Product Description
Benefit from the experience of successful volleyball coach Mike Hebert in Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball. Hebert shares his insights with you, and gives you a step-by-step account of how he developed a winning program at the University of Illinois.

The first section of Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball is full of solid practical advice, whether you coach at the junior or international level or anywhere in between. You'll find chapters on

• offensive tactics, including the evolution of the Illinois Primary Hitter System,

• important concepts in developing a defense, and

• implications for defensive training.

Plus, Hebert encourages coaches to think and to analyze a team and its play. He provides his personal experiences and opinions as a background, then encourages coaches to pursue their own conclusions about what to do.

Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball takes you beyond basic skills. You'll learn how setting goals can be a cornerstone for coaching success. You'll also find practical tips for structuring your program--everything from accounting for players' personalities when formulating your line-up to getting access to the gym when you need it. And you'll find valuable ideas on game planning and coaching the match, including

• how to use scouting reports and statistical information to develop a game plan,

• three guidelines for game-plan design,

• how to organize your pre-match, during-match, and post-match coaching responsibilities,

• recommendations for improving your focus during a match, and

• five ingredients for a successful post-match team meeting.

Use this valuable guide to help you build your program. It contains everything you need to know about teaching volleyball and organizing a successful team. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

This is a must read, especially for new coaches.
I bought Mike Hebert's book when I first took over the head coaching job at Valley High, and it's difficult to describe how much it helped me.

Valley had been a losing program for nearly 2 decades, with only 2 winning seasons in school history, so I knew my work was cut out for me. I began absorbing Mike's book, knowing he had stepped into a similar situation when he stepped in as head coach at the University of Illinois.

Although the book is written from a collegiate perspective, I implemented a great many of Mike's ideas, and in just 3 years, we've turned the program around. The team went from 5-20 in my first year to 14-12 this season. That may not sound like a big deal, but it's a HUGE milestone for a program that has lived in the cellar for so long.

With its wealth of information on all phases of coaching, Mike's book WILL help you become a more effective coach. Believe me, I know ... first-hand!

Great book for a limited audience
As the other readers have commented, this isn't a book for everyone.

As a University of Illinois grad, I was curious to see how Coach Hebert had turned my alma mater's volleyball fortune around.He touches on thetechnical aspects of that turnaround as well as discusses how he feels amajor college sport should be administered.The section on how he evolvedinto a coach is interesting too.

But by far the most interesting sectionfor me is his discussion of the Primary Hitter system and how that relievesthe setter from a lot of pressure.This is a particularly good system withexperienced stud hitters and a relatively new setter.It takes some of thepressure off of the setter and puts it on the primary hitters.This is anadvantage for the team at least until the setter develops into a leader anddevelops some confidence.

Overall, an interesting read.

Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball
Although it appears simple at times, Mike Herbert explains Volleyball as it should be through how it is coached at the collegiate level. More High School and Club Coaches should realize that there is more to Volleyball asdepicted by Mikes experiences. The Game Planning and Coaching Section whichqualitatively evaluates players takes the guess work out of where playersneed to develope. By taking resposibility for how his team performes hedefinitely explains how to teach, scout and understand players which makesthe difference between winning and losing

Wonderful Book for Analyists of the Game of Volleyball
As a sophomore in high school, I have experienced an enriched sense of enthusiasm for the game of volleyball because of this book. I think that it is a delightful depiction of the sport from a creative and"insightful" point of view. Rather than discussing thetraditional, technical aspects of the game, this book explores theories andadaptations through the experiences of a highly respected collegevolleyball coach.If you are seeking knowledge of coaching, becoming amore innovative player, or are just an avid fan of the game, this book isan asset.

Excellent for beginners in coaching!
Felt this copy gave excellent examples of coaching drills.Team work shows ability to exchange and compete in competition.Must hear more from this author.Reply for more questions. Must hear from you. ... Read more

Product Description
By the turn of the twenty-first century, volleyball had spread throughout the world, its number of participants second only to soccer's. And while the growth and development of the sport has been well chronicled, one story has remained untold ¾ the story of the inventor of volleyball, William G. Morgan.The Untold Story of William G. Morgan - Inventor of Volleyball reveals the people and places that surely influenced Morgan throughout his life and during the time he invented one of the most popular sports in the world. Although Morgan is widely recognized by name, the complete story of his roots, his trails, and his adventures had never been recorded ¾ until now. Read on to discover his story as it is told for the very first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This book filled a need
There are a hundred books on volleyball, but Mr Dearing's book on William Morgan is unique. The life of William Morgan is a story not only William Morgan the man, but of a unique time in American and New England history. It is a time where sports were flourishing in America, not just for the rich, but for the ordinary man as well. It is a story of the early days of the YMCA, and the passion of people like William Morgan to bring the enjoyment of sports to the workers in the cities.

