The VolleyPod presented by The Art of Coaching Volleyball

In this conversation, Davis Ransom and Todd Maddox delve into the intricacies of serve receive in volleyball, sharing insights from their extensive coaching experience. They discuss the importance of server cues, effective passing techniques, and the significance of positioning and angles. The duo emphasizes the need for adaptability in passing, the benefits of overhand passing, and the necessity...

In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss various aspects of coaching volleyball, focusing on redefining fun for players, utilizing technology in coaching, and addressing challenges such as server dominance in matches. They emphasize the importance of creating a positive environment, fostering connections among players, and adapting coaching strategies to enhance player development. The...

Check out The Volley Pod on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/aoc.thevolleypod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email us at ⁠⁠⁠thevolleypod@gmail.com In this episode of The Volley Pod , the hosts celebrate the success of a national champion team and discuss the importance of building rapport with players. They share coaching strategies to improve communication and player development, emphasizing the s...

Thank you to our guest Dr. Jenny Johnson, Director of Education Services at USA Volleyball! Check out our host Tod Mattox's books! Available on Amazon! Get them in your parents’ hands! The Volleyball Journey: A Handy Guide Book for Players and Parents by Tod Mattox ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration/dp/B0DP5JFQC8/ref=sr_1_28?crid=2KJH98WQ39435&dib=eyJ2Ijo...

Tod and Davis are at the 2025 American Volleyball Coaches Convention in Kansas City, Missouri! Our hosts meet the head women's volleyball for Southern Methodist University Sam Erger and talk about a few cool ideas she used this season to win more points. Next, Davis and Tod talk volleyball with Leonard Armato, the former owner of the AVP. He discusses the future of volleyball and how he is hel...

In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of volleyball coaching with Josh Steinbach, who reflects on his recent successful season at Villanova. The discussion covers highlights and lowlights of the season, coaching philosophies, innovative techniques, the use of technology in training, and the importance of player adaptability. Josh shares insights on teaching skills, scout...

The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal development in coaching, highlighting how an individual coach's improvement can lead to overall team enhancement. It discusses the ripple effect that occurs when a coach becomes better, positively impacting all team members. Anything you do along the lines of coaching improves your team. The fastest way to improve your team is for you to g...

The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal development in coaching, highlighting how an individual coach's improvement can lead to overall team enhancement. It discusses the ripple effect that occurs when a coach becomes better, positively impacting all team members. Anything you do along the lines of coaching improves your team. The fastest way to improve your team is for you to g...

In this conversation, Tod Mattox and Davis Ransom emphasize the importance of clarity in accountability, defining player roles, and understanding effort metrics. They explore strategies for adapting to physical opponents, developing diverse scoring methods, and maintaining ball control. The discussion also highlights the significance of tactical awareness and unconventional play to gain an edge in...

In this episode, Tod and Davis discuss the upcoming virtual clinic for volleyball coaches, emphasizing the importance of arm swing as a fundamental skill in volleyball. They explore various coaching techniques to enhance hitting, the significance of preparing for end-of-season matches, and innovative practice strategies to keep players engaged. The conversation also touches on the use of technolog...

In this episode of The Volley Pod , Tod and Davis are joined by Tobias Herrera, the Director of Catalyst Volleyball Club in Houston Texas. He joins the pod to discuss key questions that coaches want to know! This week the trio discuss how to incorporate music in practice, how to handle missed practices without compromising the team results, the differences between starting the season with a less e...

In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of volleyball coaching, including reflections on recent matches, the introduction of a new segment with Tobias Herrera from Club Catalyst Volleyball, and the importance of balancing culture and drills in practice. They delve into mental toughness, the first week of practice for different teams, managing parent expectations, and effective drills fo...

In this episode of The Volley Pod , Tod and Davis talk about ideas for how coaches can integrate more of a constraints led approach in their gyms. These ideas are ready to be applied today! Tod then explains Conflict Coaching fuel, the idea that coaches can avoid these types of “fuel” for conflicts on their teams. Then they share excellent resources from The Art of Coaching Volleyball and Volleyba...

