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What. A. Weekend. The Super League is the most thrilling it’s been in years, with every match delivering drama, grit, and season-defining moments! With just weeks to go, the race for the Final 4 is on, and survival battles are heating up.

 💥 Maaree Women's Super League:

The East Midlands Darkstar Derbyshire squad is on fire! They stormed through the weekend with two crucial wins, including a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Leeds Gorse, lifting them out of the relegation zone. I'm joined this week by Olympian, coach, and former player Audrey Cooper, who breaks down how her team's mindset shift and sheer determination have powered their surge—winning 6 of their last 9 matches since Christmas!

Elsewhere, Malory claimed victory at the final Volleyball England Super League Live event, beating Essex Rebels 3-1. London Lionhearts secured the last spot in the Final 4, while Wessex, already relegated, grabbed their first win of the season against Cambridge ARU!

 🔥 Dynamik Men's Super League:

With Malory Eagles and Essex Rebels locked in for the Final 4, two spots remain up for grabs—and the competition is fierce! The showdown of the season saw Malory edge out Essex Rebels 3-2 in an absolute thriller between the top two teams! I break down the key moments, turning points, and what this result means for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, last year’s finalists Durham and IBB Polonia faced off, with Durham taking a 3-1 win—but both teams are in unfamiliar territory, fighting to avoid the drop. With no relegations confirmed yet, the final weeks will be a battle for survival, and even some of the league’s biggest names aren’t safe!

🎟️ Final 4 Tickets ON SALE NOW! 🎟️
Don’t miss out—April 5th & 6th at Crystal Palace! Get your tickets now on the Volleyball England website and witness the best of the best battle it out for the Super League crown!

Tune in for all the action, analysis, and insights—only on Super League Timeout!

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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, I sit down with someone I’ve known for years—Sam Shenton, a man for whom volleyball truly is life. From his early days at Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club to playing professionally in France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, Sam has experienced firsthand what it means to compete at the highest level. He opens up about his journey, sharing what life is really like as a pro player—the intense training, the shift in mindset when volleyball becomes a job, and the lessons he’s carried forward.

Now a head coach at Newcastle University and Newcastle Knights Super League men’s team, as well as coaching the women's Division 1 side, Sam has transitioned from player to mentor. He reveals how his own experiences in high-performance environments have shaped his coaching ethos, how he pushes his athletes to excel, and yes—we finally get to the bottom of why he insists on wearing shorts on the sideline!

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in the realities of professional volleyball, the mindset required for success, and how elite-level experiences shape coaching philosophies. We finish, as always, with a fun game of This or That!

Sam is not only a volleyball good guy but also a deep thinker about the game, and his insights into high performance and player development make this an episode you won’t want to miss! 

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It was another action-packed weekend in the MAREE Women’s Super League and the Dynamik Men’s Super League, with 10 thrilling matches showcasing some incredible volleyball!

In the men’s league, Essex Rebels were pushed to the limit by a strengthened Richmond side, who challenged them with their new signings. The Rebels managed to hold on, securing a narrow 3-2 victory. Luke is joined by Alex Porter, head coach of Essex Rebels, to break down the game and look ahead to their huge upcoming clash against second-place Malory Eagles in the final Super League Live event of the season. This event will feature both the men’s and women’s Rebels teams facing Malory Eagles UEL in a must-watch showdown.

The episode also reviews the Super League Live event at the University of Nottingham, where Newcastle Knights put on a dominant display with a 3-0 win over the home side in the men’s league. Meanwhile, the UoN women’s team secured their third victory of the season, defeating bottom-of-the-table Wessex, who are now relegated.

Another thrilling weekend of volleyball saw Malory Eagles officially secure their spot as the second men’s team heading to the Final 4 Weekend, while Essex Rebels Women joined Team Sideout and Malory in qualifying for the Final 4 on April 5th-6th at Crystal Palace.

Tune in for all the latest results, insights on the upcoming matches, and a reminder to grab your tickets for the Super League Final 4—available now on the Volleyball England website!

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In the first episode of the brand-new Super League Timeout show, in partnership with Volleyball England, Luke Wiltshire dives into all the action from the latest weekend in the MAREE Women's Super League and the Dynamik Men's Super League—the top tier of English volleyball.

Luke is joined by special guest Mark Kontopoulos, head coach of Team Sideout Polonia Ladies, who reflects on his team’s impressive weekend, securing two wins—a dominant 3-0 victory over the University of Nottingham and a strong performance against London Lionhearts, a team that had previously pushed them to a fifth set earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Wessex Ladies continue to battle for their first league win after two tough home matches.

The episode also covers key results from across the leagues, including IBB Polonia’s unlucky weekend with back-to-back 2-3 losses as they fight to stay in the men's Dynamik Super League. London Giants continue their strong form, securing two more wins to hold onto third place, while Durham completed a double win over Stockport.

Tune in to catch up on all the latest results, hear insights on the upcoming fixtures, and get your tickets for the Super League Final 4, taking place on April 5th-6th at Crystal Palace—available now on the Volleyball England website!

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In this special episode, Luke Wiltshire shares exciting news about That Volleyball Guy podcast’s partnership with Volleyball England! Joined by Charlie Ford, CEO of Volleyball England, they discuss the reasons behind this collaboration, their shared mission to spread volleyball stories far and wide, and how this partnership will bring the community closer together.