The book clearly tells how Morgan invented volleyball, then quickly went on to other chapters in his life, and how surprised he was when the sport took on a life of it's own. There are excellent sections of the book which concisely trace the development and spread of volleyball, as well as the rules changes that have affected the game as it is played today.

All in all, it is a well-written and entertaining read. Set in the context of a unique time in our history, it fills the gap in a very personal way on William Morgan,I would recommend it to players and coaches alike: it will increase their enjoyment of the game, as it has for me.

Dearing Serves Up A Great Story
Joel Dearing's The Untold Story of William G. Morgan Inventor of Volleyball offers a concise yet fact filled account of the man behind one of the world's most favorite sports - volleyball.In it, Dearing recounts Morgan's early life in Lockport NY and the series of events that brought him to Springfield College.It was his training at Springfield College that prepared him for his work in the Holyoke MA YMCA where he created volleyball as, "a lunchtime activity for local businessmen," who were adverse to the "rough play" associated with basketball at the time.Dearing then goes on to outline the evolution of the game's rules as it spread around the globe and the life of the man who created it.

Fans of volleyball will especially enjoy Dearing's discussion of the historical roots of volleyball.Was it influenced by a game called "minton" that was developed in India?Where did the rule regarding the number of times a side could touch a ball and the "kill" originate?I won't spoil things by giving away the answers, but readers may find them surprising.

Most books on volleyball focus on the sport first and Morgan second.The Untold Story of William G. Morgan Inventor of Volleyball does the opposite and offers readers a look at the life of the father of volleyball as no one else has before.I would recommend it to those specifically interested in volleyball itself, but also to those who are curious about the evolution of sports in the United States in general. ... Read more

Product Description
101 Winning Volleyball Drills features over 100 drills designed to improve virtually every aspect of volleyball. Covers warm-up drills, ball-control, serve and serve-receive, setting, attacking, blocking, digging, team-offense, team-defense, transition, and six-on-six drills. Each drill is thoroughly described, including objective, set-up, coaching points, and variations. Includes dozens of images and diagrams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Practice Drills
This book has a ton of great practice drills, I started using many of these when I first started coaching Middle Schoolers (7th/8th grade), and still use them now coaching at the High School level. About half of the drills are geared towards higher level players, and a little intense/complex for lower levels/ages, but can be modified easily to work into any practice.

Great source for drills
Great book with great drills.
I've already used several drills in practice and the players love them.
Every aspect of the game covered with detailed, easy to understand instructions.
Good book for all levels of coaches. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the most complete books on coaching volleyball ever printed — includes advice, tips, and cues that take the experienced coach years to accumulate.This comprehensive book covers every aspect of coaching volleyball — from the beginning basic skills to information on aiding the talented college-bound athlete. It guides the coach through the decision-making processes of tryouts, practice schedules, setting up the team's offense and defense, coaching a game, and dealing with parents and administrators. Here are the keys to creating a winning volleyball class or entire volleyball program from the elementary to collegiate level, based on the solid knowledge that comes with years of experience.Volleyball coaches and physical education teachers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Its ok
I thought this book was OK.It is a large bookbut doesn't contain many specifics to volleyball.There are a lot of good general sports principles but when it come to actual drills and plays this book is slightly lacking.

Love it. Love it! Love it!!
I played high school volleyball for one of these authors, so I grew up playing all of the drills and games in this book.I am now a college coach myself & I STILL use this book as a reference guide when I go to plan out a practice.Your athletes will love the different games included in the book that put a different spin on the regular game of volleyball.

Good resource...
As the subtitle "Building a Winning Team" implies, the book touches on the various aspects required to building a team. The authors do an admirable job of providing a wealth of information across a broad spectrum of topics. If you're interested in a general guide with the basics this is the book for you.

The absolute bible of volleyball coaching
McGowan is a master teacher. When you implement his ideas and theories you can't help but become an awesome coach and your athletes will improve their physical and mental skills at an incredible rate.

Outstanding!
If you buy ONE book on how to coach volleyball, make it this one.Carl McGown is the "guru" of volleyball and if you read this book, implement what it says, your team will be better RIGHT NOW!

