good choice.

“It was a lot of fun,” Mansfield says. “In fact, I’d like to see it become a two-day tournament since it got a lot more intense as all the athletes got used to playing in the sand.”

To prepare for the tournament, the Florida team used an outdoor sand court on campus and practiced two-on-two drills. They also worked on their on-court strategy. “Communication is so much more important because there’s only one other teammate, and the two of them have to cover the entire court,” Theis says. “To do that, they have to communicate at the net and on defense at all times. Indoor defense is much more reactive.

The matches were part of an event called the Collegiate Nationals, which were developed two years ago by CSTV as a way to feature college athletes in non-mainstream sports. Along with beach volleyball, athletes competed in sports like wakeboarding, adventure racing, and boxing in a two-weekend exhibition. In its inaugural year, the volleyball competition paired top players from different schools, while this year teammates represented their schools together.

“Getting them to control the ball is much more important, and it took a lot of work to get the passing down,” he continues. “And when it comes to making a kill, you’re looking for open court versus just bringing a ton of heat.”

For more information on the Collegiate Nationals, go to: www.cstv.com/ thecollegiatenationals.

While CSTV’s main goal is to increase its own exposure, volleyball coaches liked the additional attention it generated for the sport. “This was a great event to get the public to experience this game, and I would love to see it continue to grow and include more teams,” says Jason Mansfield, Assistant Coach at Stanford University, who coached the Cardinal at the tournament.

2

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Michigan Falls Into New H.S. Season

In April, eight NCAA Division I volleyball teams participated in the Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championships. Many coaches are hoping beach volleyball can become another NCAA women’s sport.

Above, the University of Florida’s Marcie Hampton leaps to serve during a first-round match.

When the U.S. Supreme Court ended Michigan’s sixyear legal battle over nontraditional sports seasons in April, high school programs in the state prepared for big changes to their calendars.

Volleyball was moved from winter to fall as part of a realignment to put girls’ sports into more advantageous seasons. So far, volleyball coaches have mixed

UF SPORTS INFORMATION

Ryan Theis, Assistant Coach at the University of Florida who coached his school’s pair in the tournament, hopes the event will build momentum toward making beach volleyball an NCAA sport. “It would be great to have maybe 15 scholarships between beach and indoor rosters that coaches can

Stanford Head Coach John Dunning would like to see more schools included. “To get the public to pay attention, tournament organizers asked for the most recognizable players and teams,” Dunning says. “But now I hope they can find a way to invite some of the other great players that may not necessarily be on the top-ranked squads.”

Circle No. 101

AVCA Booth Nos. 115, 117-124

LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD opinions on the impact of the shift.

I actually believe the [winter] season gave us an advantage.”

Some, such as Jodi Manore, Head Coach at three-time Class A state champion Temperance Bedford High School, believe the change has done more harm than good. She acknowledges it was made

The Michigan High School Athletic Association tried to use such perceived advantages to defend its old season structure through multiple court appeals.

But the arguments failed, in large part because the associa-

more kids will be forced to choose between club volleyball and high school basketball, instead of playing basketball in the fall, volleyball in the winter, and then club volleyball or another sport in the spring,” Manore says. “And since the club season now coincides with the off-season

competing with anyone for facility space. That’s certainly been nice.

“Another advantage is that we can travel farther than we used to,” he continues.

“Weather conditions in the winter are fairly unpredictable here, so I never used to schedule a match more than an hour and a half away. This season, we traveled farther than that because we didn’t have to worry about getting caught in a snowstorm.”

Many teams around the state made adjustments of one kind or another. Some programs, for instance, found they could no longer use college players as j.v. coaches, and schools near the Ohio and Indiana borders could no longer count on volleyball officials from those states having free schedules during the Michigan season.

But Knuth believes everyone has found ways to adapt.

“The bottom line is that our athletes just want to play the game—I don’t think they really care when it’s happening,” he says. “A year or two from now, kids will be saying to us, ‘We used to play volleyball in the winter?’”

In Michigan, high school volleyball players experienced playing in the fall season for the first time.

Temperance Bedford High School Head Coach Jodi Manore is concerned that the change will put more significance on the club season. Her team prepares to receive a serve, above. with the right intentions—one of which was to increase Michigan female athletes’ college recruitability by bringing the seasons into line with other states—but doesn’t believe the intent has matched the outcome.

4

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Manore is also concerned that a fall volleyball season allows club teams to start playing earlier—December or January instead of March or April. She worries this could make athletes feel club teams are more important than high school squads and encourage more volleyball players to be onesport athletes.

“With a longer club season,

for college coaches, kids may feel they have to play club to get noticed.”

On the other hand, John Knuth, Head Coach at Marysville High School, is among those who see a bright side of the shift. “For the first three weeks of the season before school started, I only had to set up my net once. Not sharing the gym was a big plus,” says Knuth, whose teams have racked up nine Class B state titles in the past 10 years.

“We’re now the only indoor sport in the fall, so we’re not

In July, the Fresno County (Calif.) Superior Court sent a strong message to athletic departments: If you allow a culture of gender discrimination and retaliate against those who complain, the price can be very steep. A jury awarded $5.8 million to former Fresno State University Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Lindy Vivas, who sued the school under Title IX after her contract was not renewed in 2004.

During court proceedings, Fresno State administrators claimed Vivas was let go because she failed to sched-

MONROE EVENING NEWS/MARY POWERS

“I haven’t seen a college coach yet, and we’ve already played in several big tournaments,” she says. “That’s not a big surprise, because college programs are in the middle of their own season. They don’t have time to come out and see the high schools compete.

tion could never fully explain why six girls’ sports and no boys’ sports played in nontraditional seasons.

Vivas Wins Big in Title IX Suit

AVCA Booth (Free Tshirts to 107-109 coaches)

Custom Voll eyball Apparel Since 1994

What if I could design my team’s uniforms?

Go to SmackSportswear.com with your design ideas

Choose a style, colors, unique prints and specs

“Thanks, Coach!

I love my SMACK uniform!”

Visit SmackSportswear.com to place your custom order today!

Smack Sportswear, the leader in custom designed volleyball apparel, is now the only apparel company in the world that also offers lettering, numbering, screen-printing & embroidery, as well as balls, shoes, and other related volleyball gear - we truly are your One Stop Shop!!

www.SmackSportswear.com – Toll-free 866-Smack-88 Circle No. 102

LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD ule enough top-25 opponents, win enough games in the postseason, and increase attendance. But as the winningest coach in the program’s history, Vivas countered— and the jury agreed—that Fresno State discriminated against and eventually fired her because she complained

“She was a successful coach by any measure, but most importantly, she was successful by the standards applied to coaches at Fresno State,” he says. “The claim that she was fired for poor performance just didn’t hold water.”

Secondly, Siegel convinced the jury that Vivas’s firing wasn’t an isolated incident—it was part of a broader culture of discrimination within Fresno State athletics.

“We were able to show a long history of antagonism toward my client and other advocates for Title IX,” he says. “And rather than stopping it, administrators at the top either ignored it or participated in it.”

With the Vivas decision, courts have strengthened the message that Title IX whistle blowers are protected by the law, building on a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case involvFormer Fresno State Head Coach Lindy Vivas ing Roderick Jackproved in her lawsuit that administrators son, Head Girls’ retaliated against her after she made Title IX Basketball Coach at Ensley High complaints.

School in Birmingham, Ala. In that about the school’s treatcase, Supreme Court justices ment of women’s teams and voted 5-4 that a private right because she was perceived to of action does exist under be a lesbian.

Title IX to protect those who complain.

According to Dan Siegel, Vivas’s attorney, several fac“I hope more coaches will feel tors played into the jury’s comfortable coming forward decision. First, they were not with complaints as a result of convinced by Fresno State’s this case,” says Dina Lassow, explanation for Vivas’s firing.

Senior Counsel for the Nation-

6

COACHING MANAGEMENT

In addition to finding that Fresno State retaliated against Vivas for complaining about Title IX violations, nine of the 12 jurors found the school mistreated her based on the perception that she was a lesbian. “Society simply doesn’t tolerate that kind of discrimination now, and athletic departments need to catch up with society,” says Karen Doering, Senior Counsel and Sports Project Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “Things have changed, even in the past five or 10 years. The standard homophobia that goes on in locker rooms is no longer seen as acceptable by a jury.”

Doering suggests that coaches insist on making training about sexual orientation discrimination part of ongoing workshops provided to staff. “The instruction must be specifically tailored to athletics,” she says.

“A training session conducted by the women’s studies program on campus may work great for an academic department, but for athletics, that’s going to fall on deaf ears. The issues can be very different in an athletic setting, so athletic departments should only use resources targeted for athletics.”

es to help new coaches learn the fundamentals of the job.

Since January, two courses have been available: Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid for Coaches. Now, the NFHS is working on producing sport-specific content, starting with courses for soccer, golf, and volleyball.

For the volleyball course, the NFHS has teamed up with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and USA Volleyball to launch Fundamentals of Volleyball, which is meant to supplement the first two offerings. “The Fundamentals of Volleyball course is like the third leg of a stool,” says Kathy DeBoer, Executive Director of the AVCA. “Providing a volleyball coach with general fundamentals of coaching and first aid information is very important,” she continues. “But if they can’t teach kids how to put their hands together to pass the ball, or what a serve-receive formation looks like, or the proper footwork for a spike approach, you’ve only given them two legs of the stool and haven’t prepared them to have any success with coaching. The third leg is just as critical as the other two.”

High school sports participation increased for the 18th consecutive year in 2006-07, with volleyball gaining the second greatest number of female participants. With that good news, however, comes a concern: The number of available coaches for many high school sports is diminishing.

By putting the course online, the NFHS hopes that it will be easily accessible for a new coach anywhere in the country.

“Based on the statistics, many high school coaches are being hired just prior to the start of the season and then quitting immediately afterward,” says Tim Flannery, NFHS Assistant Director and Staff Liaison to the NFHS Coach Education Program. “Being hired right before practices start doesn’t give these coaches the opportunity to attend a clinic, so the online course will allow them to learn the fundamentals in their own time and from their home computer.”

In response, the NFHS is producing online coaching cours-

DeBoer is hoping the course will help high schools retain

Coach Lessons to be Offered Online

AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS

The Women’s Sports Foundation provides training and materials about sexual orientation discrimination at: www. womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/issues/itat/.

al Women’s Law Center. “And I hope schools at all levels will be more responsive to complaints because they’ll realize how substantial the consequences can be if they aren’t.”

The response, from USD Athletic Director Ky Snyder, was a resounding yes. “One of the biggest issues in college athletics is the challenge women coaches go through in trying to raise a family with the demands we place on them,” he says. “We strongly believe in being part of the solution by supporting our female coaches whenever we can.”

Before he gave the go-ahead, however, Snyder carefully assessed how Petrie’s season off would affect the volleyball program. “I determined that all the pieces were in place to make this work,” he says. “Jen made it easy for me because of the type of program she has built and all the work she had already done by the time she made her request. She had taken the time to develop her coaching staff and I was confident they would be capable of continuing the same strong program in her absence.”

An online course for volleyball coaches will allow new coaches to learn the fundamentals of the game no matter where they are located. It is being developed by the AVCA and USA Volleyball and will be produced by the NFHS.

20/20 PHOTOGRAPHY

more coaches, which is the first step to cutting down on the vacancies. “I’m very concerned about the future of certain high school sports if we don’t get more serious about coaching education,” she says. “There are well developed club programs in certain sports, including volleyball, and if we don’t invest in our public schools’ programs, they will sink in quality, with the club teams taking on more importance. That would be horrible for volleyball in this country. I don’t want it to become a sport accessible only to people of means.”

The Fundamentals of Volleyball course will take two-anda-half hours to complete and the NFHS is striving to have it ready for the 2008 season. The cost has yet to be determined. “We’re working

hard to keep the price reasonable so it’s not more than you’d spend to take your family out to dinner,” DeBoer says. “Wherever it is priced, though, it will still be optional for coaches to take it.”

For more information on the NFHS Coach Education courses, go to: www.nfhslearn.com.

Taking a Season Off In 1999, Jennifer Petrie became Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at the University of San Diego. Over the next six years, she led her team to six consecutive NCAA Division I tournament appearances and added West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors to

her resume. Then in 2006, this coach with a growing reputation for getting things done did something unusual: She handed the reins to her top assistant and took six months off.

