I just finished answering a challenge from a friend to blog about my summer with the Canadian FISU games women's volleyball team. It was a great challenge that I am glad I accepted. I found that writing and blogging about the summer forced me to look at my coaching practices and how to implement them.
My friend Sandy McDonald explained to me the benefits of keeping the blog going. He is a PHD in educational technology and has many great ideas that I have implemented into my team already. So I made the decision to create another blog. This blog will center around the Brandon University Women's Volleyball Team. I am the head coach of this great team of athletes. I have decided to leave the Accidental Coach blog for my National team experiences, which I hope will occur again one day, thus Coaching Bobcats was formed. It can be read at
http://coachingbobcats.blogspot.com
I hope that those of you that find this link will enjoy reading it as much as I will writing it.
It is the start of the Bobcats 7th season so everything is fresh. We have what looks like a tremendously committed group of athletes and coaches. We can't wait for the season to start, tonight at 5:30 is our first chance to see the group together. This will be another good challenge for me personally and professionally.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thank You
Well I have been back in Canada now a week. The jet lag was incredible the first three days. I was surprised at how hard it hit me. I talked with Barnaby Craddock, from Silver Medal men’s basketball team, and it has hit him just as hard. So this is good news I am not a wimp.
After a week of resting and explaining the experience I feel the need to thank some people. First Sandy McDonald, A friend of mine from Grande Prairie. He was the actual person who kept the blog going while we were in China. Since it was virtually impossible to get on any social media in China, I had to write the Blog and email it to Sandy. I gave him access to the blog so he could post the writing for me. For those who know Sandy, you know he wouldn’t just cut and paste, he found pictures and links to information that was mentioned on my blog. I think he actually did a better job with it than me
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Second, the coaching staff. It was a great experience. Thanks Alain for agreeing to work with me. With out that I wouldn’t have been able to have this great learning and life experience. I als o want to thank Alain for being a tolerable roommate. 6 Weeks Sharing a room is tough on anyone, but add the demands of competition and training it brings everything to a peak. I had a couple of meltdowns that Alain listened too and rationally talked me back from the Proverbial ledge. Joely, was the fun maker. She always was upbeat and found a way to connect with the team to keep them upbeat when things got mundane, not the easiest job. Joely really showed her positivity when we had a hiccup with her accreditation and she found a way to contribute and keep things positive. That was a great role model for our players who were having doubts with their roles. Joely also got the Karaoke night rolling which was one of my favourite memories of her. Christine our therapist, she deserves two thanks u’s. 1. for doing her job over and above. Making sure everything was great. As mentioned in a previous blog, she absolutely loves her job and it shows in her work. 2. Not for killing me when I tried to be funny on the buses. One day I will make you laugh out loud.
Third, the athletes, all of you truly are champions. I have so many memories that each of you contributed too. From our fun rock paper scissors, evolving to Princess, Hunter, Bear. To just sitting and listening to your stories, I had an opportunity talk a little with each of you one on and one and discovered your passion for life. I have to admit I am jealous of the opportunities that are lying ahead for all of you. I hope that I have the opportunity to work with all of you again. But if not the saying goes teams that win together are bonded for life. Our 11 place trophy will bond us all for life.
Good luck to all of you this upcoming season, except when you play the mighty Bobcats...then its jinx jinx jinx Know that I am cheering for all you.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Thoughts From The Games
I just arrived back in the dorm from watching the Bronze medal game and the Gold medal game.
Russia won bronze over Japan. Russia is a big physical team that controlled the net and swung hard.
Brazil beat China easily in the final. The crowd was loud and awesome trying to encourage their side but Brazil was too strong everywhere for them. Brazil has speed and strength with great belief in defense. Hard to ask for more than that. The word in the gym is this team is expected to be the core of their 2016 Olympic team. All of the top 6 teams used this FISU as a way to prepare for the Olympics.
Lessons I will take back from the games.
Russia won bronze over Japan. Russia is a big physical team that controlled the net and swung hard.
Brazil beat China easily in the final. The crowd was loud and awesome trying to encourage their side but Brazil was too strong everywhere for them. Brazil has speed and strength with great belief in defense. Hard to ask for more than that. The word in the gym is this team is expected to be the core of their 2016 Olympic team. All of the top 6 teams used this FISU as a way to prepare for the Olympics.
Lessons I will take back from the games.
- Very few people call serves. It is all game planned. Also with this most teams screen. They move their blockers to a section of the net and switch to their positions from there. It just happens to be where they are serving over every time.
- Most free balls are extremely high, using the height of the gym to allow them to get in place and get ready to block. Forcing the opposition to pass a ball coming straight down. If they don't do this then they either free ball short to 2 to take out the rightside from their attack pattern or they freeball short to 4.
