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"Stop Running Perfect Practices | Ep. 26" is an episode of Coach Chijo Podcast. Runtime 26 min. Published November 10, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
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Are perfect volleyball practices actually hurting player development?
Coach Chijo joins Nikki Mabrey, Director of Volleyball at The St. James in Springfield, Virginia, to discuss why volleyball coaches should spend less time controlling drills and more time letting athletes play.
After a day of clinics with nearly 90 athletes, they break down game-like training, player decision-making, the importance of embracing mistakes, and why practicing for performance matters more than practicing for perfection.
They also explore the growing demand for volleyball on the East Coast, where 220 athletes joined the clinic waitlist.
A conversation for volleyball coaches, players, and parents who want to rethink how athletes learn the game.
Guest: Nikki Mabrey, Director of Volleyball at The St. James, Springfield, Virginia
Learn more: https://sports.thestjames.com/volleyball/
Follow Coach Chijo for more volleyball stories and conversations.
#Volleyball #CoachChijo #VirginiaVolleyball #VolleyballCoaching #VolleyballPodcast #YouthVolleyball #JustGo
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