Expecting a baby in late June of 2006, Petrie knew taking a standard maternity leave would mean returning to a season just getting underway, and she would feel overwhelmed. So she asked USD administrators for the entire season off.

“I had already been through this with our first child, so I knew what it would be like trying to come back quickly,” Petrie says. “My husband and I talked about how we could make it work, and we decided I would ask for the leave of absence and see what the response was.”

“I did a lot of groundwork before I approached the administration,” Petrie agrees.

“I talked extensively with my top assistant, Brent Hilliard, about him taking on the head coaching role. It turned out he was starting to consider head coaching jobs elsewhere and we might have lost him. With the offer to be interim head coach, he gave me a commitment to stay through the fall.

So the arrangement was a real benefit for him and for the university.

“I also made sure we had finished recruiting and that the schedule and budget were done,” Petrie continues. “Covering those bases before making my request put the administration at ease and made them feel confident this would work.”

During her season away, Petrie took a paid maternity leave of several weeks, followed by unpaid leave for the remainder of the six months. She

COACHING MANAGEMENT

7

LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD tion, I think I was the most excited to talk about volleyball. I’d really missed it.”

Petrie encourages other coaches to consider extended maternity leaves, even if that means adopting a very different attitude. “I think most female coaches assume they cannot take a step back,” she says. “We have such a tight hold on what we’re doing professionally and what we’re doing at home, and we want to be the best at both. I think women need to realize that we can take a step back at times and still return and be successful. For me, it was the best thing I could have done.

Life is short, and there are certain things you just can’t afford to miss.”

Help For Stat Keepers Do the people who keep your stats really know what a dig is?

How about a block? Or a kill?

After taking the entire 2006 season off to spend more time with her young family, University of San Diego Head Coach Jennifer Petrie says she returned in January “totally revitalized.” Her top assistant, Brett Hilliard, took over while she was away.

8

COACHING MANAGEMENT

The system worked—the team achieved a 26-6 overall record and program-best NCAA Sweet 16 berth. And Petrie returned in January, more than ready to resume coaching. “It was invaluable to be able to spend six months focusing on taking care of my newborn and my family—to do just one thing at a time and do it well,” she says. “I’m totally revitalized. Of all the coaches at our December coaching conven-

“Currently, there is not a great understanding of volleyball stats across the nation,” says Jennifer Rodgers, Assistant Director of Statistics for the NCAA. “The NCAA has collected volleyball stats on a regular basis since 1994, and we have not seen major improvements in the validity of the statistics.

“A main source of the problem is that the people keeping stats at matches often do not understand the components of the game and therefore record incorrect numbers,” she contin-

The video is a successor to one produced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association in the 1990s. Seeing a need for an updated version that addressed changes in the game, NCAA staff members worked with students from a television production class at the University of Indianapolis, who then put together the new video.

“We reviewed footage and provided a script, and then gave the student group freedom to produce the video using their ideas and input,” Rodgers says. “It was a great partnership because we were able to have our project produced locally, and the students gained real experience working with a client and producing something for a national audience.”

Rodgers says she has received e-mails from college sports information directors who are happy to have another method of training their stat keepers, but she believes the potential audience for the video extends much wider. “We encourage anyone interested in the sport to watch this video,” she says.

“It was created for the NCAA membership, but applies to anyone wanting to learn more about volleyball stats, including parents, fans, and high school coaches.”

To view the Volleyball Statisticians’ Manual Example Videos, go to: www.ncaa.org/stats/ volleyball/video/index. html.

BROCK SCOTT

attended every game, watching from the stands, and had regular conversations with Hilliard and the rest of the staff.

“We talked on the phone after each match and a lot of other times as well,” Petrie says.

“We discussed how individual players were performing and what they were doing in practice and I gave him some ideas. But the decisions were left up to him, and I supported whatever he did.”

Because many coaches answer those questions with a shrug, the NCAA has produced a video to help statisticians learn the ins and outs of tracking the game. Available for viewing and downloading at the NCAA Web site, the video defines key statistical terms and shows examples of plays that meet and do not meet the defined standards.

ues. “For example, we see that a block is often credited when a player goes up in a blocking motion but puts the ball back in play rather than ending the play. We thought by showing examples of what is and isn’t a block, a dig, and so on, we might help people better understand the concepts.”

The Chameleon ankle gear from Active Ankle. Exceptional protection in an eye-catching design.

TM

®

• Eight bright interchangeable strap covers with every brace.

• Solid U-shaped frame combines maximum strength with lightweight comfort.

• Wide strap offers dual fastening option for a firm, customized fit.

• Molded, fabric-lined EVA padding keeps the brace comfortable even under the toughest physical demands.

1.800.800.2896 • www.getchameleon.com Circle No. 103

AVCA Booth No. 217

Q&A

Nancy Williams Analy High School, Calif.

At the start of every season at Analy High School in Sebastopol, Calif., Head Coach Nancy Williams challenges her team to win the state championship. In 2006, her sixth year on the job, the Tigers came closer than ever, winning the Division III North Coast Section Championship and reaching the finals of the Division III Northern California Championship for the first time in school history.

One more win would have sent them to the state championship game, but for Williams, there were more than enough reasons to celebrate her team’s accomplishments. They finished the season 29-4, went undefeated in conference play, and had four seniors graduate to NCAA Division I programs.

Williams’s coaching journey began at her alma mater, Mohave High School in Bullhead City, Ariz., where she

led her team to second place in the 1990 state championship. From there, she served as assistant coach at Cal State Bakersfield, then took a series of northern California high school coaching jobs. Coaching club in the off-season, her 12-and-under Kern River Volleyball Club team won the Volleyball Festival National Championship in 1993.

Williams arrived at Analy in 2001, where she currently works as Chair of the Physical Education Department.

She also coaches the number one freshman team at the local Empire Volleyball Club. In this interview, Williams talks about building relationships, working with different age levels, and bringing her coaching philosophy to Analy.

CM: In the 2006 Northern California finals, your squad lost to a team they’d beaten 3-0 just 10 days earlier. What did you say to the team afterwards?

Williams: It was the first time in the school’s history that any team had made it that far, so I asked them to reflect on everything it took to get there and how much they’d accomplished. They deserved to be praised for all they’d done—from the records they’d set to how well they represented their school.

They made major sacrifices, giving up time with their families and friends, and I wanted them to feel it was all worth it. I wanted them to know they’d been through something most high school students will never experience.

What did you learn as a coach during the playoff run last season?

To not back away from pushing my players. Because we were in uncharted waters last year, there was a lot of anxiety on the team, and I think if I had just pushed harder it may have helped the players get past it.

In her lineup, Coach Williams includes those athletes “who can sustain a level of competitiveness to make their team win, no matter who’s around them.” Above, senior Jenna Aiello concentrates on a pass.

10

COACHING MANAGEMENT

When you were one point away from elimination in the section championship, you called a timeout. What did you tell your team?

We needed to shake off an error on the last play when one of our players let the ball drop. So I talked about staying in the present, dealing with one possession at a time, and not dwelling on the mistake.

Then on the next play, the girl who’d dropped the ball got the kill. It was very cool, and that was all the motivation they needed. After that, they knew they were going to win, and they did.

How did you keep the athletes focused on your goal of a state championship?

That goal drove them every day, and they did most of the motivating themselves.

At every practice, we start by sharing an expression or a quote to motivate each other, which gets them ready to go. My job was to keep them fresh over the course of the year by changing drills and shifting the emphasis.

Early on in the season, I know a team’s strengths and weaknesses, and I keep implementing new skills for them to master. On every skill, we start with footwork and then work our way up the body until they become really efficient.

How does your approach vary when you work with 12-year-olds?

At that age, kids just want to have a good time, and as their coach you have to respect that. They just don’t have the attention spans they’ll have as high schoolers, and if you’re too serious, many of them can get turned off from the sport. So I teach them the skills they’ll need to enjoy the game, keep practices light, and change activities at least once every 15 minutes. That’s the key to 12and-unders: constant change. There’s no

russell xtreme compression jersey

꟣



NO-GRAB

COOLER

DRIER

ANTI-ODOR

designed to grip your body, so others can’t

ventilator technology accelerates cooling

dri-power technology wicks moisture

anti-microbial technology eliminates odor

for those who maul expectations and influence the game. for those who lick their chops at fourth and short. for those who have what it takes on the inside, russell has what it takes on the outside.

www.russellathletic.com

Circle No. 104

AVCA Booth No. 114

way to set goals, because they may never reach them, and you can’t stay on any one activity for very long.

What was it like to win a national championship with your Kern River 12-and-under team?

It reinforced the lesson that if you want to be a good coach, you need to be a good teacher of the game. I felt I’d

wish I’d found a way for every girl to play. Even though our team won, some of those 12-year-old girls may have lost interest in the game.

What’s different about coaching the 15-and-under group?

With 15-year-olds, you need to do a ton of repetition work. You don’t want to change activities nearly as often because

“For me, the best part about being a coach is building relationships with athletes. It’s about making phone calls after practice to tell them they did a great job. It’s about finding time when they come into your office to talk. It’s about expressing an interest in their lives.” done a good job teaching. But I also had some regrets because not all the girls got to play in that final match. Yes, we won. But when you’re 12 years old, you have to feel you’re a part of that win. It’s not the same as being in high school, when players understand their role. I

you want players to be able to endure drills long enough to accomplish their goals. But even with 15-and-unders, it’s not about winning—it’s about developing skills. With our 15-year-olds, we may lose as many games in one weekend as my high school team does in a season.

And with high school players?

Once they get into high school, they need to know what the stats are all about because by the time they reach college, it’s all about the numbers. So our high school drills are far more competitive with more emphasis on winning, individually and as a team. I keep track of individual wins, and as I switch lineups around, I want to see who can sustain a level of competitiveness to make their team win, no matter who’s around them.

What was the volleyball program like when you started at Analy?

I took over from a coach who’d had a lot of success, but had never been able to break through to win the league. I brought a very different coaching philosophy, so we had to go through several adjustments. I wanted to change the work ethic, make sure all the athletes were engaged, step up the competition, and increase their volleyball IQs. Initially, there was a lot of resistance so we held individual meetings to deal with it. Now, six years later, the players don’t like to lose and they’ve gotten used to pushing one another to compete even harder. Our

Circle No. 105

12

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Untitled-4 1

10/12/06 4:53:34 PM

Q&A practices are actually way more competitive than most of our matches.

How did you make sure you engaged all the athletes?

When I started, there was a rift between starters and non-starters, and my goal was to convert them all into a team. So we talked about playing together, drilling all players the same way, and everyone’s responsibility to make the team competitive. To borrow a line from [Stanford Head Coach] John Dunning, “Coaching is building relationships,” and you can’t do that without good lines of communication.

For me, the best part about being a coach is building relationships with athletes. It’s about making phone calls after practice to tell them they did a great job. It’s about finding time when they come into your office to talk. It’s about expressing an interest in their lives. It’s about showing them you care and helping them learn lessons that go way beyond volleyball. Volleyball is the avenue we travel to establish these relationships, but in the end, the relationship itself is far more important.

What’s different with this year’s team at Analy?

Experience. Last year, we had four seniors who were headed for NCAA Division I programs, and I had coached three of them since they were in sixth grade. This year, we don’t have those stars.

But it’s a much more balanced group. No one’s role as a starter is set, so there’s a constant tension we didn’t have last year, when there was no one to challenge the starters in their roles. At times, things are harder for this team because we don’t have the same level of experience, but our goal is the same: to win the state championship.

How do you make up for lack of experience?

I teach, teach, teach. That’s all I do, and that’s the only way they’re going to learn. I also trust that they’ll push their teammates and hold themselves accountable. That’s why I stress competitiveness in practice, because they need to transfer that sense of competitiveness into matches.

Do you ever consider coaching at the college level?

I used to, but don’t anymore. I love this level. I love development. I love that the game still feels fresh to them and that they have a good time playing it. I love teaching kids, and I would really miss that if I moved up to college. I have the best job on earth. I really, truly feel that way, and I’m grateful to be here.

VB7000

CarbonMax™ Composite Elite programs that want a super lightweight, easy to set up system with easy windup net height adjustment but are not willing to sacrifice rigidity and superior net tensioning will discover this is the best system on the market today. Carbon fiber is an investment in the latest volleyball technology.

