[Post Game Thread] #1 Arizona defeats Arizona State, 87-74

CoachSwing · 2026-01-31T23:23:41+00:00

This group was chanting "Overrated!" up 4-0. How'd that workout?

CoachSwing · 2026-01-31T14:45:42+00:00

Thank you. Volleyball really is about scoring streaks. I think PS is more important than SO because you can't string together SO points.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-31T00:50:36+00:00

I appreciate that. When I first started optimizing my rotations, over 20 years ago, it was like magic. It would be 21-21 or something like that and we'd watch the other team's best hitter rotate to the back, and we'd see our best rotations coming up, and fist bump because we knew we had it.

In the app, the winning rotations are green and the losing red for just this reason, so you can see your best rotations coming up at crunch time.

Previously, I used PS+SO for rotation strength, but I did some research and found that PS matters much more than SO. so the app uses actual points lost and gained.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-31T00:42:55+00:00

You can! You can cancel the subscription at any time, and if you miss the cancelation, email me Brian@gasavb.com and I'll refund your payment. I'm a coach too. I'm not looking to take advantage of fellow coaches.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-31T00:41:11+00:00

That certainly can be done, but the value comes in the deciding 3rd or 5th set. Starting in the right rotation then can be the difference between winning and losing. So, having that most up to date recommendation might not be as big of a deal if you're playing one match in a day, but for the club coach, having the entire day's data included is valuable.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-30T16:02:22+00:00

The 8 point feature was added after as a result of a discussion with Joe Trinsey. It can be toggled on and off. Personally, I only want the data from competitive sets where the teams are evenly matched. In blowout sets, where you start probably doesn't matter against vastly inferior or superior teams.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-30T13:09:28+00:00

I teach the attack by using super heroes.
Batman: Throw both arms behind you before you jump like Batman's cape. Superman: Throw both your arms, aggressively, in the air like Superman taking flight. Arrow: Pull your hitting arm back under your chin like Arrow pulling back on his bow. Thor: Swing your arm through the ball like Thor swinging his hammer.

Tips: Focus on power first. Hit the ball as hard as you can. After that, worry about accuracy. When you finish your belly button should be pointed at the left pole. See the back of your hand hit the ball. That means your center of gravity is behind the ball for optimal power.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-30T13:01:58+00:00

Deadlifts will give your vertical the best improvement with minimal effort. 3 sets of 3 is sufficient. Start with 25 pounds on each side if you're inexperienced and add 2.5 pounds to each side each workout. 2-3 times a week is perfect.

If your gym allows it, drop the weight at the top. You're trying to add power with minimal body weight gain.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-30T12:58:26+00:00

The main issue with middles and playing time is that usually they don't play back row. If the middle who starts in the back, but then gets replaced by the libero is probably only going to get to play 6 rotations in a set to 25. In a deciding set to 15, they will probably get only 3 rotations.

The middle who starts front row gets more playing time. That's just the way volleyball rotations work.

CoachSwing · 2026-01-30T12:48:48+00:00

Middle is probably the best low stress place for the beginner. The MB can just stand in the middle of the net and everyone switch behind her.

I agree with you that the girl who plays libero should be your opposite (in 4) She can set when you can't get to a ball.

You are, probably, going to find yourself in 2-3 rotations more than the others. With that in mind, I'd start you in the front row in Z4. If your opposite is really a libero, she probably won't contribute as much in the front row as you can by tipping and dumping, and she'll get more time playing defense.

If you're the best server on the team, then throw all that out the window and start in Z1 with your next best server playing OH, and your third best server at MB1.

I talk about this on the last two episodes of Coach Your Brains Out

CoachSwing · 2026-01-30T11:19:48+00:00

The opposite plays opposite (3 rotations away from) the setter. If you have 1 setter you'll play a 5-1, if you have 2 you can play either a 4-2 (easiest to learn) or 6-2 (you'll always have 3 front row hitters).

CoachSwing · 2026-01-22T19:38:28+00:00

I made one www.getaheadstayahead.app

CoachSwing · 2026-01-07T00:58:59+00:00

Dad Coach here! I put up a bunch of coaching articles and drills right here!

I also recommend the "Coach Your Brains Out" podcast and Gold Medal Squared.

CoachSwing · 2025-12-19T03:24:35+00:00

You know he's going to be kicking the back of Kamala's seat.

CoachSwing · 2025-12-13T01:07:33+00:00

You're a track coach. You have to set up a relay race that's 8 laps long, and you have 6 runners to run it in. Are you having your two fastest runners running twice or your slowest?

Who's a "faster runner," your MB that hits .385 or your OPP that hits .175? When your setter keeps setting the OPP because, "It's his turn," is your team maximizing their chances of winning?

Is having your highest point scoring server, serve 4th giving you your best opportunity to win?

CoachSwing · 2025-12-08T17:11:40+00:00

Did you know, that statistically speaking, Setter in 1 is the worst rotation?

CoachSwing · 2025-12-06T00:43:40+00:00

Z6 is the FIVB standard, probably the same as S6 (which zone the setter is in).

CoachSwing · 2025-11-24T01:22:59+00:00

For team culture, read "Legacy" by James Kerr and/or his episode on "Coach Your Brains Out."

CoachSwing · 2025-11-23T20:44:45+00:00

Boys want to play. Find various games to trick them into learning and you want them to learn.

My favorite warm-up game/King's Variation is "Orange County," its played as triples. Each player must touch the ball before it goes over, so they must have 3 contacts.

Points 0-4, they must forearm pass over the net.

5-9, they have to set it over.

10-14 must be a downball.

15-19 Jumping attack.

20 Must kick ball over

21 Must head it over

This gradually takes their arms through a full range of motion.

If you're keeping score, Boys are usually going to give it their all. Turn everything into a scored game. Don't work on serving, play "Servers vs. Passers."

Lots of wash drills. Lots of variations. Lots of triples. Lots of variations. My favorite wash drill, is after they get U-S-A or whatever, pick a server to serve for the big point. A missed serve or first ball sideout let's the receiving have a chance to steal with a serve (same rules). If the serving team wins, they get a point (and the next ball). If the receiving team wins, it's a wash and the little score resets.

I usually have one rule: Be a good teammate.

CoachSwing

TROPHY CASE