- Libs try to take as many freeballs as possible.
- There is no such thing as a standing downball. The teams either pass it high or set it short. Most of the time they find a way to jump and get a swing on it. Just to make the angle different.
- All of the top 4 teams started their position 6 player just a little behind the middle middle of the court. They would back up to 1 meter in front of the end line if the block was closed.
- Quick dynamic player with a quick arm can be any size to score. Brazil had a 5'10" leftside who dominated the game.
- Midline passing is still the way to go, the top teams players are able to move their body to get behind the ball. They don't rely on their arms, but do understand angles that are necessary when the ball is slightly outside their midline.
- Most teams bunch block, but don't do this continually they will adjust their block based on who the attackers are.
- Teams have some servers jump float from deep in the court, keeping other teams off their passing rhythm.
- I want to do this again.
Hong Kong
Well our last match at Fisu finally came, we were playing for 11.
We found out before the match that the top 12 automatically get into the next FISU Games. So that no matter what Canada has a spot if they want! We started what has become our starting group with Jaki, Krista, Tricia, Jaimie, Marie-Sophie and Shanice, with Noe as libs. We wanted to see if we can still find a new level as if this was our bronze if we were on the A side. The packed gym was definitely cheering against us tonight.
The team came out firing on all cylinders and had no problems with the Hong Kong team, winnig the first set 25-16. Alain decided that it was chance for our role players to get some quality court time. These athletes had worked so hard this summer to be part of this team and contributed greatly when called upon. We had depth in all positions. We started Beth and Alicia in the middle with Alex setting, Kristi and Shanice at leftside. It took them a little while to get some rythm, but when they got comfortable they played close to flawless, Beth ended up with 7 kills 3 stuff blocks and one ace in the two sets she played to lead the team in scoring.
Beth was impressive this summer. She, like all the athletes was the go to person on her university team. She was looked upon to be the one to get the ball in pressure situations. This summer she was asked to accept a role of serving a defense once the tournament started. She followed through with the role and made some big plays for us. Every athlete would want to play more, Beth is no different. She didn't once complain or show frustration she was always up and trying to find ways to contribute and motivate. So it was great to see her end the FISU being successful as a main player.
Once the match ended both teams lingered on the court, they poised for pictures together some athletes traded jersey's. No one really wanted it to end. In the team room after we had the chance as coaches to thank the athletes for trusting us and allowing us to be a part of this experience. It is something I will never forget. Alain said you are responsible to make your own memories and we did.
We then went out as a team to the cultural center for dancing and meeting with other athletes and coaches. But had a great chance just to sit and talk one on one as a coaching staff and to some athletes that would come over to reminisce about funny things that happened this summer.
Ok just one last add on. It is Sunday now and we just got back from cheering our basketball guys on to a semi-final win. They are headed to the final. A real good friend of mine Barnaby Craddock is part of the coaching staff, so to see his face after and be able to celebrate this win with him was incredible.
We then went out as a team to the cultural center for dancing and meeting with other athletes and coaches. But had a great chance just to sit and talk one on one as a coaching staff and to some athletes that would come over to reminisce about funny things that happened this summer.
Ok just one last add on. It is Sunday now and we just got back from cheering our basketball guys on to a semi-final win. They are headed to the final. A real good friend of mine Barnaby Craddock is part of the coaching staff, so to see his face after and be able to celebrate this win with him was incredible.
I love this event!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Dream fulfilled.....Almost
When I first started coaching volleyball I wanted to be able to coach at the Western Midget Elites. Too be able to say I was part of the provincial team was something amazing. I remember getting into a fight with a friend over my team Alberta sweat shirt that was given to me.
After I had the opportunity to coach in the Elites, I wanted to coach at the NTTC's. When we won gold as an assistant coach I wanted to coach at the Elites as a Head coach, then at NTTC's as a head coach and finally at Canada Games as a coach. All of those things were fulfilled, just keep trying hard.
When I was coaching the elite's I met Nando Covelli, he would always talk about watching the Italian team. They are constantly top 8 in the world and have many World championship medals. So I had this dream of coaching against them one day.
Well today was that day!! Italy is a really physical team with good ball control. They had a tough pool, probably ours and theirs were the two toughest. After their loss to Brazil (another world power) they ended up on the B side with something to prove. They handled Norway in their first match without any problems. I felt after they watched our video they probably felt we were going to be a push over as well.
We had prepped the team very well, Alain laid out a very specific game plan and the team was very focused on this. Again we started Jaki, Krista, Marie Sophie, Shanice, Jaimie and Tricia was inserted back into the line up as a middle.