Luke and Charlie dive into how That Volleyball Guy will support Volleyball England’s Heritage Project, celebrating the rich history of the sport, while also shining a spotlight on the Super League, England’s top volleyball competition. Expect deeper insights, more voices from across the game, and an exciting new era for the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and be part of this growing volleyball community!

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In this Time Out! episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke Wiltshire reflects on the critical role of having a well-crafted game plan for match success. Inspired by a recent conversation with performance analyst Hai Binh Ly, Luke explores how analyzing opposition footage on platforms like YouTube and leveraging key stats can transform the way teams approach matches.

Luke takes listeners through the step-by-step process of creating a game plan—starting with pre-match scouting, tailoring training sessions to mimic real-game scenarios, and preparing players for specific tactical adjustments. He emphasizes that every match presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring flexibility and clear communication to keep players aligned and motivated.

Luke also opens up about his responsibilities as a match-day coach, sharing how he makes in-game adjustments while his assistant coach tracks stats and closely monitors team defense and structure. Together, they create a dynamic coaching partnership that keeps the team competitive and adaptable throughout the match.

Whether you're a coach looking to refine your strategic approach, a player eager to understand how game plans are developed, or a fan curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to elevate your volleyball game. Tune in and learn how to turn preparation into performance!

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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke sits down with the inspirational and talented Alex Chinery, a rising star in volleyball coaching who has already achieved so much in his career. From start to finish, this was a conversation filled with honesty, insight, and passion for the sport—one you won’t want to miss, no matter your role in volleyball!

Alex shares his journey into coaching, which began after an injury redirected his playing aspirations. Drawing on the influence of impactful coaches from his early days, Alex explains how their lessons shaped his approach to the game and continue to guide him today. Luke was struck by Alex’s transparency and self-awareness, qualities that make him not just a great coach but a remarkable leader.

Relentless in his pursuit of growth, Alex talks about his commitment to learning at every opportunity, his willingness to embrace and learn from mistakes, and how these experiences have fuelled his development. Now leading one of England’s top Super League women’s teams, Alex offers unique insights into coaching a high-performance program, the attributes he seeks in players, and why being a good person matters as much as talent.

Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and a deep love for volleyball. Don’t miss it!

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In this Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire delves into the crucial role communication plays in coaching, both on and off the court. As an experienced NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner and a passionate advocate for effective communication, Luke shares his insights into how coaches can connect better with their players and teams.

This episode explores the key pillars of communication: understanding and utilizing body language, harnessing the power of tone, and being deliberate in your choice of words. Luke explains why these elements are essential for fostering trust, building relationships, and delivering impactful coaching moments.

But this isn't just theory—Luke brings practical advice to the table. From tips on reading non-verbal cues to strategies for refining your message, he offers actionable takeaways that can be immediately applied in your coaching sessions or professional interactions.

Whether you're a coach looking to motivate your players, a leader aiming to inspire your team, or simply someone interested in improving how you communicate, this reflective episode has something for you. Tune in and discover how mastering communication can elevate your coaching to the next level!

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In this reflective 30-minute Timeout session, host Luke Wiltshire dives into the art and science of creating intensity in volleyball training. As he shares his insights, Luke highlights how intensity becomes the backbone of high-performance teams, with each aspect of training—from planning to player roles—contributing to a culture of focused, purposeful work on the court.

Luke breaks down his approach to session planning, emphasizing that carefully structured drills and activities set the tone for intensity. He’ll discuss how coaches can strategically pace their guidance, using moments of quick correction and focused drills to keep players engaged and moving at the right tempo. Luke believes that the way sessions are sequenced plays a crucial role in elevating players’ mental and physical sharpness, helping them reach their peak performance when it counts.

Listeners will also hear Luke’s perspective on the importance of player responsibility in creating an intense training environment. From motivating each other to bringing energy and focus, players become key drivers in the level of intensity a team can achieve. Luke discusses how this looks different depending on the skill level of a team—whether working with beginners or experienced athletes, he emphasizes that the foundations of intensity remain the same: accountability, dedication, and a willingness to push limits.

With Luke’s practical advice on everything from warm-ups to high-energy scrimmages, this episode serves as a blueprint for coaches and players alike who want to elevate their training sessions. Tune in as Luke explains how achieving and maintaining intensity transforms practice into a powerful space for team growth, resilience, and competitive edge.

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In the next episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes Denise Austin, a Volleyball England Hall of Famer and a true pioneer of UK beach volleyball. Known for her grit and passion, Denise has left an indelible mark on the sport, not only as a competitor on the world stage but also as a driving force in its growth and popularity across the UK.

Denise shares her journey from her early days on UK beaches to competing internationally in Australia and the USA. She takes us through the highs and lows of her career, including the heartbreaking moment of narrowly missing Olympic qualification in 2000 by just one place. Yet, rather than letting that stop her, Denise showed incredible resilience, continuing to compete and elevate the sport she loved.

Beyond her playing career, Denise has championed beach volleyball tirelessly, creating pathways for the next generation of athletes and inspiring countless young players to chase their own dreams. As the face of beach volleyball in the UK, she’s not only been a role model but a true advocate for the sport. Most recently, she’s taken on a new role as a commentator, providing expert insights and coverage of beach volleyball events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Now retired from competition and residing in Portugal, Denise has built a thriving beach volleyball community, continuing to inspire others with her dedication to the game. Her story is one of passion, persistence, and vision—a must-listen for fans of volleyball and stories of resilience alike. Join Luke Wiltshire in this memorable episode with an icon of the sand whose legacy will shape beach volleyball for generations to come.

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