From The First Chair Podcast

In this guestless episode, Frank & Thierry share their top 10 tips for championship season.

 

(0:48) - How is Frank feeling about his 18U boys team's upcoming championship season?

 

(1:57) - #10 - Keep some room in your practice planning for block training.

 

(4:06) - #9 - Watch next level playoff volleyball online.

OVA YouTube Channel

OUA TV

 

(7:30) - #8 - Focusing more or monitoring more closely off court factors like sleep, nutrition, hydration, etc.

 

(9:11) - #7 - Organize a team building activity.

 

(12:04) - #6 - Watch more game videos and use the freeze frame method.

 

(15:48) - #5 - Level up the mental preparation segment of your program.

 

(18:01) - #4 - More is not necessarily better.

 

(19:54) - #3 - Have individual meetings right at the beginning of championship season.

 

(24:49) - #2 - Get creative with practice planning.

 

(34:34) - #1 - Run primarily championship season drills.

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Maverick Volleyball Coach Paul Rainville to discuss the benefits of unorganized sports, the value and challenges with a centre approach, the Can Am Holiday Volleyball Showcase and much more.

 

(1:21) - Was Paul a two sport athlete at Laurentian University?

 

(2:20) - What lead Paul to choose volleyball over many other sports and become a coach?

 

(4:39) - Why does coach Rainville believe unorganized sports played a huge role in his upbringing?

 

(6:00) - Is unorganized play less frequent nowadays?

 

(7:33) - Was being a gym teacher or a coach always Paul's long term plan?

 

(8:43) - Why does coach Rainville particularly enjoy working with younger age groups?

 

(10:40) - How is the season going so far with the 14U boys Bandits and Renegades?

 

(11:39) - What is the most enjoyable part of coaching at that age group?

 

(12:36) - Having been involved with various centre approach, what are some of coach Rainville thoughts on the concept?

 

(15:01) - What is the key to a successful centre approach?

 

(15:55) - Why should other age groups or other clubs with large cohorts start using the centre approach?

 

(16:48) - How can a parent better support his child involved with a centre approach? 

 

(17:38) - What is the process behind producing rosters, moving athletes around when necessary?

 

(21:35) - What are some typical issues coach Rainville has faced with the centre approach and what solutions does he recommend?

 

(24:13) - How is the final decision on the end of season rosters communicated with athletes and parents?

 

(27:11) - As a symposium participant and a spectator, what are Paul's thoughts on the inaugural Can Am Holiday Volleyball Showcase?

 

(29:29) - Was there a big difference in playing style between the american and canadian teams?

 

(31:40) - What are some key takeaways for coach Rainville in regards to the symposium?

 

(33:30) - Get your feet to the ball and push to 6

 

(35:20) - Above the Line from Urban Meyer and Wayne Coffey; no BCE

 

(36:10) - 10/80/10

 

(37:30) - Controlables: attitude, communication & effort

 

(38:42) - Events + response = outcome

 

(39:09) - Play whistle to whistle

 

(40:00) - Air volleyball

 

(41:54) - Importance of steady head level, non midline contact and platform angle on passing

 

(47:05) - Setters staying in their invisible cylinder, square up to the long set

 

(48:15) - Will the event be back next year?

 

(49:25) - What is one of coach Rainville's favorite resource?

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Rick & Dick Hoyt

Backwards Bike by Destin Sandlin

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Maverick Volleyball Coach John Salem to discuss the rewards and challenges of coaching younger female athletes, the technical and tactical development of his teams, the application of LTAD and much more.

 

(0:39) - How is the season going so far for the 14U Outlaws?

 

(1:02) - After being an assistant coach during his daughter's club career, why did coach Salem decide to work with the younger teams?

 

(3:11) - Why does John believe 13U girls is better suited for his personality?

 

(5:42) - Why does coach Salem remain at the younger age groups?

 

(6:58) - Is coaching at 13U girls simpler?

 

(8:09) - What are some of the typical issues a 13U coach will face?