Our Division I program is a perennial National Championship contender, and we work hard to provide our players with superior equipment. As a longtime user of Bison Centerline Aluminum Systems, we thought we had the best…that was until we discovered CarbonMax. Our equipment manager loves the lightweight design that doesn’t compromise on rigidity. The ability to adjust the net height with the turn of a crank without loosening the net is an added bonus.

John Cook Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, University of Nebraska

“Steel is great in cars or buildings, but when the University of Arizona volleyball team practices in the Wildcats basketball arena, we get tired of hauling the heavy systems in and out.

I’d never considered aluminum systems because of negative comments from other coaches. I am now a firm believer that weight alone is not the measure of a quality volleyball system.

While Centerline Elite aluminum standards won’t make our team better, it has made our equipment managers happier.”

Dave Rubio Head Women’s Volleyball Coach University of Arizona

Every program wants easy and effective set up of its volleyball system. The Centerline Elite Aluminum System has provided superior net tensioning with its efficient and smooth operating top rope winch and unique rope ratchet side tape tensioners. We really like the quality and feel of the Kevlar top rope net. At Notre Dame, we demand excellence in our athletic programs and in our equipment. Centerline certainly meets these high expectations.

Debbie Brown Head Women’s Volleyball Coach University of Notre Dame

Call for the Name of a Bison Dealer Near You

800-247-7668 See our Complete Team Sports and Park & Rec Equipment Catalog and Online Dealer Referral

www.bisoninc.com

Available Only Through Quality Team Sports and Park & Rec Dealers Circle No. 106

AVCA Booth No. 242

COVER STORY

UCLA junior setter Nellie Spicer is serving as one of the Bruins’ three captains this season after earning first-team AVCA AllAmerican honors last year.

LEADER OF THE PACK Great teams always include great captains.

But it doesn’t happen magically.

Coaches can train their team leaders by explaining roles, providing opportunities, and giving feedback.

YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR SEASON.

DON LIEBIG/ASUCLA PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JEFF JANSSEN

If that sounds like an overstatement, think back over your coaching career.

During your most successful seasons, I bet you had great team leaders. Now consider your most frustrating years.

Did they include poor leaders?

And not only do your captains have a huge impact on your team’s success, but also on your sanity and your satisfaction as a coach. You’ll usually remember a year you had fantastic team leaders with a smile, regardless of the final record.

You rely on your captains to help set and uphold the standards of the squad, monitor team chemistry, and be your voice in the locker room and on the weekends when you’re not around.

You need your captains to consistently reinforce the team’s standards and hold their teammates accountable.

At the same time, your captains depend on you for leadership, guidance, and support as they step up to their challenge. They rely on their coach to create

a positive and productive environment that is conducive to helping them lead.

In other words, great team captains are made when both roles of the coachcaptain equation are tended to. What can easily occur, however, is that one side becomes frustrated with the other.

Some coaches’ frustrations stem from a belief that the athletes of today don’t seem to have the strong leadership skills they did in the past. I often hear coaches lament, “Kids today don’t understand what it means to be a leader. They aren’t nearly as vocal as they need to be.”

Another frequent complaint is, “They aren’t willing to stand up and confront their teammates when necessary.”

And captains don’t always feel they have the necessary guidance or support from their coaches. A recent poll I Jeff Janssen is Director of the Janssen Sports Leadership Center, in Cary, N.C., and a former athletic administrator at the University of Arizona. This article is an adapted excerpt from his book, The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual, and one of his Web sites: www.ChampionshipCoachesNetwork.com.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

15

COVER STORY

conducted of student-athletes revealed that over 60 percent of captains felt their coaches needed to do a better job of working with them. In essence, captains complain that too many coaches preach the need for athlete leadership but don’t teach it.

Rather than both sides blaming the other, they must make the effort to work together and forge a strong coach-captain partnership. I like to think of it as a leadership team. When coaches and captains are on the same page and leading together as a unified front, great things can happen in your program.

Starting on the Right Foot Spending time at the very start of the season working with your captains

builds the basis for this leadership team.

To be on the same page, you need to talk through what being a team captain means and how to be an effective one.

Step number one is to clarify your expectations of them. Many coaches simply say to their captains, “You’re our leader. I expect you to step up and lead.”

But this alone is too vague to give proper direction.

Rather than assuming your captains understand their duties as well as your philosophy and expectations, sit down and carefully clarify what you need from them. Create a job description of the eight to 10 priorities you expect them to handle. (See “Job Description” below.) Clarification of their roles and responsibilities on the front end will

Here is a sample list of responsibilities coaches can give to team captains: Lead warmups and drills: We expect you to get your teammates organized and keep everyone in line, literally and figuratively.

Set the right tone for the team: We expect you to start practices off with the right attitude, focus, and work ethic. You must also refocus the team when practices get sloppy, create a positive momentum going into competition, and recharge the team when needed. We expect you to be the mental and emotional catalyst for the team.

Keep coaches informed: We expect you to keep us informed about issues that impact the success and psyche of the team. We want to know who might be in conflict with whom, whether players are accepting their roles, if anyone’s social life is getting out of control, and so forth. Of course, we don’t need to know every little thing. You’ll have to use your discretion to decide which issues might have a negative impact on the team. Be careful to respect the trust of your teammates as well. You don’t want to be viewed as a tattletale.

Provide input on team decisions: We will ask your opinion on a variety of decisions that will affect the team. This could include minor decisions like what warmup gear to wear or where the team prefers to eat. Or it could involve more serious issues

prevent misunderstandings as the season goes on.

Next, discuss the risks and challenges of leadership. Let your captains know that this new responsibility might be difficult and demanding at times. They will encounter many gray areas and bumps along the way, and they should understand that these challenges are a normal part of leadership. Most importantly, let them know that you will be there to support them through thick and thin.

From there, ask your captains to describe what they think it means to be an effective leader. Their ideas of leadership might be quite different than yours. Ask them to talk about the leaders whom they respect in their lives and

like how to best discipline a teammate who has broken team rules. Whatever the case, we will expect you to add your insight to help our decision making.

Talk with struggling teammates: We expect you to talk with teammates who might be struggling with their performance or role on the team. It is your job to understand them, support them, challenge them, and figure out how to get them back on track.

Handle conflicts: We may ask you to get involved with team conflicts when they arise. If a small problem crops up, we may ask you to find out exactly what is going on and develop a workable solution.

Plan team activities: We will ask you to plan and coordinate various events so your teammates can better get to know each other. We will rely on you to initiate these events and make sure everyone is invited and involved.

Be loyal: Understand that we are putting a tremendous amount of trust in you. For example, we may tell you things that we will not tell your teammates.

In return, we expect you to respect and support the decisions we make for the team. You may disagree with them behind closed doors, but we will expect you to show a united front to the team. We also will insist on your loyalty and that you never bad mouth us to your teammates. There must be a sacred trust between us.

JOB DESCRIPTION 16

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Carbon

Aluminum

Schelde International and Collegiate volleyball net systems set the world standard for quick setup, easy handling, elegant design and long-lasting durability.

The Schelde Carbon Pro volleyball net system gives you the ultimate combination of outstanding rigidity (low deflection) and ultra-light weight. Pin-set net height settings and Schelde’s exclusive winch and net make setup quick and easy.

Volleyball for All Steel

Portable

Net systems for every budget, every program, every facility and every level of play.

The Schelde Portable Pro volleyball net system is a smar t solution for facilities where traditional floor sleeves and anchoring systems are impractical. This system requires no facility modifications whatsoever.

Every component is contained in the rolling base for quick and easy setup.

The Schelde Steel Pro volleyball net system represents the next great leap in steel post design with a high-torque beveled gear winch, four-point net connection system, pin-set net height settings, beautiful styling and a very attractive price tag.

All Schelde posts and winches carry a limited lifetime warranty.

B e t t e r

E q u i p m e n t

f o r

a

B e t t e r

G a m e™

1-888-SCHELDE (724-3533) Toll Free

N O R T H

A M E R I C A Circle No. 107

www.scheldesports.com AVCA Booth No. 414

COVER STORY

why, and the ones they don’t respect and why. This will give you insight into their model of leadership and can start great discussions that get you both on the same page.

It can also be helpful to provide your captains with an assessment of their leadership style. Just as each athlete has certain physical strengths and weaknesses, so do leaders. I use a two-part evaluation that rates how a person leads by example and vocally, in several areas, from composure to team building. (See page 20 for a Web link to the survey.) This type of analysis can help make the captains

aware of their strengths and weaknesses in their leadership qualities.

Encourage your captains to utilize and maximize their strengths and acknowledge areas to improve in. For example, some of your leaders might have a hard time confronting their teammates when necessary. Or, some of your leaders may be too blunt and lack the necessary tact to get their messages across well. Whatever the challenge, encourage them to make sure that their weaknesses are not a leadership liability as they work to improve them.

Throughout these discussions, let

How should you go about appointing team captains? Some coaches choose to select these leaders themselves, while others allow their teams to make the decision.

Larry Bock, Head Coach at Juniata College, has his team members vote for their captains, but holds the power to overrule the selection if he sees fit.

However, in 29 years at Juniata, he has never felt the need to do so.

“It helps that we have job descriptions for our captains and are very clear about what we expect in a leader,” Bock says. “We tell the athletes we need someone who is going to put the team’s success over individual status. They also need to be unafraid to confront teammates who are putting their personal status first. And we need somebody who considers it a personal failure when the team does not achieve its goals.”

Jean Field, Head Coach at Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst, Ill., subscribes to the same system. “So far I’ve been pretty successful using a team vote,” she says. “But I know it’s helped to sit down with the team and talk about what I’m looking for in a leader before the voting. I tell them it’s not a popularity contest. A good leader is someone who treats everybody equally and with respect. Once you put your parameters out there, kids are pretty good at selecting who should step into the role.”

Robin Lamott Sparks, Head Coach at Quinnipiac University, prefers to select captains herself. “I’ve always decided who the captains are, and nobody

your leaders know how important they are to the program. Don’t be afraid to tell them how much you will rely on them to set the standards, keep the team focused, and handle conflicts. You may even want to tell them that it is “their” team. You will be there to help them, but ultimately it’s the athletes—particularly the leaders—who determine how far the team will go.

Provide Opportunities While talking about their responsibilities is important, your captains need continual opportunities to make real

has ever argued with that,” says Lamott Sparks, who was Head Coach at Troy (N.Y.) High School prior to this year. “The previous coach here at Quinnipiac asked for each team member’s input before selecting captains, and I’ll employ the same system. Collegeage athletes feel more ownership of their team, so it makes sense to ask for their thoughts first.”

The timing of the captains’ appointment also varies.

As a high school coach, Lamott Sparks announced the following year’s captains at the end-of-season banquet, but plans to announce the captains at Quinnipiac during the spring. Bock, meanwhile, feels the right time differs from year to year, so he follows no set schedule.

“This year we didn’t elect captains until the third week of the season,” he says. “But there have been times we’ve done it immediately following a season. Every team is different and the question we must answer each season is: When does leadership emerge? Once it emerges we can elect captains. I believe it becomes very obvious at a certain time who the captains will be.”

What happens when leaders don’t become apparent? “I don’t have a set number of captains each year for that exact reason,” says Field, who tallied her 700th win in September. “This year we only have one captain, and last year we had two. Two can work especially well if they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And this year with only one captain I’m looking to the other kids to all be leaders in some way.”

— Abigail Funk

C H O O S I N G C A P TA I N S 18

COACHING MANAGEMENT

COVER STORY

leadership decisions. It often works well to start small and build up to more complicated tasks.

For example, let them run warmups before practice and make any team announcements. Have them contact teammates to inform them of schedule changes. You can even let them lead practice drills, or take it a step further and let them plan a practice from time to time.

It’s also key to solicit your captains’ input on team decisions. These can be minor choices like where to eat after a match or major decisions like discipline situations. The more responsibility and input you allow them, the better leaders they will become.

You can also suggest they seek other leadership opportunities outside your team. Encourage them to run for student council, nominate them for the athletic department’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council, get them involved in a Captain’s Council, and encourage them to sign up for community service opportunities.

In addition, there are more and more leadership conferences for student-athletes put on every year by state and national governing bodies. Ask your

steps you can take to really get the teamwork going.

One is to ask your captains to help you track the pulse of the team. Every coach

Talk with your captains about their role as “momentum managers” on match day.

