How to Develop Match Simulation Opportunities in Practice to Increase Practice Intensity

with Amber Warners,
Calvin College Head Coach;
3x Division III National Champions (2010, 2013, 2016);
4x AVCA Division III National Coach of the Year (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014);
highest win % among active Division III women's volleyball coaches (.874)

Far too often, practice can turn into more of a social event and becomes less about playing with aggressiveness and intensity. In this video from three-time Division III National Champion coach Amber Warners, you'll get a variety of ideas for your practices that will ramp up the competitiveness and ensure your players are improving the maximum amount on a daily basis.

Serving Tactics

Coach Warners goes into great detail to find proven methods for creating more accountability in your serving program. Each player should understand what their ideal MPH is and they should be held accountable for meeting that standard with precision. A small investment in a digital radar can help provide a great visual cue to your servers so they quickly understand whether they are meeting established goals. Servers should strive to achieve a 5:1 serving ratio where they can create one "ace" or a one-passer option for every five serves.

You'll hear Warners discuss her preferred aiming zone for aggressive serving. Additionally, she explains why using the jump-float with no spin is a proven serve that can yield impressive results.

Pre-Serve Routine

For your team to be successful, it's important to create things in practice that simulate a game. Coach Warners offers up the idea of having your players run to the net and end line back and forth three times to create the illusion of a difficult rally ending, prior to putting down a big serve. Coaches and players alike can have fun with "punishments" at practice. Little by little, your culture will become more competitive and focused.

On the topic of pre-serve routine, Warners wants her players to understand the zone they're trying to serve to and repeat that zone to themselves before striking the ball. Additionally, establishing a positive "catch phrase" to ignite a strong serve - such as "let it rip" - has been effective for her team.

Practice Segments

Coach Warners strives to make certain each drill has multiple outcomes and serves dual purposes. With a limited amount of practice time available, you will see how to maximum reps, communication and keep your players focused from drill to drill.

The 2-on-2 half court drill is a warm-up that requires players to be cooperative to keep the rally alive. It all starts with a set over the net, then progresses to more challenging requirements. Additionally, run-through drills are great when you need to add some accountability. By forcing players to make solid passes at a fast pace, they will be able to perform the same task in the heat of a match. Warners challenges all coaches to think about what can be done to make your players more accountable at practice, which will force them to be more focused during drill work.

This video will help any coach who is interested in running intense, game-like practices. Coach Warners excels at teaching others how they can take their practice drills and tweak them to keep players more focused and self-accountable.

50 minutes. 2019.