A book which goes beyond the x and o's to provide the coach with the correct skills and attitudes necessary to compete at a high level. ... Read more

Product Description
A fascinating look at the first 100 years of volleyball, this book traces the history of the sport from its origins as an activity for older players seeking a "less strenuous" alternative to basketball to beach volleyball and its prominence as one of the most exciting and challenging sports. Photos; diagrams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great historical chronology of volleyball
Byron Shewman was a great player, historian, writer, and proponent of the game of volleyball.This book traces the sport from its inception to the present day.A bit biased towards the sports development in the USA butthat is expected because a lot of the growth came in this country. Although the growth all around the world should have been documented.Thestories that Byron wriote about were fascinating.He writes with aninteresting view because he knows and have played with most of the peoplehe writes about.I wish he had more pictures from the early days on thebeach and with the National team.This is THE book for a great volleyballhistory book, well the ONLY volleyball history book.I enjoy reading bitsand pieces of the book picking through the chapters and picking what everstruck my fancy.

A great history of a truly American sport
If volleyball is your game this is a must read book.It chronicles the history of the game from its invention through the last olympics.The early pioneers are vividly brought to life, along with the characters, both indoor and from the beach who have given this sport such a unique American spin. ... Read more

Product Description
Play Your Best, On and Off the Beach.

In the volleyball world, the name Karch Kiraly is synonymous with excellence, whether it be in the U.S.A. or abroad, in the gym or on the beach. This revised edition of Karch Kiraly's Championship Volleyball provides a complete course in volleyball skills, including:

• Serving

• Bumping

• Setting

• Hitting

• Blocking

• Basic and Advanced Team Defense and Offense Strategies

So, whether you're a beginner just learning the basics or an advanced player looking for the strategy that will blow your opponents off the court, Karch Kiraly's Championship Volleyball will give you the skills to do it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A worthy companion to Kiraly's BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Like Joe Eszterhas, the author of SHOWGIRLS and FLASHDANCE, the parents of Karsh Kiraly emigrated to the US from Hungary, where a repressive regime had limited their rights to work and practice free thought.Kiraly shares with Joe Eszterhas some of the same beliefs in the goodness of America, a land where you can make as much money and accure as much cultural capital as you possibly can.And Kiraly has had it all.In CHAMPIONSHIP VOLLEYBALL it is like having a coach over your shoulder at all times, a coach who is going to teach you to block, bump, pass and spike step by step, with careful diagrams and a consistent "you can do it" attitude.

Funny to think that a childhood cartwheel, in which he injured his hand badly by thrusting it into a gopher hole, led to a general lengthening of one arm and corresponding flexibility, which saw him in good stead when he became a teen.Kiraly proves over and over that when life hands you (or your parents) a lemon, you can turn around and make the finest lemonade from it.

One handy chart included in both editions of KK's CV is the list of VOLLEYBALL MILESTONES at the end.

Great book!
I've been coaching volleyball for 7 years now. This is the best book I've found on skills and strategies. It helped me go from the basics, which is all the farther high school volleyball got when I played, to the advanced game it is today. Easy to read and understand, also.

Nice. Not very thorough. Offers interesting concepts.
The book covers the basic techniques and tactics. It is mostly a description of the author's view of how to play, and less a complete description of the possibilities, implications, pros and cons of thevarious options.

If you want to know how Karch plays - there's some veryinteresting "inside information". This does not necessarily meanit suits your needs and abilities.

If you value your health, and want tomake real progress, skip the chapter about conditioning and strengthtraining - very unprofessional: For example, his gym leg training is kneeextensions, rather than leg press / squats, and his view of rest is 24hours off the gym (in his level he should retire for ~96 hours).

Karch is King!
Volleyball's most decorated player in history [winner of 3 gold medals in the Olympics (2 indoor and 1 outdoor), over 130 career wins on the A.V.P. Tour, the #1 leader in career prize money,etc.], Karch Kiraly has yetanother career ahead of him in writing. Karch teaches you to become abetter volleyball player and the techiniques he uses to be 'numero uno.' Ithink it's well written and he's added more about the beach game.Everything that Karch does is 'golden!'

The best thing about my copy ofKarch's book is I had him sign it for me! So, go out to the next A.V.P.event or if you see him practicing, and ask him to do the same. I can'twait to read some of his other books in the near future!

Karch is King!
Volleyball's most decorated player in history [winner of 3 gold medals in the Olympics (2 indoor and 1 outdoor), over 130 career wins on the A.V.P. Tour, the #1 leader in career prize money,etc.], Karch Kiraly has yetanother career ahead of him in writing. Karch teaches you to become abetter volleyball player and the techiniques he uses to be 'numero uno.' Ithink it's well written and he's added more about the beach game.Everything that Karch does is 'golden!'

