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Developing better volleyball players requires changing the way we teach

Jim Stone, USA Volleyball

National Youth Team 

In volleyball, we tend to rush children towards the 6-a-side game, mistaking children for mini-adults and putting them into environments too early. The feedback from children is that they come to play volleyball to be involved by touching the ball. Putting children on an adult-size court with its high net is not what they wanted or enjoyed. 

Because the court is too big and too many players, rallies are rare. Players find themselves with fewer opportunities to be involved in the game and less chance to develop their technique, skill, and decision-making, making it less fun for everyone.

With 3 or 4-a-side playing on a smaller court and a lower net, MiniVolley was developed to make the first contact with volleyball fun and positive experience. It is a structured, learn-to-play volleyball program designed to introduce youth to the game's basic skills.

While it's for youth ages 10-13, it's suitable for any entry-level volleyball players and lays out how to get them started in volleyball to have fun, learn skills and develop confidence as they head towards the adult version of the game.

Learn more about MiniVolley & the Summer Tournament.

MINIVOLLEY WILL ENABLE

PLAYERS TO:

1

Have more touches of the ball - the critical component in skill development

2

Have more hits and score more points

3

Develop into all-around skilled players with a diversified skillset

4

Have more incentive to play the game correctly - pass, set, hit. 

5

Have more involvement in the game

6

More involvement means more enjoyment through playing volleyball.

Playing Volleyball Like a Kid

When adults play on a volleyball court scaled up in size, they learn how very challenging the sport is to play if you are a kid playing on a regular-sized adult court. 

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