In this episode, the hosts of The Volley Pod discuss various aspects of volleyball coaching, focusing on defensive strategies, tactical awareness, and principles for starting the season. They share insights on improving individual defense, the importance of readiness and posture, and how to effectively teach players to dig and pursue the ball. The conversation also touches on the significance of e...

In this episode of The Volley Pod , Tod and Davis discuss easy in-game adjustments that can help your teams get out of a jam. They then go over a great way to handle midseason role identification meetings with your team, so that everyone feels good about it. Then they recommend videos from The Art of Coaching Volleyball that teach coaches how to run modified offensive systems, and ultimately share...

In this episode of The Volley Pod , Tod and Davis discuss various techniques and strategies for improving hitting power in volleyball. They explore the importance of observing players, choosing the right attackers, and training effectively for live play. The conversation also delves into innovative scoring strategies for teams struggling to score points, emphasizing the need for tactical awareness...

In this episode, Tod and Davis discuss various strategies and concepts for coaching volleyball, focusing on defensive systems, tactical approaches, and the importance of creating a positive environment for young players. They emphasize the significance of adapting to different game situations and the role of coaches in shaping players' experiences both on and off the court. The Art of Coaching...

In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of coaching volleyball, focusing on skills, strategies, and the dynamics of playing on a high school team. They explore the importance of practice techniques, setting and serving strategies, and the challenges faced by players on less competitive teams. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and the value of maintaining a positive...

Joe Trinsey continues with part two of his discussion with The Volley Pod but this time we are talking about solutions for playing time with huge teams. Joe shares ideas that coaches can use to maximize their team's abilities and keep everyone happy! Our Resource of the Week is Joe Trinsey's awesome Substack which you can find here: https://smartervolley.substack.com/ Check out Tod Mattox&...

volleyball, coaching, ace ball, youth sports, player development, team strategies, volleyball drills, coaching tips, sports education, volleyball training "It's a great game for skill development." "Miss serves don't count." Chapters 01:12 Understanding Ace Ball: The Game Mechanics 04:03 Variations of Ace Ball: Engaging Drills for All Levels 10:01 Incentivizing Performa...

In this episode of The Volley Pod, the hosts discuss the recent changes in high school volleyball rules, particularly the elimination of double contacts on the second touch. They explore the implications of these changes on gameplay and coaching strategies. The conversation shifts to the importance of teaching soft skills alongside hard skills in volleyball, emphasizing values like resilience and...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of coaching volleyball, focusing on the importance of teaching vision, enhancing communication, and engaging parents in the volleyball experience. They explore strategies for player development, deliberate practice, and the significance of creating a joyful environment for both players and parents. The conversation also touches on rethinking...

Resource of the Week https://www.youtube.com/@TechnicalVolley Technical Volleyball Videos Full International level matches cut and fit into very short time frames Check out Tod Mattox's books! Available on Amazon! The Volleyball Journey: A Handy Guide Book for Players and Parents by Tod Mattox ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/VOLLEYBALL-COACHS-BOOK-LISTS-Inspiration/dp/B0DP5JFQC8/ref=sr_1_28?crid=2KJ...

In this episode of The Volley Pod , hosts Davis and Tod discuss effective coaching strategies for teaching volleyball, particularly focusing on passing techniques and player development. They emphasize the importance of movement patterns, platform awareness, and the need for flexibility in training. The conversation also covers the sensitive topic of making cuts in teams, highlighting the need for...

In this episode of The Volley Pod , hosts Davis and Tod discuss various aspects of coaching tryouts. They share tips for evaluating players, the importance of communication, and strategies for effective court coaching. The conversation also highlights resources available for coaches to enhance their skills and knowledge in the sport. Evaluating how players deal with adversity is crucial. Communica...