They are in charge of creating a positive momentum for the match by building their teammates’ confidence, focusing them on the game plan, and encouraging them to play their role effectively. athletic director for funds so that your captains can attend such meetings.

A Team Effort By discussing leadership roles and giving your captains lots of practice, you’ll lay the groundwork to become a leadership team. But there are more

ProGym

knows that teams are constantly in a state of flux—one day the chemistry might be great and the next there could be major drama. One game your athletes might be confident and on track and the next they are intimidated and tentative. Some players are content with their roles while others are boiling below the surface.

™

"WE ENGINEERED

IT FOR

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE"

W

e put our knowledge and experience to work and created a state-of-the-art, multi-sport tile that will satisfy the needs of everyone, even the most demanding professionals. We also made sure it was affordable and easier to install. It's also portable and very low maintenance.

ProGym, another original from the creators of the original modular flooring.

Circle No. 108 Untitled-12 1

Matéflex

™

The Original Modular Flooring

www.mateflex.com 800.926.3539 AVCA Booth No. 537 COACHING MANAGEMENT 19 7/25/07 5:38:19 PM

COVER STORY

Because your captains are the heart and soul of your team, talk with them often to get their insights on your team’s vital signs. Ask them to help you monitor if the team is healthy and strong, has a case of the sniffles, or needs to be rushed to the ER immediately.

Another step is to teach them to be a coach on the court. During the match, there is only so much you can do from the sidelines and your captains should be entrusted to remind their teammates

relationship with them. This can mean taking the initiative to talk with them, work out with them, have lunch with them, and so forth.

After two weeks, have a meeting with your captains to discuss how you’re each doing with the challenge. This teaches your captains that the strength of their leadership depends on the quantity and quality of connections they have with all athletes. It also teaches them that you’re all in this together.

Ask them to participate with you in this drill: Each of you identifies two people on the team who, for whatever reason, you have not yet developed a good connection with.

Over the course of the next two weeks, you then each make an effort to begin building a better relationship with them ... of the game plan, reassure them when they face adversity, and refocus them when they get distracted.

Talk with your captains about their role as “momentum managers” on match day. They are in charge of creating a positive momentum for the match by building their teammates’ confidence, focusing them on the game plan, and encouraging them to play their role effectively. Then, when they encounter difficulties during a match, it’s your captains’ job to monitor the momentum swing and keep the team focused.

Working together on leadership skills is another great way to build up your captains. For example, ask them to participate with you in this drill: Each of you identifies two people on the team who, for whatever reason, you have not yet developed a good connection or working relationship with. Once you identify these two people, you each make an effort over the course of the next two weeks to begin building a better

20

help. A sincere “thank you” from time to time will do wonders to maintain your captains’ morale and motivation.

However, be careful not to praise them too frequently in front of teammates as that can breed resentment.

Plan for the Future While focusing on this year’s team captains, don’t forget to begin building leadership skills in younger players.

Identify athletes who have the potential to develop into leaders for your team and give them some small responsibilities to see how they handle them. Also, encourage potential leaders to learn what to do and what not to do from your more experienced and established leaders.

And, all along the way, be conscious of how you model effective leadership as you coach the team. Your prospective and current team leaders will learn infinitely more about leadership by your actions than by what you preach to them.

After two weeks, have a meeting with your captains to discuss how you’re each doing with the challenge. This teaches your captains that the strength of their leadership depends on the quantity and quality of connections they have with all athletes.

Because being part of a team means supporting each other, always be there for your leaders. Being a captain is an extremely challenging job, especially for teenagers and young adults, and they need solid support from you. They will have internal and external struggles throughout the season. They will be torn between meeting your expectations and their desire to be liked and accepted by their teammates. Understand this and help them work through it.

Finally, take time to let your leaders know how much you appreciate their

Be sure that you are just as demanding, if not more, of your own leadership skills as you are of your captains.

What will be the result of all the above efforts? You will create formidable leadership operating in an environment of honesty and trust that has a powerful influence on the culture and direction of the team. As a coach, you must take the initiative to reach out to your captains to create and sustain this important partnership. Remember, if you want your captains to be extensions of you, you must extend yourself to them. ■

■

You can evaluate your leaders using the “Team Leadership Evaluation” by visiting: www.jeffjanssen.com/coaching/evaluation2.html.

■

You can order The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual by calling (888) 721-TEAM or visiting: www.ChampionshipCoachesNetwork.com.

■

More resources for team captains can be found at Janssen’s Web site: www.teamcaptainsnetwork.com.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 109

AVCA Booth Nos. 118,120 Circle No. 110

YOUR CAREER

TOSSING THE WHISTLE Ever think about making the jump from coaching to athletic administration?

Here’s a look at the pros and cons, and how to stick the landing.

BY DR. DAVID HOCH RECENTLY,

ONE OF MY COACHES ASKED ME

FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. My first response was, “Are you crazy? Why would you want to leave the exhilaration of competition and the thrill of watching young people develop to become an administrator?”

“I thought you liked your job,” was his response. The fact is, I do like my job and I don’t regret my decision to leave coaching for administration 14 years ago. But I’m not sure I really knew at the time what I was getting into.

In this article, I hope to provide the straight scoop on making the jump from coach to athletic director. It can be a fantastic career move for some, but it’s not right for everybody. You have to be ready to give up coaching—and ready to tackle a whole new set of challenges.

INGO FAST

The Good, Bad, & Ugly Every profession has its ups and downs, and athletic administration is no exception.

For me, the best part of the job is that I can have an impact on a greater number of kids. You are not in charge of just one team, but the entire athletic program. By hiring coaches, guiding the David Hoch, EdD, is the Athletic Director at Loch Raven High School in Baltimore, Md., and a former head men’s basketball coach.

He is past President of the Maryland State Athletic Directors’ Association and can be reached at: dhoch@bcps.org.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

23

YOUR CAREER

program’s philosophy, forming sportsmanship programs, making policies, and so on, you influence a lot of student-athletes.

I also absolutely love mentoring young coaches. In some ways, it’s just like coaching, except my charges are a little older. And if I do a good job, I can influence these young coaches’ philosophies and help them get started on the right track. I definitely feel that I’m having a great impact in this area, which is very fulfilling.

Other athletic directors enjoy the job because they like working with upperlevel administrators at the school and being involved in education policy. It’s a great way to take your leadership skills to a whole new level in a very dynamic field.

What many of my colleagues and I find difficult about the job, however,

to communicate with coaches, athletes, parents, teachers, administrators, league officials, and the community is a big part of the day-to-day work.

Probably most important, you have to enjoy and be great at hiring, evaluating, and mentoring. You will be a coach of coaches, and how well their teams do will determine your success. You have to be able to take your coaching skills and apply them to an adult audience.

If the “good” sounds good to you, you’re not scared off by the “bad” or the “ugly,” and the daily tasks sound appealing … read on.

Getting Ready Many of the duties mentioned above may not seem that far removed from coaching, and they’re not! Being a head coach definitely provides you with some

Most important, you have to enjoy and be great at hiring, evaluating, and mentoring. You will be a coach of coaches, and how well their teams do will determine your success. You have to be able to take your coaching skills and apply them to an adult audience. is that its workload is relentless. Many athletic directors put in 12-hour days, and these can easily stretch to 14 or 15 hours when you host a contest. And, unlike in coaching, there is no offseason. Fatigue is an athletic director’s constant companion.

The “ugly” part of the job is that you sometimes have to deal with very difficult situations. The buck stops with you: You are the person who has to deal with those overbearing parents, that high-maintenance coach, and the student fans who got out of control at last Saturday’s football game. You will be named if there is a lawsuit. And you will be blamed for many things that you have to graciously accept as your fault even though they may not be.

What is the job like on a daily basis?

You definitely have to like organization. There is a never-ending mound of paperwork and scheduling, so you must enjoy reviewing forms and putting pieces of a puzzle together. Communication is also key. Knowing how and when 24

COACHING MANAGEMENT

skills that transfer to the athletic administrator’s office.

For example, you have learned effective organizational skills as a coach. You have to plan practices, prepare game plans, and maintain equipment and uniform inventories. Also, budgeting your time and delegating tasks have always been part of your position.

By working with student-athletes and assistant coaches, you have also been managing personnel. You have probably already developed a leadership style that fits your personality and a philosophy for motivating and mentoring.

And surely you’ve tackled at least a few difficult situations as a coach. Whether it’s handling parents, an athlete who breaks a code of conduct, or a disagreement among your players, you’ve developed some skill in resolving conflict and communicating well with everyone involved.

The next step is to get more concrete experience in administration and to start learning the areas you don’t have experience in. There are two reasons for

this—to help you decide whether you would really like the job, and to have something on your resume that shows you are working on administrative skills.

In terms of professional preparation, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) created Leadership Training Courses (LTCs) almost 10 years ago. These four-hour courses are excellent professional development opportunities and cover a wide range of topics. I would suggest starting with the courses titled “Philosophies, Leadership, Organizations and Professional Programs” (LTC 501) and “Principles, Strategies and Methods” (LTC 502).

These courses are required for the first level of national certification, the Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA). You can also go on to earn Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) credentials once you start working in the field.

More and more schools across the country are looking at national certification as a factor in their hiring.

You can also attend your state athletic directors association’s annual conference. These usually offer excellent workshop sessions dealing with current issues and how athletic directors handle them.

Going to these meetings also allows you to start networking with athletic administrators in your area.

In addition to courses and conferences, there are college degree programs in sports management. Is it necessary to earn one of these degrees to become a high school athletic director? No, not at all. But it would demonstrate a seriousness and sense of direction, and you would also learn a great deal which could ultimately be used in your career.

In the meantime, whenever possible, accept ancillary leadership roles. For example, in Maryland, each sport has a Regional Sport Chairperson, who is usually a coach. These positions involve leadership and organizational responsibilities associated with the planning and coordination of each state tournament.

Similarly, if you have an opportunity to serve as an officer in your state coaches’ association, take it. Many of the duties will involve skills similar to those needed in athletic administration.

Another good option is to serve as an intern with the athletic director at your school or at a neighboring school. This is a great way to get into the trenches and

www.FundraisingForSports.com TIPS & ADVICE

SUCCESS STORIES

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

FAQ

Presenting the first Web site...

THE

specifically for sports booster clubs, a valuable resource to help you raise money for your athletic teams.

of your Fundraising Project • Receive TIPS & ADVICE from fundraising experts who have experience raising funds for sports teams

SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING projects

• Read about

online Products & Services Guide •

SHARE IDEAS with other fundraisers at schools through the Fundraising For Sports Message Board

undra F . w

$ om ww

CONTACT POTENTIAL VENDORS for your project through our

• Research &

isingFor

rt Spo s.c

implemented by teams at schools around the country

YOUR CAREER

learn by doing. If a formal internship is not possible, start a dialogue with your athletic director about why and how he or she is tackling a problem or ask about a system he or she has created. Better yet, volunteer to help him or her with administrative tasks!

At the very least, try thinking like an administrator. Honestly analyze what the athletic directors you’ve worked for do best. Do they come up with creative solutions? Do they interact and work well with the various constituencies of the athletic program? Thirty years later, I still think back to one of my first athletic directors and try to emulate his professionalism, enthusiasm, compassion, and motivational skills. Find some role models and take the best that they have to offer.

How To Apply In most areas of the country, the position of athletic director pays well and there are several applicants for every open job. How do you make your resume stand out, even if the other candidates have administrative experience?

First of all, try to find out who will make the hiring decision. It varies by district, but in most cases there is an interview committee, with a principal or superin-

tendent making the final choice. Also try to learn more about the culture and philosophy of the school, as well as why the last athletic director left. Are there big problems at the school that are still unresolved? By knowing who is involved in the process and what they’re looking for, you can tailor your approach.

In your cover letter, go into detail about experiences that demonstrate your readiness to become an athletic director. Highlight the ancillary leadership roles you’ve taken on and related skills you’ve developed. And do mention any little things you’ve done, such as taking LTC courses, attaining the RAA certification, or serving as an officer in a coaching association.

If you get an interview, be prepared for some specific and pointed questions. With the pressure schools currently face from assessment tests, graduation requirements, SAT scores, No Child Left Behind, and all of the latest parental concerns, a principal wants an athletic director who can keep a lid on athletic problems. Because athletics is the most visible aspect of education (and everyone has an opinion on coaching tactics), upper-level administrators need a leader who can handle the heat.