 

(10:01) - How do you develop the attitude to go for the ball aggressively at a very young age?

 

(12:12) - What is John's approach with athletes that perhaps lack the physical strength to execute a skill properly?

 

(14:14) - Does Thierry share the same vision with his grade 8 school team?

 

(15:00) - What are some of the challenges coach Salem is facing at 14U?

 

(17:44) - What are John's thoughts on LTAD? Is it appropriate for his 13U/14U setting?

LTAD 2.1 (2017)

LTAD in Sports and Physical Activity 3.0 (2019)

Volleyball for Life (2006)

 

(19:15) - How does coach Salem educate parents about the LTAD approach?

 

(20:34) - What stats are tracked at the 13U/14U level and how are they utilized?

iStatVball 2

 

(25:00) - How can a rookie coach at the 12U-14U level apply some LTAD principles?

 

(29:10) - What are coach Salem's goals when working with a 13U/14U team?

 

(33:09) - How does John deal with the pressure of winning early in the season to move up to the top tiers?

 

(36:55) - What strategies does coach Salem prioritize when it comes to setting lineups?

 

(39:30) - What systems does John use with his team and how does he progress from one to another during the season?

 

(44:01) - What are some of coach Salem's thoughts in regards to serve receive formation?

 

(46:27) - When playing up at the 14U level, does John teach and use different systems given there are no restrictions?

 

(48:00) - Given the system restriction for the first event at 14U, how will coach Salem evolve the team systems during the season?

 

(52:24) - What are some books, podcasts, videos or online resources that John recommends?

The Talent Code

The Little Book of Talent

In this guestless episode, Frank & Thierry discuss recent club highlights, some international successes, how to help school and club ball athletes and much more. 

 

(0:40) - Check out recent episodes

Episode 45 - Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation with Melissa Healy

Episode 46 - Broaden Your Horizon with John Spack

Episode 48 - Growing the Maverick Volleyball Club, Being a Builder and Financial Literacy with Greg Skotnicki

Episode 49 - Injury Prevention Through Proper Athlete Development with Jason McCullagh and Nick Haince

Épisode 47 (FR) - Les leçons de vie d'une carrière légendaire avec Paul Gratton

Épisode 51 (FR) - L'optimisation de la relation entraîneur-athlète et la préparation tactique défensive avec Gino Brousseau

 

(0:55) - What are some recent volleyball highlights that need to be mentioned?

@mavsvball & @kw_predators_volleyball training together

MVC donating to Diabeties Canada

Passin Dimes Podcast

Northern Ontario Sport Summit

CanAm Volleyball Holiday Showcase

 

(6:30) - What are some of Frank's highlights in regard to the Northern Ontario Sport Summit?

 

(14:25) - Why is it a great time for volleyball in Canada?

 

(19:27) - What are some thoughts on the NORCECA Men's Tokyo Qualification Tournament? 

CBC stream of NORCECA Men's Tokyo Qualification Tournament

 

(25:43) - Why is Canada so successful on the international scene presently?

 

(29:30) - What does all this success represent for athletes and coaches at the club level?

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

Volleyball Source YouTube Channel - CanAm Playlist

 

(32:10) - Should athletes participate in both school and club volleyball?

 

(37:32) - How can coaches manage better the overlap of school and club seasons?

Dans cet épisode, Frank et Thierry accueillent Gino Brousseau, olympien, entraîneur adjoint de l'équipe nationale masculine, entraîneur adjoint à l'Université de Laval et membre du Temple de la  Renommée de Volleyball Québec et Volleyball Canada, pour discuter de sa carrière légendaire de volleyball, sa transition d'athlète à entraîneur, l'optimisation de la relation entraîneur-athlète et la préparation tactique défensive.

 

(0:54) - Comment vont les préparatifs pour le tournoi de qualification olympique?

 

(2:18) - Comment est-ce possible de préparer un plan de match contre une équipe inactive dernièrement étant donné que les joueurs sont avec leur équipe professionnelle respective?

