Dave Shondell: Running Commentary, Preparing for an Opponent, Cue Words + Fast Paced, Competitive Drills

with Dave Shondell,
Purdue University Head Coach;
2021 Big Ten Coach of the Year;
2021 AVCA Northeast Region Coach of the Year;
3x Elite Eight appearances (2010, 2013, 2020);
15x NCAA Tournament appearances;
2011 Big Ten Coach of the Year;
over 400 career wins

Dave Shondell and the Purdue women's volleyball team demonstrate how to run an effective practice in this on-court instructional video. Coach Shondell sets a positive, competitive tone at the beginning of practice while outlining team goals and the type of team Purdue is aiming to be.

Serving & Defensive Groups

The team starts off practice by working on aggressive serving from both sides of the court to various targets while pushing for consistent, high velocity serves. Coach Shondell discusses serving strategies and preparing for different opponents.

Next, the focus shifts into small defensive groups to separately work on individual digging as well as blocking techniques. When practicing blocking, an emphasis is put on dynamic footwork; fast, strong hands; and blocking low and quick across the net. Team blocking drills reinforce a coordinated, balanced and fast drive step to block on the pins, along with tips to block the middle attack.

Practice Drills

Coach Shondell has his players execute a back row hard ball digging drill that efficiently provides a high number of reps from all hitting angles. The team transitions to a passing and combination hitting drill that simulates realistic offensive and setting situations. During the drills, Shondell shares insights about preparing defensively for different teams you might face, principles for getting the most out of practice, and the importance of creating a positive team culture.

Practice progresses to a competitive 5v5 drill that integrates many of the skills from earlier drills, followed by a team defensive drill to teach reading and coordinating defense against different types of attacks. The team then moves to 6v6 to practice attacking and defending in each serve receive rotation.

Throughout the practice, Coach Shondell models the consistent use of key words to emphasize what he is expecting players to do for each skill. He also engages players to understand why they are doing each drill and to think thoughtfully about things they can do individually and as a team to get better.

This video provides an exclusive window into Purdue's style of practice, creative drill progression, and effective training approach by Coach Shondell and his staff that will help you accelerate the development of your players and team.

101 minutes. 2021.