What you need to know:
Local Training Groups
Winter Tryout Information:
- When: Saturday November 15th
- Timeslot: 2:00 pm - 3:45 pm
- Where: Foothill College
Commitment
Time: Local Training Groups practice 1x per week (avoiding major holidays).
Financial: The cost per season is $825 and includes all practice time, coaching, and a training group t-shirt.
Schedule
Training Groups run in 10-session seasons (typically lasting around 3 months).
- Fall Season: August - October
- Winter Season: November - January
- Spring Season: February - April
- Summer Season: May - June
Each season includes 8 training sessions and 2 local tournaments featuring modified 3v3 competition. Typical schedule is one session per week.
Format
We utilize a Training Group format for this program which means that we break the players into groups of ~10 players based upon age and skill.
Our lead coach Mason Tufuga runs a master practice plan for each group and each individual training group also has a lead coach on their court.
For competition, we prioritize 3v3 gameplay on modified courts which helps players to maximize touches and ball control.
What to expect:
Local Training Groups are designed for athletes in middle school with beginner to intermediate experience levels. Athletes can expect:
- A technical approach to training where the skills are broken down
- High repetition drills that ensure athletes are getting to put the feedback into practice
- Structured training program that builds from one week to the next
- Athletes with the same commitment level and desire to improve as them
- Dedicated and consistent coaches that provide that travel volleyball experience (without the travel!)
Sample Training Plan
PHASE 1
Establish the foundation
In weeks 1 and 2 we introduce athletes to the program, get them comfortable with their teammates and coaching staff, and set the foundation of skills.
Attacking: footwork, arm swing mechanics
Passing: platform mechanics, overhead reception, general ball control
Serving: target locations, float serve
Defense: body positioning, defensive posture
3 on 3: our game of choice for training groups to maximize touches
PHASE 2
Adding to our tool belt
In weeks 3 & 4 we continue to add to our tool belt. We introduce setting, defensive positions, and continue to develop players confidence in the 3v3 game in preparation for our first tournament.
Setting: hand placement (triangle), footwork, what makes a good set
Defense: base positioning, moves to the floor, how to read your opponent
Serving: bringing pace, depth changes, situational awareness, top spin vs. float
TOURNEY #1
Let's get ready to rumble
Both of our tournaments are held at local Bay Area venues so don't worry about needing to travel!
Players do not need to register for this event: simply show up during the allotted time and our staff will do the rest!
3 on 3 format: players will be grouped into teams of 3 with a coach after a group-wide warmup.
Timed rounds: teams will play timed rounds for total score. Coaches will keep track of team records and adjust opponents accordingly.
PHASE 3
Moving without the ball
In weeks 6 & 7 we start to hammer home the team systems that make volleyball unique. Athletes learn to move without the ball on offense (transition), defense (positioning), and serve receive (reception line).
Offense: athletes learn how to get "out of the box" to create a runway for their approach, how to deal with all types of sets depending on the situation.
Defense: athletes learn to adjust to the opponents position (in system vs. out of system) as well as play the percentages on defense (defending the big part of the court rather than the small)
PHASE 4
Kick it into high gear
In weeks 8 & 9 we take our fundamental skills to the next level in preparation for the final tournament.
Attacking: we work on utilizing off speed shots to set up our hard driven swings into the edges of the court
Serving: we work on changing the depth of our serves to keep the opponent passing lines on their toes
Defense: we incorporate a block based defense as the first line of defense
Passing: focus on identifying and defending each type of opponent serve
TOURNEY #2
For all the marbles
Our final tournament of the year caps off the season, parents be sure to come and cheer!
Players do not need to register for this event: simply show up during the allotted time and our staff will do the rest!
3 on 3 format: players will be grouped into teams of 3 with a coach after a group-wide warmup.
Timed rounds: teams will play timed rounds for total score. Coaches will keep track of team records and adjust opponents accordingly.
Take your game to the next level with