On-Court Communication Laurie Eisler, Pandas Volleyball
Noise vs Communication Communication is learned (volleyball is different) Communication needs to be trained (must be part of your practice/drills) Communication needs to be warmed up (no ear buds; ball up?) There is no screeching in volleyball Communication is meaningful sharing of information Quantity vs quality of communication (ya, ya, ya vs high ball)
Communication through the Cycle of Action First Contact/pass coverage/Set and Attack/Attack Coverage Server characteristics/tendencies Drive/drop; whose ball? In/out 2nd contact – 3 vs 2 or 1 Setter/hitter communication related to timing/quality of pass Communication to hitter regarding block/defense
Communication through the Cycle of Action Defense Preparation/Defense Share what we know: Setter front row/back row Share knowledge of opponent tactics Identify quality of pass (over/tight/off) Read setter/attack approach Identify type of set and quality (inside/outside, over/tight/off) Read attacker Read and react to attack – communicate where necessary
Communication Between Rallies The ‘Competitive Process’: emotional reaction/analysis and correction/re-set Does type of feedback matter? (ie technical vs tactical correction) What is the purpose of the ‘huddle’? What are the unintended consequences/challenges of the ‘huddle’?
Communication Between Rallies – Point scored…
Communication Between Rallies – Point Lost
Communication Between Rallies – Point Lost
In Match Coach-Athlete Communication
In Match Coach-Athlete Communication You are always communicating – what do you want your athletes to ‘hear/see’? Power of body language Power of your words – what is the dominant thought that you are presenting to the athletes? Are they really girls/boys? Are they guys? Are they ladies/gentlemen? Are they women/men? Who do you coach???
Captain/Players – Officials Communication Teach captains to communicate appropriately with officials – they are your voice Sell the call or be credible? Respect/integrity/humanity