The best thing about my copy ofKarch's book is I had him sign it for me! So, go out to the next A.V.P.event or if you see him practicing, and ask him to do the same. I can'twait to read some of his other books in the near future! ... Read more

Product Description
The book is a comprehensive tool for developing all of the skills of volleyball in addition to providing drills that help coaches handle specific situations that they will incur with their teams.The book has approximately 100 drills and touches upon defensive systems, conditioning and game strategies. The book provides over 80 diagrams, terminology and key phrases. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Good buy
the instructions are good. However there needs to be more pictures as there are diagrams. still shots of players doing the actual drills would be helpfull

A very highly recommended manual
Jim Bertoli draws upon a highly successful and extensive volleyball coaching career to write Volleyball Skills & Drills, a comprehensive instruction manual for developing all of the skills of volleyball as a competitive sport. The drills provided will help other coaches handle specific situations that will inevitable occur with the teams. Showcasing some one hundred specific drills, Volleyball Skills & Drills also addresses the relevant issues of defensive systems, conditioning, and game strategies. A very highly recommended manual for anyone charged with the responsibility of coaching a volleyball team, Volleyball Skills & Drills is enhanced with definitions of terminology, key phrases, and more than eighty illustrative diagrams.

Wow, what a helpful book!
I picked up this book because a friend told me it was great.And let me tell you if you want to become a professional vollyball coach like Jim Bertoli you had better buy this book.It has tons of helpful tips and skills for getting you team in tip top shape.It's a great buy.Five stars! ... Read more

Product Description
A volleyball coaching book like none other. Not a list of drills. Not a "How To" of offense or defense. Just practical advice for coaches at all levels of volleyball.EXPERTS ENDORSE THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK:"Building a strong coaching philosophy that complements our unique, lifetime sport is vital to a coach's success. John Betcher's book will help you along the journey to become the best coach you can be."John Kessel USA Volleyball Director Membership Development & Disabled Programs "If you are trying to decide whether or not you should coach a volleyball team, this book can help you make that decision. The insights and anecdotes that John shares in his Little Black Book can help all coaches keep coaching in a proper perspective." Professor G. Thomas (Tom) TaitUSA Volleyball "All-time Great Coach")Founding Father of Penn State Men's and Women's Volleyball Programs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

not for experienced players/coaches
I have played volleyball at the college level. I have also done some coaching as a student assistant in college and an assistant coach for high school. I have been around volleyball for awhile and this book just told me everything I already knew. Some ideas were interesting, but it was just different ways of saying things I already knew. More catchy phrases. Overall I'm looking to return it, it was a waste of money for anyone who knows anything about volleyball. If you haven't played in awhile and are about to start coaching, it would be a good read. However, I graduated college a year ago and it was uninformative to me.

"Little" descibes this book in more than one way.
I would strongly discourage purchasing this book.The actual book itself is approximately 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches and the standard page is full of awkward spacing, double spaced, and large font.Not to mention the book only has 102 pages... I'd be very curious as the overall word count.The book doesn't cover anything new or "insightful".It discusses the fundamentals of volleyball, a volleyball rally, and tosses in a quote here and there.

My background is I've played volleyball through college and have been an assistant at the high school and collegiate level, as well as being a head varsity coach for 4 years at the high school level.

must read for beginning coaches
Mr. Betcher's book should be required reading for beginning coaches of all sports.It is well written, concise and has a vast store of information that would help coaches who are just beginning their journey.

volleyball insights
Very readable and insightful book about the game of volleyball.We gave this to our high-school aged niece and she feels it has improved her game!
A must read for those you play and follow the game of volleyball.You will learn alot.

Great little book!
This book is a "must read" for every new coach, regardless of the sport.It's a small book, but addresses crucial issues every coach needs to learn, or remember.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Volleyball is a game that is not determined by your height, but by the your ability as a player. This book will teach you the fundamentals of the game, while also helping to develop your personal goals as a player. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great book!
I picked up this book for my friend's daughter, who is just starting to play volleyball, and I was really impressed with the way it speaks to her, how it breaks down all of the skills into easy steps, and is filled with photos. I also liked the chapters for parents and coaches, and how author tells you why to do something. It seemed like I learned something interesting in every paragraph I read. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Over 75 drawings show correct position, and more than 130 court diagrams illustrate position drills and offensive and defensive tactics. Also included are sample player policies, contracts, evaluation and scoring worksheets, and checklists for basic technical skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Helpful for most part
This book was purchased as a recommendation, but not required for a coaching class.Much of the information is oriented toward on-court coaching, which is helpful for someone who already coaches, but not necessarily for someone who is learning the basics.In my case, I already coached before taking the class, so it was more helpful to me than to others in my class.