We came out strong and were ahead at both technical timeouts. But then Italy's rightside took over the match. She scored hard down the line or high off hands. We struggled to slow her down losing the set 25-21. But we played respectable.
The second set we followed the instructions to the letter. We served really tough taking more risks on that end, a few more errors but kept them out of system and we were able to then get our block defensive game going. Noe and Shanice passed the bulk of the balls and were solid for us. We even played our setter out of six a couple of times after her serve because they were running the slide and attacking back cross court. This worked in our favour, Jaki actually hit a solid pipe on a set from Noe and we won the rally. You then realize everything is going well. We won that set 25-21, putting a really different feel in the gym.
The crowd of 1500 was definitely on our side and really encouraging the girls to play their best by celebrating for/with them. But Italy was the more consistent team the next two sets. Our team battled hard and made them earn points. There was some amazing defence and rallies happening. We subbed Alicia in for Jaimie in the fourth set and she had an immediate impact with a stuff block and a good run of serving. Beth was always a factor , she has a great serve and always brings a ton of energy when she plays. Even though we lost in four it felt like we played well and they were just a better team tonight.
We earned their respect.
I think this past two weeks will pay off in spades for our National team program. These athletes realize they can compete with the best. They understand why fitness is so important for playing this length of tournament. World championships are a longer competition than this tourney.
Tommorrow is our last match here against Hong Kong. It will be interesting.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Sweden
Ugly. But good.
Well we just finished playing Sweden. We ended up winning in four, but really didn't play all that well. We started Jaki, Krista, Marie Sophie, Shanice, Jaimie and Alicia, with Noe at libero. We came out a little flat and were down 8-4 at the first technical time out. But then we had a good run of serving and won going away 25-17.
Now you would like to believe that everything would be fine after that, but our wheels fell off. In the last 3 sets we committed 40 unforced errors. Which means serving, hitting or being aced by Sweden. Almost enough for 2 full sets of points in the match. Basically in the second set Sweden had to serve the ball and then get out of the way.
Luckily we learned that we don't need to be perfect to score. We need to learn to play well when things are weird. If we get a bad pass still try to find a way to score instead of being upset we got a bad pass. Do something that betters the ball rather than getting frustrated. I knew if we could keep the third set close when we hit 20 we would be fine. Which worked out well for us winning 25-21. Considering we were down 20-19 that is a good comeback.
The fourth set started out rough again with Sweden up the whole way through. Our English translator brought me a phone call from Joely at 21-19 for Sweden. Joely went to watch the Italy Norway match so we would have imformation on the winner for tomorrow. Heidi the translator couldn't understand what she wanted so she thrust the phone into my ear. It is funny now, but at that time it was pretty intense in the gym.
We really played focussed the last points and won 25-22. We were excited because we advanced, we are also excited because it brings us to even in win loss categories, but we are disappointed in the focus the team showed. Effort is never a question with this group of girls, but being able to change their focus and play with confidence after errors is the hardest thing for us right now. Winning after winning is tough. It takes special athletes to maintain the focus after a successful outing. Ask the last four Stanley Cup champions.
But we advanced, and tomorrow is Italy. They are a traditional volleyball power. I expect us to have no problems getting up for the match.
We are due to play flawless.
Look out Italia
A little highlight video of a set against Sweden.
Well we just finished playing Sweden. We ended up winning in four, but really didn't play all that well. We started Jaki, Krista, Marie Sophie, Shanice, Jaimie and Alicia, with Noe at libero. We came out a little flat and were down 8-4 at the first technical time out. But then we had a good run of serving and won going away 25-17.
Now you would like to believe that everything would be fine after that, but our wheels fell off. In the last 3 sets we committed 40 unforced errors. Which means serving, hitting or being aced by Sweden. Almost enough for 2 full sets of points in the match. Basically in the second set Sweden had to serve the ball and then get out of the way.
Luckily we learned that we don't need to be perfect to score. We need to learn to play well when things are weird. If we get a bad pass still try to find a way to score instead of being upset we got a bad pass. Do something that betters the ball rather than getting frustrated. I knew if we could keep the third set close when we hit 20 we would be fine. Which worked out well for us winning 25-21. Considering we were down 20-19 that is a good comeback.
The fourth set started out rough again with Sweden up the whole way through. Our English translator brought me a phone call from Joely at 21-19 for Sweden. Joely went to watch the Italy Norway match so we would have imformation on the winner for tomorrow. Heidi the translator couldn't understand what she wanted so she thrust the phone into my ear. It is funny now, but at that time it was pretty intense in the gym.
