Three Ideas Newsletter – 11.5.25
Hey everyone!
A lot of clubs are running pre-season clinics for their coaching staff. A big shoutout to the club directors for setting those up—it’s awesome to see more learning opportunities out there. But here’s something to keep in mind: just showing up to a clinic doesn’t automatically mean you’re learning.
To really get the most out of it, try embracing the idea of “Empty Your Cup.”
It comes from an old Zen story. A scholar once visited a Zen master named Nan-in, eager to learn about Zen. As they sat together, Nan-in poured tea into the scholar’s cup—and kept pouring until it spilled over. The scholar finally said, “The cup is full!” Nan-in replied, “Exactly. You’re like this cup—already full of your own ideas and opinions. How can I teach you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
It’s a simple story, but it packs a message that coaches can really use. “Emptying your cup” is about letting go of your preconceptions, ego, and what you think you already know so you can stay open and curious. In Zen, this is called “beginner’s mind.”
As a coach, that means giving new ideas a real chance before deciding if they fit into your approach. You don’t have to accept everything as truth, but try not to let your ego shut down something new just because it’s different from what you already believe.
Thanks for reading!
~Jim
Read on the Web
Quote for the Week: “It is impossible to learn that which one thinks one already knows,” Epictetus, Greek Philosopher
Idea #1 – Make Quizzes Part of Your Routine – I’m a big fan of throwing in quick verbal quizzes for my players on things we’ve already covered. I’ll do it during water breaks or right before practice starts. I’ll ask one player at a time—never the whole group—something like, “Hey, what are the four key parts of a spike approach?”
These quick check-ins help players lock in the information and recall it more easily during matches. Plus, asking individuals adds just a touch of pressure, which helps them focus and remember under stress—kind of like in a real game.
Idea #2 – Teach Passing to Handle the “Doomsday” Serve – The speed of serves has skyrocketed over the years. Depending on the level of play, coaches have to prepare their players to handle those high-velocity “doomsday serves.” These are the kinds of serves that come in fast and force the passer to move.
Teaching players to always get behind the ball and pass from their midline works great with younger athletes because it encourages good foot movement. But as players get older and the serves get faster, that approach can start to break down. Passers need to feel comfortable handling balls that are outside their body or while their feet are still moving.
With younger players, I still stress midline passing, but for higher levels, make sure you’re giving athletes reps managing their platform and controlling passes on those tougher, high-speed serves.
Idea #3 – Setting the Low and Out of System Pass – In this video, Jordyn Poulter demonstrates how she creates offense when dealing with a pass that is low or takes her off the net. I found it interesting that she uses a similar technique with her “kneework” and she does with her setting footwork. VIDEO
Video of the Week – Ideas on Feedback Options – Most coaches agree that quality feedback is essential to player development. Here is a short video that may foster some feedback options that will resonate with your players. VIDEO
Archive Blog Post – It’s Easier to Move If You’re Already Moving – Many coaches are teaching their players to be stationary on defense or serve receive. In this blog, I make the case that it’s more important to be balanced than it is to be stopped. The top defenders and passers are incorporating the “stretch-reflex” action to prepare muscles for quick movements. READ MORE
MasterCoaches Podcast – This is a great episode with Mike Lingenfelter from Munciana Volleyball Club. Mike presents his thoughts on a variety of topics related to coaching in the club system. Specifically, he talks about building a positive club culture, dealing with challenging players and parents, and the direction of club volleyball, among other topics. Definitely worth a watch. WATCH.
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
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~Jim