Most Comprehensive Volleyball Coaching Manual Available
Sue Gozansky's book is the best volleyball coaching manual available. I have used it for years and learn something new from Sue every year.Highly rated!

As close to a How-To Guide as you're going to get.....
This book is pretty close to being a how to guide. Coach Gozansky has thought of just about everything that is relevant to running a good volleyball program. This is not to say that you need to follow the book word for word, but she has set out a lot of information on issues that most people would not have thought of when they start coaching.

The technical section of the skills and strategy are pretty reasonable. But since I am a believer in the nuances of the game, I can't abide by learning the game by the book. You really have to be a observer and a student of the game in order to gain the necessary nuances in order to be a good game coach. So I don't believe that any book on skill is ever adequate. However, everything else mentioned in this book is very good. This is a great reference book for someone who want to build a program, whether it is in the colleges or in high school. The information set forth are pragmatic and reasonable, the presentation clear and concise.

I would recommend this highly to any coach, including club coaches.

July, 14, 2003.
This book is now the textbook used for the USA Volleyball Coaching Accreditation Program Level II Course. ... Read more

Product Description
Serve It Up helps students learn the skills, tactics, and recreational/ competitive applications of volleyball. Troubleshooting sections at the end of each chapter help students identify and solve problems they may encounter. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes volleyball, the skills needed for it, and ways to compete. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

story book
This is more of a story book than an information book.Not a book for you if you are looking for ways to coach girls.Would be good for girls who are starting to look into playing volleyball.I was disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive guide to the new American style of volleyball by the coach of the 1984 U.S. women's silver medal-winning team. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Arie Selenger's Power Volleyball
I consider this book to be one of the best ever written.
The detail is fantastic.
I refer to sections every week.
I was just reviewing the section on spiking.
A few weeks ago I reviewed the team play on the down call.
Every time I read it I learn more.

I just want Arie to write a new book with his experience in Japan

Vic Lindal
Canadian National coach 69 to 72
currently coaching club (16 and 17 girls)
On Vancouver Island BC

A valuable addition to every coach's library
I picked this book up shortly after it first came out.Back then I was a budding new coach.It opened so many avenues of study for me in my development over the years that followed.I can honestly say that without this book I would not likely have become the coach that I am today.It is in my library still and I continue to refer to it from time to time.

A legendary coach shares his expertise.
Arie Selinger is a legend among coaches, and this book won't let fans of the former coach of the U.S. Women's Olympic Team down. Whether you want to learn more about Arie's philosophy or to pick up some tips for your own game, this book is worth a read.

As a high school coach, I've implemented many of Arie's ideas into the program I took over 3 years ago, a program that had struggled for decades. And this season, I'm proud to say, we posted only the 3rd winning record in school history. A complete turnaround in 3 years!

Our girls now FEEL like winners, and players that's the first step toward becoming winners. Arie Selenger's Power Volleyball helped bring that change about, and that's high praise, indeed.

A professional volleyball coach's view on the sport
I just returned from an Arie Selinger camp and it was terrific.The man is passionate about the sport and is obviously extremely knowledgable.He has spent the last 40 years thinking about the training and the teaching ofthe game.Whether it has to do with technique, strategy, training, mentalgame, or state of the game, he has an opinion which is more than backed upwith experience and data.Lots of data.

The book is a little problematicin that the explanations of the concepts are a little too involved for thebeginning coach.But the man is obviously the foremost thinker on the gamethat the American game has seen in a long time.You may disagree with hisconclusions, but his attention to detail and his arguements for his ideasare very strong.He is a great believer in statistics and measuringprogress, so a lot of it has to do with measuring athleteaccomplishments.

If you are looking to get a book to help your kids withtheir intramural team, forget about this book.If you are out to learn tocoach volleyball at a very high level, this could be the one book you need. Keep in mind that he has always dealt with the highest level of athletesand have had the luxury of training six hours a day seven days a week, sosome of the offense are way too complicated, even for college teams. Butthey are good ideas which stimulated even more ideas.

I wish he had putin more of his unique training ideas based on the Asian trainingmethodology, but that is quibbling. ... Read more

Product Description
One of a series of rulebooks for players, this is a guide to the rules of volleyball. It outlines the rules of the sport, giving advice on when and how they should be applied. The book is easy to read, and is provided with many explanatory diagrams. It includes Mini Volleyball and Beach Volleyball. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Volleyball rules revisited.
This truly is a players guide to volleyball rules.It shows how rules are interpreted with pictures and words.Some rules have changed since the publication of this book and there are rules unique to the league you play in, so it is not the final word in many cases. ... Read more