Here are some typical questions you’ll be asked:

Every first-year athletic director encounters some unexpected challenges. Here are the three things I remember struggling with the most.

On my second day as a high school athletic director, I encountered my first high-maintenance coach. This coach approached me with a demand for new equipment—and I didn’t even know which key opened the storage room yet! He was also a yeller who was not teaching his athletes the right lessons. I quickly found out that every athletic department has entrenched coaches and (in most cases) you can’t simply fire them immediately.

I had to learn to work with this individual and continue to evaluate him over a three-year period before I could let him go. I had to attempt to give him positive feedback and very, very carefully document the problems he was creating. I had to try to get him to change, even though that was ultimately impossible.

■ Why do you want to move into athletic administration? Your answer needs to involve more than, “I’m ready for a new challenge.” You need to talk about how your ideas and strategies can improve an athletic department.

■ What will you bring to the position?

Here’s where you can expand upon your leadership skills and ancillary experiences. This is also where it pays to have done your homework so you can offer possible solutions to one or two of their concerns or problems.

■ What is your managerial style? The committee is looking to see if you are a control freak (dictatorial), inclusive (democratic), and so on. The committee basically wants to figure out if it will all work.

By the time you begin interviewing for an athletic director position, you will also need to have changed your perspective. As a coach, it’s natural to have a very narrow view, because you are focused totally on your team or sport. As an athletic director, you will need to see the big picture. This means understanding and seeing that all sports are treated fairly with respect to facilities, financing, equipment, and public support. All sports are vital and integral to an athletic program and school, and none should be con-

Second, it took me a few years to really understand the difference between managerial responsibilities and leadership. Even if you can manage the paperwork and scheduling just fine, if you aren’t seen as a leader with great communication skills, you won’t be effective in making the big decisions.

Last, my journey included learning the importance of listening better. As a coach, I was used to making the decision as to who would start, who would play, and how we would conduct practice. However, as an athletic director, I had to learn to persuade others and build consensus. It can’t be “my way or the highway,” because this doesn’t work well with adults and professionals.

These were my hurdles, and I’m sure other new athletic directors have had different ones. I’m happy to report that all three were interesting challenges and solving them took my skills to a new level.

LEARNING CURVE 26

COACHING MANAGEMENT

YOUR CAREER

sidered more important than any other.

It’s critical that you communicate to the interview committee that you understand this perspective.

One more thing to keep in mind: If the competition for athletic director jobs in your area is tough, your first position may have to be with a downtrodden

they become your accomplishments.

These efforts will help put you in a better position to secure your next administrative opportunity.

They Won’t Call You “Coach” Today, many schools do not allow their athletic administrators to coach.

Try to find out who will make the hiring decision ... Learn more about the culture and philosophy of the school, as well as why the last athletic director left. By knowing who is involved in the process and what they’re looking for, you can tailor your approach. program. But this can sometimes be a great place to start. The expectations are often lower and there are a lot of opportunities to demonstrate your leadership.

Like in coaching, if you take a struggling program and make some improvements,

The position, responsibilities, and expectations have grown so large that it would not be possible to do both effectively. So before you accept any position, do make time to answer the big question: Are you ready to hang up

your whistle and make a commitment to athletic management?

Try this analogy: Imagine the prospect of stepping into an athletic administrative position as a blank canvas. The more details and images you can put on this surface, the better the picture will look in the end. Can you paint this picture?

Do you have ideas on how to work with coaches, communicate with parents, deal with budget cuts, lead a meeting, create an innovative sportsmanship program?

You will no longer hoist a trophy, give a pregame talk, or teach athletic skills.

And the kids won’t call you coach. But you will have an opportunity to affect more student-athletes, mentor new coaches, and take your leadership skills to another level. ■ A version of this article has run in other editions of Coaching Management.

Another great way to start your administrative career is by logging on to the most frequently updated Web site for athletic administrators: www.AthleticManagement.com.

VOLLEYBALL TUTOR

BY SPORTS TUTOR Silver Model

Gold Model

• 5’ high release point • Topspin/underspin • Practice dig drills

• Automatic feed • Portable • AC & battery models Prices start under $1,000

www.sportsmachines.com

SPORTS 1-800-448-8867 TUTOR FREE brochure

The Sports Machine Company

“Using Volleyball Tutor gives my team significantly more reps each practice.”

Ken Preston, Head Coach, UC Santa Barbara

Sports Tutor, 3300 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504 Circle No. 112 Untitled-2 1

3/15/07 11:36:36 AM COACHING MANAGEMENT 27

Ofcial Net System of the AVCA

AVCA Booth Nos. 325, 327, 424, 426

Ofcial Net System of the NCAA Championships

Circle No. 113

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

FROM LOW TO HIGH The University of Kentucky’s strength and conditioning program for volleyball has helped athletes go from dig to spike—and from losing to winning—in record time.

BY STEPHANIE TRACEY-SIMMONS

N SOME WAYS, VOLLEYBALL IS LIKE MANY

Players have to perform explosive movements, and their success depends on a combination of agility, strength, speed, and coordination.

But volleyball also has several unique demands. Because a player can be on the floor for a dig to the setter and release to the outside for an attack within seconds, athletes must learn to very quickly transition from an extremely low stance to a jumping posture. They must also have the stamina for three-hour matches while being prepared for short, intense bursts.

And there’s no other sport where maximum vertical jump is more important.

At the University of Kentucky, we start with a very simple goal in our strength and conditioning program: to provide athletes with a solid foundation so they can reach their full athletic potential

DAVID COLE

OTHER SPORTS.

Stephanie Tracey-Simmons is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports at the University of Kentucky. She previously worked as a strength coach at UCLA and was an outside hitter for Ohio University.

She can be reached at: strac2@email.uky.edu.

In 2006, the Wildcats tallied their most overall victories, most Southeastern Conference wins, and best league finish since 1992.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

29

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

while remaining injury free. We achieve this through various exercises and periodization cycles, always keeping in mind the unique demands of the sport.

For our volleyball team, that means developing athleticism, a unique type of explosive movement, and both shortand long-term conditioning. Because NCAA Division I volleyball has a short spring season, along with the traditional fall season, our training plan has two periodization cycles.

Speed School The majority of our strength and conditioning gains are made during the two off-seasons of collegiate volleyball. The first off-season lasts from January through mid-March. The second runs from May through the first week of August.

Summer training is more intense than winter work, and we look for our biggest gains then. (See “On the Year” below for a sample yearly training schedule.)

During the first off-season, athletes are involved in an eight-week program we call “speed school.” Meeting twice a week, this is when the team works on dynamic flexibility, stabilization, plyometrics, sport-specific agility, and conditioning. Speed school is held at an indoor facility that contains a track,

football field, and gymnastics room with a spring floor and mats.

A typical day of speed school follows this format: ■ Dynamic warmup with tumbling ■ Jump rope routine ■ Navy Seals ■ Hurdle walks ■ Plyometric work ■ Strength/power work ■ Sport-specific agility ■ Conditioning ■ Strap stretching.

Much of our dynamic flexibility work is done during warmups. Along with many standard drills, we also include tumbling exercises such as forward rolls and cartwheels, which provide great flexibility training for the wrists, ankles, and upper spine. They also test an athlete’s spatial awareness—when a volleyball player makes a dig and must quickly roll and get back up, she is performing a very similar movement. (See “Warmup Time” on page 32.)

We also use a jump rope routine to warm up. This provides athletes with some low-level plyometrics, develops foot coordination, and trains quick jumps off the ground.

The first series is done on low-impact turf using the yard lines as guides. We

usually go about 15-20 yards for each exercise: ■ Bunny hops ■ Bunny hops back and forth ■ Single-leg hops: straight down the line, switch feet on the way back ■ Single-leg hops back and forth ■ Scissor jumps.

The second series is done facing sideways: ■ Scissor jumps ■ Shuffles: back foot leads.

Navy Seals involve holding a high jump bar about two feet off the ground and asking athletes to bear crawl under it, which works on their shoulder stability as well as flexibility. For hurdle walks, we use the lowest setting on track hurdles (about 36 inches) and encourage the athletes to get up on their toes and strive for smooth hip mobility.

The majority of our vertical jump training is done during speed school’s plyometric work. We start with the fundamentals of jumping technique, spending the first two to three weeks teaching take-off and landing positions with very low-level plyometric exercises. We then increase the difficulty with more sportspecific jumps, such as one-foot takeoffs and approach jumps onto boxes. By the end of the eight weeks, we are perform-

ON THE YEAR The following is a sample yearly training schedule for our volleyball athletes at the University of Kentucky.

WEIGHTLIFTING

CONDITIONING

RECOVERY

In-Season

2x/week, 30-45 min.

Focus: keep nervous system fresh, maintain strength

0-2x/week, on court Focus: sport-specific agility and fitness

1 day/week

Off-Season

3x/week, 50-60 min.

Focus: strength and power gains

2-3x/week, speed school Focus: technique, fitness, and plyos

2-3 days/week

Spring Season

2-3x/week, 40-50 min.

Focus: bar speed, strength gains

0-2x/week, on court Focus: sport-specific agility and fitness

1-2 days/week

Preseason

2x/week, 40-50 min.

Focus: strength maintenance

1-2x/week, on court Focus: sport-specific agility and fitness

1 day/week

30

COACHING MANAGEMENT

GEARING UP FOR CLUB SEASON

ASICS® Assist™ Jersey

ASICS® Baseline™ Short

ASICS® International 2 Kneepads

ASICS® Old School Knee High

100% Hydrology® polyester knit with moisture-transfer performance. Binding at armholes enhances durability.

BT851 As low as $23.99

Soft fabric and flat seam stitching enhance comfort. Waistband finished inside for a clean foldover. BT500 As low as $22.49

For the minimalist in all of us. Offers the comfort and full-coverage protection of ASICS memory foam combined with lowprofile lines. ZD0508 As low as $10.99

Classic athletic flair with up-to-date performance textiles. 91% nylon/5% Lycra® spandex/4% elastic.

ZK613 As low as $8.99/pair

Mizuno® Hurricane Jersey

Mizuno® Vortex Short

Mizuno® VS-1® Kneepads

Mizuno® Knee High Socks

90% MZO™ Micro-Fiber poly with 10% Spandex®. Women’s exclusive D.F.Cut™ for range of motion. 440235 As low as $37.49

90% MzO™ Micro-fiber poly with 10% Spandex® Women’s exclusive pattern. Sits lower on the waist.

440202 As low as $19.99

Poly/Cotton/Spandex blend. VS-1 for increased patella, lateral, and medial protection. D.F. Cut™ foam pad for superior fit without bulk. 480006 As low as $16.99

Cotton/acrylic/nylon/polyester. Padded toe and heel. Embroidered logo. MzO moisture management system. One size fits most.

480016 As low as $15.99/pair

Hey, Coach! Score a free ASICS® briefcase with purchase of 12 sets of any custom team package! ($59.99 value)* Check out our Team Packages online at wwsport.com! *While supplies last.

Tachikara® Sensi-Tec® Volleyball (51 colors available!)

Tachikara® Volleyball Bag

Tachikara® Volleyball Cart

Composite leather cover makes this the next best thing to your leather game ball and the answer to your strained budget due to its durable and leather-like nature. High-performance model is approved for High School Competition by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Circumference: 25.6” - 26.4”. Weight: 9.1 - 9.8 oz.

Rectangular nylon bag with adjustable shoulder strap. Holds six inflated volleyballs. TV6 $29.99

Tachikara’s most popular ball cart designed with extra height, a sturdy aluminum alloy frame, larger caster wheels. Includes material color nylon carry-bag with an adjustable strap.

Accommodates up to 36 inflated balls. Completely collapsible.

Expanded Size: 25”W x 25”D x 40”H. BIKSPC $109.99

SV5WS (White) As low as $28.29 SV5WSC (Colors) As low as $28.79

WWSPORT.COM

P: 800.756.3555

Source Code: CM1107

F: 800.550.6850

Prices good on in-stock items only. While supplies last. Must mention source code to receive offer. Purchase orders accepted. Prices effective through December 31, 2007.

Circle No. 114

AVCA Booth No. 208

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

ing high-level, multiple-response jumps, such as an approach jump onto a box directly followed by an explosive depth jump onto a soft gymnastics mat.

We also train for jumping ability by adding weight or resistance. This is usually done during the summer months because there is more time for recovery.