 

(3:04) - Quels sont les objectifs pour un camp d'entraînement de courte durée?

 

(4:10) - Comment les joueurs de l'équipe arrivent à maintenir ou même améliorer la forme compte tenu d'un calendrier si chargé?

 

(7:05) - Étant un olympien qui a participé à trois tournois de qualification, quels sont les souvenirs qui ont particulièrement marqué Gino le volleyeur?

 

(8:38) - Comment est-ce que Gino a commencé à pratiquer le volleyball?

 

(9:57) - Comment est-ce que Gino a réussi à jouer 4 positions différentes pendant sa carrière universitaire?

 

(12:15) - Est-ce que Gino a joué plusieurs positions avec l'équipe nationale aussi?

 

(14:00) - Comment s'est déroulé la carrière professionnelle de Gino en France et au Japon?

 

(16:00) - Quels sont les conseils de Gino en relation à établir des relations de mentorat?

 

(18:56) - Quels ont été les entraîneurs qui ont particulièrement marqué Gino?

 

(22:47) - À quel moment est-ce que Gino a contemplé la carrière d'entraîneur et comment est-ce que sa progression jusqu'à l'équipe nationale s'est produite?

 

(29:45) - Comment est-ce que Gino a développé sa combativité de joueur? Comment est-ce qu'un entraîneur peut développer la combativité de ses athlètes?

 

(34:42) - Comment est-ce que Gino l'entraîneur réussit à établir des relations humaines saines et chaleureuses avec ses athlètes?

 

(38:50) - Comment est-ce que coach Brousseau développe un plan de match au niveau de la dimension contre-défensive?

 

(45:00) - Quand et comment faire des ajustements tactiques pendant le match? 

 

(47:15) - Quelle approche est-ce que coach Brousseau recommande lorsqu'une équipe affronte un adversaire à multiples reprises dans une même saison?

 

(49:18) - Quels sont les conseils de Gino pour une équipe qui participe à un tournoi à plusieurs matches dans une courte période de temps?

 

(52:36) - Qu'est-ce que Gino priorise au niveau des stratégies au service?

 

(57:20) - Quels seraient les bénéfices d'avoir des émissions en ligne de pré-match et post-match?

 

(59:30) - Comment est-ce que Gino enseigne les habiletés de plongeon et de poursuite en défensive pour développer le goût de défendre sans peur?

 

(62:42) - Comment est-ce que l'entraîneur peut établir une relation plus significative et développer plus rapidement la nouvelle génération d'athlètes branchés technologiquement?

 

(69:03) - Bon succès lors de la qualification olympique à Vancouver du 10 au 12 janvier 2020.

In this episode, Frank welcomes Team Canada Assistant Coach Dan Lewis to discuss the National Excellence Program, his illustrious career, the requirements to being a great libero, drill design and much more.

 

(1:35) - How is training going with the National Excellence Program?

 

(3:17) - What could school, club and provincial team coaches do to help athletes better develop structural tolerance?

 

(5:20) - What is the make up of the athletes at the NEP this year?

 

(9:33) - What type of sports did Dan play growing up?

Finland Prevails at WJC, Continuing Tradition of Punching Above Weight

La finlande prouve que la compétence est plus forte que le nombre (French article)

 

(12:30) - How did Dan's early success in University impact his athletic development?

 

(15:30) - Why is competition with your teammates a very good thing?

 

(18:44) - How did Dan turn pro early and how did it go early on?

 

(22:53) - What kind of beach experience did Dan accumulate over the years and how did it help him be a better volleyball player?

 

(29:45) - How did Dan transition to the libero position?

Episode 26 with LP Mainville

 

(32:22) - How did the libero position grow on Dan over time?

 

(33:34) - How can you teach an athlete to embrace defence?

 

(35:11) - What are the key elements a good libero must possess?

 

(40:50) - Why is it so important for a libero to be a good line digger?

 

(42:34) - What are the key points to a good hand pass?

