In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Team Germany's Head Coach Andrea Giani to discuss his legendary career,  transitioning from middle blocker to wing spiker, sideout offense and much more. 

 

(1:33) - Please share any volleyball resources you like on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @FTFCpodcast or via email [email protected]

 

(2:51) - Andrea's bio

 

(6:36) - According to John Barrett, why is Andrea's character such an integral part to his success as an athlete and a coach?

 

(8:18) - How did Andrea successfully transition from middle blocker to left side at the highest level?

 

(12:19) - Did Andrea prefer playing middle blocker or left side?

 

(13:39) - Does coach Giani believe it would still be possible to switch position at the international level today given the more specialized nature of the game?

 

(14:52) - Why was Andrea so effective at siding out as a wing spiker?

 

(19:57) - What kind of goals in regards to sideout does coach Giani set for his team?

Germany-Serbia Match Statistics (coach Giani's spreadsheet)

Germany-Serbia Sideout Efficiency (coach Giani's spreadsheet)

 

(23:30) - Why is coach Giani concerned with overall sideout efficiency compared to first ball sideout percentage on good receptions?

 

(24:23) - How can Team Germany close the gap between overall sideout efficiency and first ball sideout percentage?

 

(26:45) - What is the desired first ball sideout percentage according to coach Giani?

 

(28:25) - Is the sideout efficiency usually higher receiving float serves or spin serves?

 

(30:20) - How do the sideout statistics influence Andrea to develop his offensive system and individual objectives?

 

(34:28) - Does coach Giani share these numbers with his athletes?

 

(36:40) - With the VNL format, is there time to make adjustments between matches?

 

(38:03) - What are specific technical points coach looks for when receiving float serves?

 

(40:40) - How does Andrea manage momentum in games within the sideout offense context, and more specifically in regards to problematic rotations?

 

(43:30) - Why does coach Giani deeply value responsability and accountability of each player on the court?

 

(51:30) - What topics are discussed with the setter when preparing a game plan for a match?

 

(55:10) - How does coach Giani train serve receive, setter decision making and transition offense in practice?

 

(59:11) - What challenges will Team Canada present to Team Germany tonight in regards to sideout?