Some ways we do this are: ■ Repeat and maximum-effort jumps in the sand (which provides resistance but low impact) ■ Band jumps ■ Medicine ball squat throws ■ Maximum medicine ball overhead throws ■ Stadium hops/sprints ■ Series of jumps on an unstable surface, such as a pole vault pit.

During both off-season periods, we do a variety of agility work. Some drills start off very basic and become more sport-specific as the preseason nears. For instance, in our 8x8 yard box drill, the athletes start at cone 1, sprint to cone 2, shuffle to cone 3, backpedal to cone 4, and shuffle to get back to cone 1. As we progress, I’ll use the same setup but have the athletes do an approach with a jump and swing to cone 2, use blocking

footwork and perform a block jump at cone 3, use defensive footwork with a shoulder roll to cone 4, and finish by using blocking footwork and a block jump to get back to cone 1. This mimics the dig-to-hit explosiveness athletes need on the court.

Even though our drills are mostly sport-specific, speed school also develops general athleticism. Female volleyball players have often spent many years with their sport, but not as much time on overall athletic movements. We feel working with our players on these types of movements leads to greater agility on the court, therefore helping to prevent injuries. It also taps into the nervous system and helps to keep the athletes’ heart rates at a level similar to what they would be in a game.

The summer version of speed school differs from the winter in that it’s a more competitive environment. The volleyball team is joined by athletes in different sports and perform workouts that are based on how fast one can complete the workout, how many total reps the athlete can accomplish in an allotted time, or by maxing out on specific lifts. We call these “workouts of the day” and typically

WARMUP TIME When our athletes warm up, they are also working on their flexibility and athleticism. Here is an example of one of our “speed school” warmup routines: ■

Walking toe touches x 20 yds + backpedal x 20 yds

■

Butt kicks x 20 yds + backpedal x 20 yds

■

Dynamic quad x 20 yds + backpedal x 20 yds

■

Forward rolls into jog x 20 yds x 3

■

Forward dive rolls into jog x 20 yds x 3

■

Knee pulls into forward lunge x 20 yds + right carioca x 20 yds

■

■

Dynamic hamstring x 20 yds + left carioca x 20 yds

Forward roll into a bear crawl x 20 yds

■

■

Standing leg cradles x 8 each leg

VB shoulder roll into a crab crawl x 20 yds

■

VB side lunges x 8 each leg

■

■

Calf raises x 8 each leg

Cartwheel into 1 forward roll into 1 cartwheel

Instep lunge x 20 yds + twisting reverse lunge x 20 yds

■

■

Roundoff into 1 VB shoulder roll into 1 roundoff

High knees x 20 yds + backpedal x 20 yds

■

■

Inchworms x 20 yds

■

Rollups x 10

32

COACHING MANAGEMENT

do one to three a week depending on where we are in our periodization plan.

Conditioning Time We do the majority of our conditioning work during the same times of the year that we focus on our jumps. This obviously poses some challenges, because the type and volume of conditioning exercises can affect maximum vertical jump height. To remedy that problem, we begin with longer runs while plyometrics are light, then go to shorter runs when the plyos become more intense.

We begin conditioning in January with 800-meter runs on Tuesdays and 200-yard shuttle runs on Thursdays for the first two to three weeks. I try to do one day of straight-ahead running and one day in a shuttle format. This system works well with the plyometric schedule because these weeks are primarily spent teaching. In later weeks, as the plyometric schedule gets more demanding, I reduce the distance to 400-meter runs and 100-yard shuttles, and then finally to 300-yard shuttles and 60-, 40-, and 20-yard runs.

One of the team’s preseason fitness tests is a 100-yard run set up as a 10x10yard shuttle. The test involves five sets of two repetitions each, with a 1:1 rest between the reps and 1:30 rest between the sets. Athletes must complete each rep in under 25 seconds. This test is a great indicator of game fitness. Because the volleyball court is about 10 yards wide, it forces quick recovery, the intensity level is high, and it requires efficient change of direction due to the number of turns.

In the Weightroom During the winter months, our weightroom work follows a typical linear periodization model with the primary focus on overall strength gains. In the summer, we progress from strength gains to explosive power. At that time, I tend to use more of an undulating periodization plan, which incorporates some of the “workouts of the day.” We then move to doing more doubles and singles at a higher intensity with our major lifts.

Power is obviously a key to success in volleyball athletes. We build it through Olympic-style lifts such as power and hang cleans, power and hang snatches, jerks, and also weighted jumping move-

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

ments. These lifts require athletes to go from a low position to a high one very quickly, which simulates the act of executing a powerful spike.

For the same reason, we do a lot of squats at 90 degrees and below. When we do single-leg squats, the athletes stand on a box, go down all the way on one leg, then come all the way up. I like to include these types of single-leg movements because they simulate slide attacks.

We also use several different kettlebell exercises, such as one- and two-handed swings, one-arm snatches and cleans, and thrusters, to help supplement our power work. This provides variety and helps train athletes to be strong in all their explosive on-court movements.

When they perform overhead movements with kettlebells, we tell them to shrug their shoulders, which translates into a clean, hard block.

We complement these exercises with many other forms of lifting to train the total body. These include back squats, front squats, lunges, single-leg squats, step ups, RDLs, hyperextensions, a vari-

ety of pressing and pulling movements, and core work. To train the shoulder complex, we balance our pushing exercises with pulls. We occasionally superset jumping activities with squats or lunges to help simulate game conditions.

Unless an athlete is injured, we train in a ground-based fashion. Balance, core strength, and spatial awareness all con-

We also spend time in every lifting session doing a full dynamic warmup.

This includes exercises such as leg swings, arm circles, resistive band work, footwork drills, core stabilization, and a series of lightweight exercises designed to strengthen the entire shoulder girdle.

When our athletes first report as freshmen, we put them through a four-

Power is obviously a key to success in volleyball athletes. We build it through Olympic-style lifts that require athletes to go from a low position to a high one very quickly, which simulates the act of executing a powerful spike. tribute to the success of a volleyball athlete, so it is important that she trains in an environment that supports the development of these qualities. All these factors are addressed by combining the use of free weights, triple extension movements, and core stability exercises.

week orientation phase. They learn the basic techniques for the majority of lifts they’ll be performing throughout their training regimens. We use very light weight and full range of motion on our lifts during this phase. We’ve found that by prepping the athletes so thoroughly,

Circle No. 115 Untitled-2 1

COACHING MANAGEMENT 11/1/07 12:27:04 33 PM

Circle No. 116

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

we help them make greater strength and flexibility gains later in their careers.

Important Intangibles When we train, we’re always together as a team. We feel it is vital that athletes learn

Communication is another key part of our success. Head Coach Craig Skinner and I work together on the strength and conditioning program, and he has introduced me to a number of functional flexibility exercises as well as the jump rope

Head Coach Craig Skinner and I work together on the strength and conditioning program ... We respect each other’s opinions as professionals and try to be as creative as possible with our methodology in order to optimize the team’s training environment. to compete against their teammates while simultaneously motivating and encouraging them. It creates the right environment for leadership and personal accountability. When everyone on the team is training at the same time, it’s difficult for an individual to not work to her full potential.

Volleyball is a team sport, and we believe that extends to the strength and conditioning portions of the workout.

routine mentioned earlier. We respect each other’s opinions as professionals and try to be as creative as possible with our methodology in order to optimize the team’s training environment. We communicate on injuries, how hard practices were, and what adjustments need to be made as the team progresses.

Taking the time to educate our athletes is another important factor in

reaching our shared goals. If athletes do not understand the basic concepts of nutrition, recovery, and hydration, they will not see maximum results. We educate our athletes on these points and let them know that they are solely in control of their eating habits, hydration, and recovery. When they are away from the coaching staff, it is up to them to take ownership for themselves and do what’s necessary to be successful.

With the help of this comprehensive strength and conditioning approach, the volleyball team at Kentucky has seen results. Going into the 2007 season, we’ve had limited injuries while enjoying backto-back NCAA Division I tournament appearances. When athletes are provided with a well-designed, thorough program, a national caliber coaching staff, and a strong sense of communication and support, the wins start happening. ■ A version of this article appeared in our sister publication, Training & Conditioning.

More articles in T&C can be found at: www.Training-Conditioning.com.

The Key – Making your body think the weight overload is part of your body.

The Xvest allows for freedom of movement that maximizes Agility, Speed, Quickness or Plyometric programs. The Xvest - Proven in providing contrast and complex training loads for the higher end athletes.

“I have found the Xvest to be an excellent tool for providing overloads in both conditioning and rehabilitation programs. The fit and adaptability are excellent.”

ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTED VEST

Donald A. Chu Ph.D., PT, ATC, CSCS Author: “Jumping into Plyometrics”

t to I f you wLaOnSIVE, P play X e v you ha o trai n t 15% OFF XVEST Discount Code AM0807

!

E V I S O L XP

Available models: 20 lbs 40 lbs 60 lbs 84 lbs

Call 800-697-5658 281-206-2281

Email: sales@TheXvest.com www.TheXvest.com Circle No. 117

Adjustable by 1 lb increments

Here is what the AVCA can do for you: • Receive in-depth analysis and advice on coaching techniques and strategies with Coaching Volleyball magazine • High school and club coaches receive Volleyball Ace Power Tips offering the latest drills, techniques and strategies

Are you passionate?

Are you dedicated?

Are you competitive?

Are you a member?

• Recognize your top players through the AVCA High School All-American program • Become involved in AVCA high school awards and recognition programs including the Victory Club awards for coaches and team academic awards • Continue your professional development through AVCA coaching education programs and seminars

Join the American Volleyball Coaches Association today!

• Attend the AVCA Annual Convention and join the largest gathering of volleyball coaches and vendors in the nation • Keep informed of the latest news, activities and events in the world of volleyball with the electronic newsletter AVCA At the Net • Make your voice heard through the AVCA with representation on legislative and governance issues • And much more!

American Volleyball Coaches Assocation Education. Recognition. Innovation.

For information on membership, please visit www.avca.org or call 866.544.2822.

AVCA Booth No. 136

Volleyball Court Aalco Mfg. 800-537-1259 www.aalcomfg.com

supplier to USA Volleyball. Call today to request a new volleyball catalog.

Circle No. 502

Swingline custom-designed ceiling-suspended volleyball systems are available with electric operation or a wall-mounted manual winch. Internal net height adjustments and convenient folding for overhead storage make this an ideal system for any single- or multi-court facility. A safety catch is standard on all Swingline systems. Custom colors are available, and the system is protected by a 25-year structure warranty. Visit Aalco’s Web site to learn more.

Circle No. 500

Spalding is the official sponsor of the NFHS for volleyball equipment, basketball equipment, and foam-backed carpet for cheerleading.

Spalding manufactures a complete line of qualitydriven basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading equipment, including basketball backstops, backboards, and goals, volleyball systems, protective padding, foam-backed carpet, and accessories.

Circle No. 503

The patented Spikeline system from Aalco allows you to adjust the net while it is at full tension. An internal bevel gear drive mechanism ensures exact net height with the turn of a handle, and the safe, simple worm gear winch design achieves proper net tension every time.

The winch post weighs 48 pounds, and the end post weighs 40 pounds.

The Spikeline system features an outer telescoping design and an anodized aluminum finish. Go online to see this and other quality Aalco volleyball products.

Circle No. 501 Spalding 800-435-3865 www.spaldingequipment.com Spalding manufactures top-quality volleyball equipment for competitive and recreational use. Spalding’s complete volleyball product line includes systems, uprights, referee platforms, pads, nets, and accessories. Spalding is the official volleyball equipment supplier to the NFHS and the official net systems

Bison, Inc. 800-247-7668 www.bisoninc.com Bison’s Lady CarbonMax system sets up at seven feet, 4-1/8 inches (women’s height) only. Its composite carbon fiber standards are incredibly lightweight at only 19 pounds (nonwinch end), yet they equal the rigidity of steel posts that weigh as much as 60 pounds. The standards and 26:1 machined worm gear net tensioning winch have lifetime limited warranties.

The complete system includes standards, a winch, a Kevlar top rope net, a net bag, antennae, net rope covers, floor sockets, safety padding, and padding lettering.