FIVB Technical Videos - Libero in Action

 

(49:44) - How much arm push and wrist action should be used to hand pass?

 

(51:23) - What are the key points to a good forearm pass?

 

(58:07) - Are defenders too active pre-contact?

 

(64:01) - Did Dan do a lot of deviated ball digging during training sessions as a libero?

 

(70:02) - When did Dan realize he was also passionate about coaching?

 

(74:22) - How did a short beach coaching stint impact Dan's coaching style?

 

(76:50) - How can meditation and defining your values help you to grow as a coach?

 

(79:50) - What is the biggest life lesson coach Lewis learned from his father?

 

(83:48) - What are some lessons learned in regards to planning working with some great volleyball minds like Glenn Hoag and Stephane Antiga?

Probability of Skill Transfer to Game

 

(90:13) - How has becoming a father helped Dan become a better coach?

2 Year Old on Strider Balance Bike

 

(94:58) - How is Team Canada preparing for the last Olympic qualifying tournament?

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Strength Coaches Jason McCullagh and Nick Haince to discuss the rise in volleyball injuries, LTAD, sport specialization, athlete wellness and much more.

 

(0:50) - Why is another strength and conditioning topic discussed on a volleyball podcast?

Volleyball Faces an Epidemic That is Hurting the Sport

 

(1:40) - Nick's bio 

Episode 5 - Physical Preparation with Nick Haince

 

(2:10) - What was the impact of producing the initial podcast on physical preparation?

@capital_strength_ts

 

(3:45) - Jason's bio

@coachmccullagh

 

(4:05) - Why is coach McCullagh still providing some services to the Maverick Volleyball Club while now residing in the GTA?

 

(5:00) - As Jason is the instigator of the MVC off season strength conditioning program, how does he view its evolution over time?

 

(7:55) - What is Jason's and Nick's connection?

 

(8:50) - How does coach McCullagh perceive the growth of the SC program with MVC up to this point?

 

(11:14) - How many athletes are now training off season?

 

(12:58) - What were Jason and Nick's initial thoughts when reading the article on the increase of injuries in volleyball?

Volleyball Faces an Epidemic That is Hurting the Sport

 

(16:03) - Why is there a rise in injuries with volleyball athletes, particularly at the younger age groups?

 

(19:33) - Is this situation similar with other sports?

''These Kids are Ticking Time Bombs'': The Threat of Youth Basketball

Coaches are Terrible at Talent ID, podcast with Joe Baker

 

(23:30) - How can the lack of education be addressed with coaches, parents and athletes?

 

(27:27) -  What can be done in regards to overlapping programs that put too much stress on athletes?

 

(29:00) - What is a the LTAD model not addressing?

 

(30:50) - How can sound communication be a big part of the solution in regards to proper LTAD and preventing injuries?

 

(36:01) - How can club coaches be better communicators?

 

(41:59) - How can athletes be built up to better tolerate stresses in the weight room and on the court?

 

(45:57) - What can be done in regards to developing physical literacy and preventing early specialization?

 

(47:20) - How can down time like the Christmas break, March break or summer break be best utilized by the athletes?

 

(54:06) - How important is athlete monitoring and individualizing training?

 

(57:45) - Would an athlete focused seasonal guide be helpful? 

 

(60:17) - Should HP volleyball athletes be prohibited from doing school volleyball?

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome MVC VP of Finance & Development Programs Greg Skotnicki to discuss the growth of an organization, how to become a builder, the importance of financial literacy and much more.

 

(0:25) - Why should a coach develop his administrative competencies?

 

(1:07) - Greg's bio

 

(1:27) - How is Greg a Maverick original?

 

(2:55) - When did coach Skotnicki start his coaching career?

 

(4:52) - What inspired Greg to pursue a military career?

 

(6:00) - How did Greg discover his passion for entrepreneurship?

 

(7:29) - How was Greg part of the club's tremendous growth early on?

 

(8:55) - What were the critical steps that made a difference in the club's growth?

 

(11:14) - How were the development programs expanded?

