Coaching Resources

Coaching is hard – so here are some resources to make it easier!

This page is a “living” page and is updated regularly! Check back often for new ways to help support your coaching!

Coach Education (Podcasts, Websites, Courses, Blogs, etc. )

Train to Train Stage (14U-16U) Team Systems Information– A quick snapshot at some different systems we encourage at the 14U/15U/16U levels.
SMASHBALL App – A (free!) fully flushed-out app with rules, equipment needed, activity banks, program structures, videos – EVERYTHING you need to run a Smashball program.
- What is Smashball? Check out this short video HERE!
SIDEOUT with VNS Video Podcast – For all fellow volleynerds, Megan & Jon chat all things volleyball, including special guests!
Volleyball Connect – NCCP coach pathway, VC Resource Kit for Coaches, professional development opportunities, technica/tactical resources
Coaching Nova Scotia – Information on NCCP Multisport Courses, Professional Development Webinars, VIP Coach Program
Nova Scotia Women & Girls In Sport Task Force – Professional development opportunities & support for coaches & sport leaders who identify as female in Nova Scotia.
Volleyball Coaches of Canada Facebook Group – A collaborative fb community for VB Coaches in Canada of any level to gather and share ideas, ask questions. They do free, interactive Q & A sessions with some of the world’s best coaches each weekend. All interviews are recorded for viewing and sharing afterward.
Volleyball Canada’s YouTube Page – A great resource for matches of Team Canada, plus great drill ideas for beach and indoor, as well as interviews and PD sessions with Team Canada coaches and players.
Canadian Sport Institute – Atlantic (CSIA) You Tube Page – A large resource of locally hosted PD sessions on a variety of coaching topics (multi-sport).
/ The Art of Coaching (AOC) – Website of coach education, drills, videos, courses & information
Gold Medal Squared (GMS) – Website of coach education, drills, videos, webinars, courses & information
Coaching Volleyball – John Foreman (USA Coach, co-author of Volleyball Coaching Wizards) is the owner and site is full of tools, drills, blogs, and recently video chats with guests from all over the world, discussing volleyball.
Passin’ Dimes Podcast – Josh Nichol (Team Canada Performance Analyst & Coach with Team Canada Beach) covers all things Canadian Volleyball, often interviewing athletes, coaches and other volleyball greats. New episode every Friday.
From the 1st Chair Podcast – Frank St. Denis & Theirry Lavigne, both of Mavericks VC in Ottawa, chat all things coaching volleyball
Growing the Game Together – USAV John Kessel Blog
Karch Kiraly’s Volleyblog (USAV)
Coach Your Brains Out Podcast – Affiliated with GMS, a different guest each episode who discusses on and off court topics relating to coaching volleyball
FIVB Beach Volleyball Video Sample Drills
FIVB Beach Volleyball Dril l Resource

Coaching Documents (Tangible tools to help you out)

Volleyball Canada Practice Planner (Google Doc) – A template for creating a practice with all the essentials laid out for you
VNS Practice Planner – A template for creating a practice with all the essentials laid out for you
Long Term Development Model (LTD) – A Roadmap for Volleyball in Canada – A comprehensive guide to promote long term development of athletes, including recommended training & competition frequency, physical literacy, developmentally appropriate training, injury prevention and more!
VNS/VC Technical Essentials – A quick-reference guide to the tactical teaching of each basic skill in bullet form – great for helping create practice plans (Key Teaching Points)
VNS/VC Athlete Development Framework – 4 pillars of athlete development & what falls under each pillar
VC Skill Matrix – Provides national guidelines for coaches to progressively train athletes in appropriate techniques and tactics for each LTD stage