Circle No. 504 No floor sockets? Bison Arena needs absolutely no floor anchors, loose ballast, or extended framework. Arena is totally self-contained, with built-in ballast that allows superior net tensioning and a 100percent guarantee not to slide on any common court flooring. The posts and 26:1 worm gear winch have lifetime limited warranties. The complete system includes two bases, a built-in official’s platform,

a competition net, a net bag, antennae, net rope covers, and safety padding with lettering. Arena meets all NCAA, NFHS, and USVBA standards.

Circle No. 505 Blazer Mfg. Co. 800-322-2731 www.blazerathletic.com Blazer offers a full line of volleyball products. The company’s most popular steel and aluminum power volleyball standards are longlasting and easy to set up. Other great products include Blazer’s Quik N’ EZ Velcro antennae. The Mega cart is strong, durable, and includes a side pocket for storage of your clipboard and other necessities. The Net Winder stores four nets and two pairs of antennae easily and without letting them get tangled up.

Circle No. 506 LeverKnot, LLC 256-880-3636 www.leverknot.com The patented LeverKnot® Volleyball Net Tensioning systems enable coaches and players of all ages to quickly and easily create tight nets for practice and competition.

The VB-6 side tensioning system solves the problems associated with rope and Velcro®, such as stretching or loosening during play, tangling, and breaking.

The VB-BR2C system upgrades nets with a quarter-inch bottom rope. It’s lightweight to resist tangling in the net during storage and comes with covers that won’t get lost.

Circle No. 507

Your source for fundraising tips, support, and suppliers:

www.fundraisingforsports.com COACHING MANAGEMENT

37

Calling Cards

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

Official volleyball and basketball equipment supplier to the NFHS. www.spaldingequipment.com

Manufacturer of portable drinking systems and high-pressure misting systems for more than 10 years. www.outdoorboss.com

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

103. . . Active Ankle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 106. . . Bison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 120. . . Blazer Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 119 . . . Cardinal Publishers Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 105. . . LeverKnot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 108. . . Mateflex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 104. . . Russell Athletic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 107 . . . Schelde North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 102. . . Smack Sportswear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 101 . . . Spalding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 100 . . Spike Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC 121 . . . Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC 113 . . . Sports Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 112 . . . Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 110 . . . TapRecorder/Volleyball ACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 109. . . The Volleyball Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 116 . . . The Volleyball Market (T-Shirts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 115 . . . VertiMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 122 . . . Wilson Sporting Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC 114 . . . Worldwide Sport Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 117 . . . Xvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

A leader in innovative, quality sports training equipment. www.sportsattack.com

Guaranteed accurate net height for the lifetime of your system. www.sportsimports.com

Manufacturer of some of the world’s finest portable beverage dispensers. www.wisstechenterprises.com

An excellent strength-enhancing, power-producing conditioning tool. www.thexvest.com

38

COACHING MANAGEMENT

COMPANY

PAGE NO.

501. . . Aalco (Spikeline system) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 500 . . Aalco (Swingline) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 538 . . Active Ankle (All-Sport Chameleon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 539 . . Active Ankle (Dorsal Night Splint) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 505 . . Bison (Arena) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 504 . . Bison (Lady CarbonMax) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 506 . . Blazer Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 515 . . . Boathouse Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 523. . . Dimensional Software (TapRecorder). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 524. . . Dimensional Software (Volleyball Ace) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 507. . . LeverKnot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 509 . . Mateflex (ProGym) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 508 . . Mateflex (TileFlex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 527. . . Power Systems (Power Base Trainer). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 528. . . Power Systems (Power-Plyo Boxes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 518 . . . Russell Athletic (NXT Compression) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 519 . . . Russell Athletic (Women’s Cap Sleeve) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 510 . . . Schelde North America (Carbon Pro) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 511 . . . Schelde North America (Collegiate 4000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 516 . . . Smack Sportswear (Low-Rise short) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 517 . . . Smack Sportswear (warmup) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 503 . . Spalding (NFHS official sponsor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 502 . . Spalding (volleyball equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 520. . . Spike Voleyball (Matrix Zeus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 529 . . Spike Volleyball (Ichiban volleyballs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 531. . . Sports Attack (Attack II Volleyball Machine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 530 . . Sports Attack (Attack Volleyball Machine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 512 . . . Sports Imports (Stealth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 513 . . . Sports Imports (upright pads) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 532 . . Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 522. . . The Volleyball Market (Asics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 521. . . The Volleyball Market (Budget Saver) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 525. . . VertiMax (PLUS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 526. . . VertiMax (V6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 534 . . Wilson (i-COR Power Touch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 533 . . Wilson (Intelligent Core) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 540 . . Wish Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 514 . . . Worldwide Sport Supply (Cart) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 535 . . Worldwide Sport Supply (Target Challenger) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 537. . . Xvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 536 . . Xvest (TurboBells). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Volleyball Court Matéflex 800-926-3539 www.mateflex.com Matéflex, a leading manufacturer of modular flooring, offers the TileFlex™ solid-top tile for basketball, aerobics, and multi-use sports facilities.

TileFlex is unique because its highquality luxury vinyl tiles fit neatly into a base module to form a single snap-together unit.

A popular wood grain look is available for gymnasium applications. The base features a specially designed raised rim that protects the insert from chipping and other damage. TileFlex is made of highimpact polypropylene and has hundreds of support pegs that raise the tile above the existing floor to allow for airflow.

Circle No. 508 Matéflex offers a unique interlocking modular surface for volleyball flooring needs. ProGym™ features a solid-top design for indoor sports applications.

It has a smooth, solid surface for player safety and excellent traction. It is available in 16 standard colors for good court definition. Made from a specially formulated high-impact polypropylene, ProGym provides outstanding resiliency and durability. It is manufactured by the oldest American maker of modular sports tiles, and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Circle No. 509 Schelde North America 888-SCHELDE www.scheldesports.com The Schelde Carbon Pro volleyball net system, constructed with a wound carbon-fiber tube, provides the ultimate combination of optimum rigidity and ultra light-

weight performance. The system features spring-assisted telescoping posts with an adjustable base and pin-set net height settings, plus Schelde’s exclusive high-torque beveled-gear winch and four-point net connection system.

The unit is designed to be set up by one person in five minutes or less. The posts and winch carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Circle No. 510 The Schelde Collegiate 4000 telescopic volleyball system represents the latest refinements in Schelde innovation.

Spring-assisted telescoping posts allow you to quickly set net heights for various levels of play while keeping the net aligned with the top of the post. The system includes Schelde’s exclusive high-torque beveled-gear winch and four-point net connection system. The unit is designed to be set up by one person in five minutes or less. The posts and winch carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Circle No. 511

encloses all volleyball uprights in a triangle of two-inch thick vinyl-covered safety foam. The Velcro™ straps ensure simple, consistent closure and easy setup. The unique three-sided design allows use with adjoining courts. Go online today to see samples.

Circle No. 513 Worldwide Sport Supply 800-756-3555 www.wwsport.com The Net Winder/Antenna Cart storage system allows for tangle-free net storage and easy setup. The unique horizontal orientation makes net system teardowns simple and more efficient. The net stays in a rolled position until the next use without unraveling or tangling.

This sturdy system is capable of storing up to four nets and two pairs of antennas. Call for pricing and a shipping quote.

Circle No. 514

Sports Imports 800-556-3198 www.sportsimports.com Sports Imports has raised the bar again with Stealth, Senoh’s lightweight carbon upright. The Senoh Stealth volleyball upright is the first competition net system to feature aerospace composite technology. It provides an unbelievably lightweight competition net system with three times the strength and deflection of aluminum. This unit weighs 26 pounds and fits all three-inch sleeves. It also adapts to all other sleeves without compromise.

Circle No. 512 Show your team spirit. Now you can personalize your upright pads with any combination of name and logo on one of 10 vinyl colors. Sports Imports’ sleek yet simple pad design Circle No. 119 COACHING MANAGEMENT Untitled-1 1

39

10/3/07 4:43:42 PM

Company Q&A

27 Years of Innovation in Orthotic Treatment George Gauvry is the founder of Cho-Pat and the person behind the development of all the company’s products. He continues to play an important role in the company’s growth as the Director of Research and Development and as a respondent to the medical questions and needs of Cho-Pat’s customers.

Please tell our readers a little about Cho-Pat. Cho-Pat’s philosophy is to provide the ultimate in support devices—devices that are specific, effective, and dependable. I started the company in 1980 and used the principles of orthotics—the clinical treatment of injuries and deformities involving the musculoskeletal system—to create our first support device, the original ChoPat Knee Strap.

As a long-distance runner, I had developed a kneecap disorder known as runner’s knee. As I was not able to find anything in the marketplace specifically for that disorder, I decided, using my background, to make a device that would allow me to stay active.

My design for the original Knee Strap uses the force of compression upon the patellar tendon below the kneecap to stabilize and strengthen the joint and alleviate various symptoms associated with degenerative knees and inflammation/tendonitis of the kneecap. The idea for the Knee Strap eventually helped to revolutionize the treatment of certain knee disorders, and was rewarded with U.S. and Canadian patents for its design and mechanics. This treatment for chondromalacia patella also became the basis for the company’s name.

What distinguishes Cho-Pat from other companies in the sports medicine field?

Cho-Pat P.O. Box 293 Hainesport, NJ 08036 800-221-1601 Fax: 609-261-7593 sales@cho-pat.com www.cho-pat.com

40

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Today, Cho-Pat is recognized as a leader when it comes to innovation, effectiveness, quality, and dependability. Since the introduction of the Knee Strap, ChoPat has championed new concepts for the treatment of common anatomical and biomedical conditions such as shin

splints, bicipital/tricipital tendonitis, tennis elbow, lower-back pain, Achilles tendonitis, subluxation of the kneecap, and iliotibial band syndrome (ITB).

Cho-Pat distributes and sells its American-made products in the U.S., Canada, and everywhere else in the world. Its wide acceptance and endorsement by medical professionals, physical therapists, athletic trainers, professional athletes, and active individuals reflects the company’s reputation for effectiveness, integrity, history, and strong customer service.

What can you tell our readers about the Dual Action Knee Strap?

It’s Cho-Pat’s most popular product.

The Dual Action Knee Strap builds on the successful foundation of the original Knee Strap. First, it applies pressure to the tendon below the knee to reduce patellar subluxation and improve patellar tracking and elevation. Then, by adding pressure to the tendon above the knee, the strap further strengthens and provides an additional level of support and stability for the joint. Like the original Knee Strap, the Dual Action Knee Strap has received a U.S. patent because of its unique attributes.

How can our readers learn more about Cho-Pat products?

Our Web site provides descriptions, pictures, and sizing for each of our products, as well as basic information about various ailments and suggested Cho-Pat products. People can also contact ChoPat customer service by phone to speak with our knowledgeable representatives.

Uniforms & Apparel Boathouse Sports 800-875-1883 www.boathouse.com

Russell Athletic 678-742-8722 www.russellathleticteamsports.com

The Volleyball Market 866-999-3004 www.VolleyballMarket.com

The Sacrifice jersey features tech mesh—an incredible alternative to standard mesh. It has been tested to withstand the harshest punishment, it’s lighter in weight, and it is capable of wicking away moisture almost twice as fast as ordinary mesh. The Sacrifice is sleeveless and has a self collar with a V-neck sublimated into the design. Three sublimated placements are included in the price.

Circle No. 515

The NXT Compression full-body compression shirt is made from an ultralightweight Dri-Power™ fabric with Ventilator technology and sheer mesh panels that add breathability. The tight fit is cut for maximum comfort and feels like a second layer of skin.

Circle No. 518

The Volleyball Market’s exclusive Budget Saver custom teamwear program has been expanded. The program utilizes durable, heavyweight 100-percent cotton T-shirts and cozy fleece that’s screen printed in your team colors.

For as little as $9.97 per player, you can outfit your team in two-color Match Ts, which include the team name and consecutive four-inch to six-inch numbers on the front and back. Team or practice T-shirts run as low as $3.97 for a one-color print on a white body, $4.97 on a gray body, or just $5.97 on a colored body.

Team fleece hoodies are available for just $19.47 with a one-color print. Camp T-shirts based on classic template designs are available for as little as $3.97 with a one-color print, or $5.97 with a two- or three-color print. Coming soon is a line of team bags and backpacks that will cost as little as $18.97 and include your team name.