 

(14:55) - How did the expansion of the development side of the club impact the competitive side?

 

(16:46) - Why is it critical to have personnel exclusive to development programs?

 

(18:10) - How is growing organizations in Greg's DNA?

 

(21:43) - Why did Greg pilot a financial literacy activity with some competitive club teams?

 

(27:55) - How were the competitive programs expanded?

 

(33:28) - How important is recruiting the top coaches and developping them through professional development?

 

(34:46) - What are Greg's tips in regards to running effective strategic planning sessions?

 

(38:00) - How can a coach be more efficient from an administrative perspective?

 

(41:00) - What are Greg's tips in regards to the team budget?

 

(42:55) - What is Greg such a strong advocate of giving the coaches an honorarium?

 

(49:30) - How can the coaches' accountability be increased?

Dans cet épisode, Frank et Thierry accueillent Paul Gratton, capitaine de l'équipe olympique de 1984, ex-agent de joueur professionnel au Canada et membre du Temple de la  Renommée de Volleyball Canada, pour discuter de sa carrière légendaire de volleyball, de ses diverses contributions considérables et des apprentissages qui découlent.

 

(1:45) - Comment est-ce que Paul a débuté sa carrière de volleyeur?

 

(4:05) - Quel a été l'impact de l'entraîneur de l'équipe nationale Ken Maeda?

 

(5:22) - En quoi constituait l'entraînement à temps plein avec l'équipe nationale à cette époque?

 

(9:50) - À quel moment est-ce que le rêve olympique s'est véritablement formé?

 

(11:18) - Comment est-ce que Paul a passé de recrue d'une équipe moyenne à joueur pilier d'une équipe mondialement réputée?

 

(14:05) - Étant donné la qualité du groupe d'athlètes et d'entraîneurs, quelle type de culture et de fonctionnement définissaient cette équipe?

 

(16:22) - Comment est-ce que plusieurs joueurs de l'équipe olympique ont développé des compétences d'entraîneur durant leur carrière de joueur?

 

(18:20) - Pourquoi est-ce que Paul a été nommé capitaine de l'équipe olympique?

 

(19:50) - Quel ont été les moments marquants des Jeux olympique de Los Angeles?

 

(21:35) - Comment s'est déroulé le saut vers une carrière professionnelle?

 

(26:20) - Comment l'entraînement et le style de jeu peuvent varier d'une nation à l'autre?

 

(31:05) - Pourquoi est-ce Paul Gratton a été considéré comme l'un des meilleurs attaquants au monde à son apogée?

 

(33:00) - Est-ce essentiel d'avoir une mentalité de croissance?

 

(35:43) - Pourquoi est-ce que Paul est devenu agent d'athlètes professionnels et a fondé l'entreprise SIM Gratton suite à sa carrière de joueur?

 

(38:00) - Comment est-ce est qu'un joueur ou une joueuse de volleyball qui aspire à faire le saut professionnel peut se procurer un agent?

 

(39:25) - Quelles ont été les contributions de Paul Gratton au niveau civil avec le Club de volleyball Maverick?

 

(41:03) - Quelles ont été les premières leçons apprises en entraînant une équipe de garçons 13 ans et moins?

 

(42:50) - Ayant œuvré dans divers pays à travers le monde, est-ce que Paul a utilisé certaines méthodes pour développer les jeunes volleyeurs au Canada?

 

(44:30) - Quels sont quelques conseils que Paul désire offrir à de nouveaux entraîneurs de jeunes athlètes?

 

(46:30) - Ayant entraîné de nombreuses années son fils Maxime, quelles sont quelques conseils que Paul a à partager avec des parents-entraîneurs?

 

(52:30) - Une fois que son enfant passe à une autre équipe et un nouvel entraîneur, comment faut-il l'appuyer compte-tenu de ses connaissances et compétences d'entraîneur?

 

(57:20) - Comment est-ce que le volleyball a évolué au courant des dernières décennies et où se dirige-t-il?