One-Handed Plays in Volleyball: Techniques and Avoidances

In volleyball, we always want to play with both hands — that’s how you keep control and consistency. But sometimes, you just don’t have time. The ball is off, you’re under pressure, or you’re diving to save it.In this episode, I’ll tell you when it actually makes sense to play one-handed, what mistakes to avoid, and how to use your open palm to control the ball instead of just swinging your fist.These are real match situations — and if you learn to handle them the right way, you’ll start saving points that most players lose.Let’s talk about how to make that one-handed play your secret weapon.

Today we’re talking about one of the most important volleyball skills — the forearm pass, or bump. It looks simple, but even experienced players get it wrong.I’ll share how to fix the six most common mistakes — from lifting your body too early to losing control of your platform — and show you how to pass forward, stay low, and keep your technique stable in every situation.Let’s jump in and perfect your bump — right here on the VolleyCoach Show.

In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most underrated ways to improve your volleyball skills — shadow drills. You don’t need a ball, a court, or even a partner. Just you, your body, and the right movements.I’ll explain why the best athletes in the world — like tennis pros Alcaraz and Sinner — swear by this type of training, and how volleyball players can use it to build better footwork, timing, and reactions.You’ll also hear my favorite shadow drills for every position: receivers, setters, outside hitters, and middles. Each one will help you move faster, stay balanced, and play with more confidence when the real game begins.If you want to get smoother, more consistent, and game-ready — this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore 3 unconventional drills to jump higher in volleyball 🏐💥. You’ll learn why doing the same exercises over and over stops your progress — and how to challenge your muscles in new ways to unlock real vertical gains. These safe but powerful drills focus on eccentric strength, teaching your body to absorb and reapply force explosively. From squat jumps holding a volleyball to pre-fatigue box jumps and advanced depth-to-hurdle combos, you’ll discover how to train smarter, not just harder. Plus, find out how the Next Gen Hitter program can take your jump — and your entire game — to the next level.

In this podcast I am focusing on how volleyball players can improve their hitting approach to achieve professional-level power and height. I speak about three major footwork mistakes, such as stomping the right foot or letting it point toward the sideline, offering corrections like using a heel-to-toe step with the toes angled into the court. 

In this podcast you find an extensive review of the Mizuno Wave Momentum Elite volleyball shoe, presenting it as a successor to the Wave Momentum 3 and Mizuno's latest high-end model. Ultimately, the review concludes that the Elite is a top-tier shoe best suited for players, especially hitters and blockers, who prioritize stability and joint protection over maximum vertical jump performance.

This episode offers practical advice for volleyball players struggling with serve reception. I outlines six specific passing drills designed to improve movement, control, and accuracy during bumps. These exercises, which can be done with a teammate or coach, include drills that emphasize quick steps and accuracy while moving, techniques for handling wide or off-target serves, and routines that combine explosive movement with balance and precise technique under pressure. 

This podcast is about underestimated power of the plank exercise, particularly for volleyball players. It highlights how the plank strengthens the core, acting like a car's suspension to improve movement fluidity and reduce injury risk during explosive sports.

In this podcast I introduce ten distinct exercises specifically designed for volleyball players. These exercises utilize only a volleyball to enhance strength, flexibility, and explosive power. Overall, the content emphasizes bodyweight and stability drills as a means to improve overall athletic ability and prevent injuries in volleyball.

This podcast explores the crucial role of mental strategies in elevating volleyball players from good to elite. It highlights that beyond physical prowess, top athletes utilize visualization, confidence-building routines, and emotional regulation to enhance performance. I also emphasize focusing on controllable factors, maintaining a "next point" mentality, and employing positive self-talk.