Circle No. 521

Smack Sportswear 866-SMACK-88 www.SmackSportswear.com This state-of-the-art short is Smack’s most popular product. The Low-Rise short can be custom ordered with any length inseam and a standard rise, if preferred. It comes with a 1.5-inch elastic waistband that can be flipped down for an even lower rise. It has a lined horizontal crotch panel for comfort.

Made of 90/10 BodyCare micro-poly/ Lycra moisture-management fabric, it is available in black, navy, red, maroon, purple, brown, gold, and more, and in sizes from XXXS to XXXL. Circle No. 516 Your girls won’t believe how comfortable they feel in this warmup from Smack Sportswear.

It’s a semi-fitted jacket made of high-tech micro-poly/spandex that stretches for ease of movement. The moisture-management fabric wicks moisture away from the body to keep athletes cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool.

This product is available in a variety of colors and prints to match your unique style, and in sizes from XXXS to XXXL. Circle No. 517

For 2007, Russell Athletic has created a new Women’s Cap Sleeve volleyball jersey. This jersey has contrasting side panels, a diamond neck patch and shoulder insert, and a mandarin collar to give it a more feminine silhouette. The Dri-Power™ fabrication allows the wearer to say cooler and drier while competing.

Circle No. 519 Spike Volleyball 800-SPIKE-IT www.spikevolleyball.com Spike Volleyball offers the exclusive Matrix Zeus fitting sleeveless jersey.

This revolutionary jersey has highperformance Adrenaline fabric for a perfect fit and feel. It’s a great look for every school team, club team, and camp.

Team pricing for 12 or more units is just $19.99 each. Uniform packages are available for as low as $34.99. More than 20,000 jerseys are now in stock.

Circle No. 520

The Volleyball Market, known as one of America’s premier volleyball authorities, has joined with Asics America to present the Asics Spring 2008 volleyball line. This line features two new jerseys and one new short for men (BT801 Rotation jersey, BT802 Attacker jersey, BT880 Player 10 short); three new volleyball jerseys for women (BT850 Setter jersey, BT851 Assist jersey, BT750 Salima Long Sleeve jersey); a new warmup in both men’s and women’s sizes (Hurdle jacket/pant); a new Team Micro Fleece jacket (YT813); and an outstanding new volleyball shoe (GEL-VolleyCross) available for both men and women in seven different color combinations. For complete details, including available colors, introductor y team pricing, special programs for colleges, and availability dates, contact the Volleyball Market today. Be sure to ask about the company’s exclusive free sample evaluation program.

Circle No. 522

COACHING MANAGEMENT

41

Team Equipment Dimensional Software 877-223-8225 www.ace4vb.com The TapRecorder version 2.01 for Palm and Pocket PCs adds functionality and Pocket PC-compatibility to this revolutionary handheld software tool from Dimensional Software. Combined with PracticeStats™ templates for volleyball, the TapRecorder is an excellent tool for recording and summarizing information right on the court. Customized TapRecorder applications quickly and easily record the data you need. This flexibility allows you to track counts and ratings. It also lets you monitor performance on practice drills and selected stats during scrimmages.

Circle No. 523 Volleyball Ace version 6.20 for Palm and Pocket PC handhelds adds several new features to this popular volleyball stats program from Dimensional Software. It includes per-game and summary stats, box scores, serve and pass ratings, points per rotation, and hit charts.

New features include desktop setup of rosters and matches, automated data uploads for MaxPreps, NAIA, and NJCAA reporting, scrollable play-by-play logs, and beaming to share rosters and stats. The stats automatically upload to a Windows PC (Vista compatible) or Macintosh for printing and further analysis.

Circle No. 524 Genetic Potential 800-699-5867 www.vertimax.com A new low-load, velocity-specific training system is now available for developing explosive power.

The VertiMax PLUS series is a revolutionary advancement in functional, sport-specific training to improve vertical jump and speed.

42

COACHING MANAGEMENT

It’s unique because it is capable of loading multiple body locations simultaneously while the athlete performs hitting, blocking, and digging motions at high speeds. This is a more efficient way to fully develop any volleyball player’s athletic potential to maximize performance on the court. The VertiMax training system is used by almost a third of all NCAA Division I colleges and is strongly endorsed by many NFL, NBA, and Division I head coaches.

Circle No. 525 The new VertiMax V6 is a revolutionary advancement in functional and sportspecific training to improve volleyball game performance. It delivers superior training results by applying asynchronous loading to the arms and legs while the athlete performs explosive sport-specific drills such as hitting, blocking, and digging. Visit VertiMax’s Web site for more details and to read testimonials from satisfied customers.

Circle No. 526 Power Systems 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com Train more athletes in the same amount of time with the new Power Base Trainer from Power Systems. This anchoring system eliminates the need for a partner when training solo or in a group, performing forward, backward, lateral, vertical, or jumping movements.

Load the Power Base Trainer with weight plates (minimum of 90 pounds) and train up to four athletes by attaching the fully sheathed resistance tubing to the four welded metal loops on top.

A non-skid bottom keeps the unit in place on smooth surfaces. The Power Base Trainer is available with one or two Power Builders and additional belts.

Circle No. 527 With a stable square frame and a large landing area, Premium Power-Plyo Boxes from Power Systems are the solid choice for plyometric training for

all sizes of athletes. The reinforced platform is covered with an extra-thick 1/8-inch solid rubber mat, and all perimeter corners are rounded for safety. The boxes are available in 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30-inch heights and can be used indoors or out. They’re also stackable for easy, clutter-free storage.

Circle No. 528 Spike Volleyball 800-SPIKE-IT www.spikevolleyball.com Spike Volleyball is your exclusive source for Ichiban volleyballs. They feature super-soft composite leather for camp, instructional, recreational, or competitive use. These volleyballs are available in black, navy, royal, red, and pink. As a coaches’ special, you can buy five Ichiban balls and get the sixth free.

Ichiban volleyballs are now in stock at Spike Volleyball—your source for everything volleyball.

Circle No. 529 Sports Attack 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com If the jump ser ve is the challenge in your game, the Attack Volleyball Machine is the answer.

It offers extreme ball control at internationallevel speeds. National, college, and club teams can all benefit from the Attack’s power ful gamesimulating repetition of drills from floaters to jump ser ve receiving to digging, spiking, passing, and setting, all delivered from a realistic over-the-net (men’s) release point.

Circle No. 530 The Attack II Volleyball Machine from Sports Attack has a unique design that provides complete ball control, unlimited spins, and professional-level

Team Equipment speeds. Drills from floaters to jump ser ve receiving to digging, spiking, passing, and setting incorporate a realistic over-the-net (women’s) release point at non-stop game tempo. Make ever y minute of ever y practice effective. The Attack II is a leading seller among volleyball machines worldwide.

Circle No. 531 Sports Tutor 800-448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com Both the Gold and Silver models of the Volleyball Tutor can vary ball trajectory and speed to produce any desired set or pass while delivering serves at speeds up to 60 mph. The Gold model can

automatically throw six volleyballs at intervals ranging from five to 20 seconds. The unit is completely portable and is available with either AC or battery power. The Silver model’s release point is 5-1/2 feet high, and it features a separate dial to control the amount of topspin and underspin. Volleyball Tutor models start under $1,000.

Circle No. 532 Wilson Sporting Goods 773-714-6400 www.wilson.com New for 2007, Wilson® Intelligent Core (i-COR) indoor volleyballs react to the task at hand, delivering optimal control for passing and digging, and total speed for closing the deal. Developed with the help of Wilson advisory staff members and top college programs, i-COR volleyballs excel at the highest levels of play, with unrivaled performance, touch, and durability. The i-COR High

Performance ball features a full-grain leather cover and is available in white, red/blue, and blue/silver.

Circle No. 533 The i-COR™ Power Touch from Wilson is a top-quality volleyball that offers the perfect balance of control and power. It was developed with elite volleyball players in mind and engineered to allow optimal passing and digging. The i-COR Power Touch has a micro-fiber composite leather cover and is available in white, black, green, navy, orange, purple, royal, scarlet, and red/blue.

Circle No. 534

Check out

www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

Circle No. 120 COACHING MANAGEMENT Untitled-2 1

3/21/07 10:07:00 AM

43

Team Equipment Worldwide Sport Supply 800-756-3555 www.wwsport.com Worldwide Sport Supply provides various training tools for your players. The Target Challenger offers a fresh new approach for training both individual and team ball-handling skills. The large target ring creates a great visual for players and can easily be adjusted for varying heights and ball angles. It’s great for teaching platform angle passing and setter consistency. It also includes a catch net for more continuous repetitions and independent practice.

Circle No. 535 Xvest 800-697-5658 www.thexvest.com Adjustable Xvest TurboBells are a new product from the maker of Xvest. They replace a room full of dumbbells and are engineered so the weights can

Web News be adjusted from five pounds to 60 pounds in just seconds, giving athletes complete control of their workout. The economical Xvest TurboBells have large easy-grip rubberized handles and come with a specially designed stand.

The manufacturer is offering them at an introductory price of $349, plus free shipping—saving you more than $270.

Circle No. 536 The Xvest is currently used by and has redefined training and fitness protocols for most, if not all, MLB teams, as well as teams in the NFL and NBA and at many colleges and universities. The Xvest also has a reputation for being one of the most used training products by U.S. Olympic programs. The Xvest can be utilized with most training protocols and activities. It will not move, migrate, or bounce, enabling you to take your training to the extreme.

Circle No. 537

Online Shopping and Detailed Product Info from Cho-Pat Cho-Pat’s Web site provides visitors with descriptions, pictures, and sizing information for all of the company’s unique spor ts medical products. The online catalog gives customers a comprehensive review of each product to help them determine which device is appropriate for each unique situation. In addition, comments and testimonials from Cho-Pat customers offer additional background on the purpose of Cho-Pat’s products and their effectiveness. Visitors can make purchases online, or use the available contact information to reach someone at Cho-Pat for comments, questions, or purchases.

www.cho-pat.com

More Products Active Ankle® 800-800-2896 www.getchameleon.com Ankle protection isn’t black and white anymore. With the new All-Sport Chameleon™ from Active Ankle®, athletes can choose from eight bright interchangeable strap covers that come with each brace. The solid U-shaped frame ensures maximum strength, while the molded, fabric-lined EVA padding provides lightweight comfort. The All-Sport Chameleon offers great style with the same great protection that has made Active Ankle one of the top brace manufacturers in the industry. For more information, visit the company online.

Circle No. 538

44

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Is heel pain a problem for your athletes? The Dorsal Night Splint by Active Ankle is an effective way to comfortably relieve the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Designed to hold the foot in a neutral position, it prevents contracture, supports the arch, and allows for proper healing. It’s easy to wear, so your athletes will wear it for longer periods of time. As a result, they’ll experience better results more quickly, and soon be back to performing at their best.

Circle No. 539

Wish Publishing 800-296-0481 www.wishpublishing.com In The Female Athlete: Reach for Victory, by Matt Brzycki, Jason Galluci, Tom Kelso, Sam Knopik, John Rinaldo, and Scott Savor, six experts in the field of strength training and athlete development have created a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to improving female athletic performance. This book includes chapters on individualizing your workout to work best for you, and manual resistance—the weight training technique that doesn’t require weights.

Circle No. 540

with The Attack Volleyball Machine • Powerful, realistic, top speed, Jump Serves • Consistent breaking topspins and floaters • Controlled repetition in all digging, spiking, setting, tipping, serving, passing and blocking drills • Realistic over-the-net ball release point As proven by our extensive customer list of top volleyball programs, The Attack is the #1 selling machine in the world!

P.O. Box 1529 · 2805 U.S. 40 · Verdi, Nevada 89439 toll free 800.717.4251 · ph 775.345.2882 · fx 775.345.2883

www.sportsattack.com Circle No. 121

AVCA Booth No. 309, 311

5HUIRUPDQFH INSIDE OUT INTRODUCING WILSON

ÂŽ

THE NEW STANDARD FOR PERFORMANCE INDOOR GAME BALLS

Featuring NEW Intelligent Core Construction™ (i-COR) that reacts to the task at hand–delivering optimal control for passing and digging, and total speed for closing the deal. The New Wilson i-COR is chosen by top collegiate programs like UCLA and Notre Dame for its unrivaled performance, touch, and durability.

Š2006 Wilson Sporting Goods. W and Wilson are registered trademarks and i-COR is a trademark of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. AVP is a registered trademark of AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.

AVCA Booth No. 128

Circle No. 122