We really played focussed the last points and won 25-22. We were excited because we advanced, we are also excited because it brings us to even in win loss categories, but we are disappointed in the focus the team showed. Effort is never a question with this group of girls, but being able to change their focus and play with confidence after errors is the hardest thing for us right now. Winning after winning is tough. It takes special athletes to maintain the focus after a successful outing. Ask the last four Stanley Cup champions.
But we advanced, and tomorrow is Italy. They are a traditional volleyball power. I expect us to have no problems getting up for the match.
We are due to play flawless.
Look out Italia
A little highlight video of a set against Sweden.
Day Off
Day off!
With the pool play finished and the rankings set out we had a day off. We really wanted the athletes to have a good mental break. So our therapist Christine took the athletes in the morning for a pool recovery work out.
Christine has been awesome. An athletic therapist is something special. Quite often people get confused between physiotherapists and athletic therapists. There is a difference, both are trained with the same background knowledge of the body anatomy and how to rehab injuries. Just athletic therapists are trained also in preventative work and rehab for athletes.
Christine's day is long and without her we wouldn't have the healthy athletes that we do. She doesn't really have time off. When we are resting or watching video she is performing rehab or pre-hab on all the different athletes. When we are worried about an athlete's shoulder she is a great resource and understands the wear and tear that happens in the course of a two week tournament. Christine goes over and above the call, she has little treats and gifts for the girls. She is an incredible cheerleader and probably the biggest defender of the team culture. Your athletic therapist can help encourage the culture from her training table more than coaches can. I recommend that coaches treat these people with golden gloves and not forget their value.
The rest of the day we let the girls just wander and explore Shenzhen. Most chose to go shopping in a market downtown. Just a chance to get out of the village and interact with other people is so refreshing. The all came back with great stories of different culture, a totally unexpected poopy scooping on the road, bartering for clothes, just meeting different people.
The evening we all met and went to support our guys team as they played Australia in their pool play. I enjoyed the match because I had a chance to watch Brendon and Craig play. Two Aussies who play at BU, they are good guys who battled hard against the Canadians. It also help them explain the level of the CIS league they play in to their teammates.
WE had a tough decision to make about the practice. It was scheduled for 9am and it was a 60min drive away. So the decision is 2 hours of travel worth the one hour practice. Or would we be better suited with allowing training time for Christine and do something active in the morning.
We decided to go with the activity instead of travel. Christine has arranged a photo scavenger hunt which should have our competitive girls running around. One of the things is a picture with five different countries represented in the photo. Another is a picture of them planking somewhere...should be fun.
The rest of us will prepare video for our match against Sweden.
Our goal is now B-side champs.
With the pool play finished and the rankings set out we had a day off. We really wanted the athletes to have a good mental break. So our therapist Christine took the athletes in the morning for a pool recovery work out.
Christine has been awesome. An athletic therapist is something special. Quite often people get confused between physiotherapists and athletic therapists. There is a difference, both are trained with the same background knowledge of the body anatomy and how to rehab injuries. Just athletic therapists are trained also in preventative work and rehab for athletes.
Christine's day is long and without her we wouldn't have the healthy athletes that we do. She doesn't really have time off. When we are resting or watching video she is performing rehab or pre-hab on all the different athletes. When we are worried about an athlete's shoulder she is a great resource and understands the wear and tear that happens in the course of a two week tournament. Christine goes over and above the call, she has little treats and gifts for the girls. She is an incredible cheerleader and probably the biggest defender of the team culture. Your athletic therapist can help encourage the culture from her training table more than coaches can. I recommend that coaches treat these people with golden gloves and not forget their value.
The rest of the day we let the girls just wander and explore Shenzhen. Most chose to go shopping in a market downtown. Just a chance to get out of the village and interact with other people is so refreshing. The all came back with great stories of different culture, a totally unexpected poopy scooping on the road, bartering for clothes, just meeting different people.
The evening we all met and went to support our guys team as they played Australia in their pool play. I enjoyed the match because I had a chance to watch Brendon and Craig play. Two Aussies who play at BU, they are good guys who battled hard against the Canadians. It also help them explain the level of the CIS league they play in to their teammates.
WE had a tough decision to make about the practice. It was scheduled for 9am and it was a 60min drive away. So the decision is 2 hours of travel worth the one hour practice. Or would we be better suited with allowing training time for Christine and do something active in the morning.
We decided to go with the activity instead of travel. Christine has arranged a photo scavenger hunt which should have our competitive girls running around. One of the things is a picture with five different countries represented in the photo. Another is a picture of them planking somewhere...should be fun.
The rest of us will prepare video for our match against Sweden.
Our goal is now B-side champs.
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