TBH Episode 47: Volleyball Skills That Often Get Overlooked

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In this episode of Triple Block Heads, Makani, Frank, and Marc go back to the podcast's roots. They look at the volleyball skills that are undervalued or under-trained at each stage of player development, from first development through early club to the prospect level. They cover both tangible skills, like blocking and attacking imperfect balls, and intangibles, like game flow, vision, communication, and preparing for college.

What we cover:
- First development (12s/13s): Teaching the "flow" of the game instead of fixed spots, eye work, watching film to understand the game, learning how to score points, and training blocking footwork even when kids can't yet block.
- Early club (15s): Blocking fundamentals and avoiding bad habits that stick, learning to "speak volleyball" on the bench, using bench points to keep players engaged, treating serving as a first offensive attempt, and the value of covering hitters.
- Prospect/high-level club: Preparing for college through body care and weight-room familiarity, attacking non-perfect balls with arm control, building up the underloved middle and libero positions, efficiency and speed, and explaining the "why" behind decisions.
- Coaching development: Introducing scouting reports and film sessions, and giving in-match scenario feedback so players make their own decisions.

Have thoughts on an underutilized skill or training idea, or a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.

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Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads