The now philanthropic Bill Gates starts this TED talk by saying, “Everyone needs a coach.” In Bill’s riveting speech about teachers, he provides information on why the United States is performing so poorly in all education subjects in comparison with the rest of the world. Shanghai, China ranks #1 in the world in Reading, Science and Math. Part of the reason Shanghai is #1 is because younger teachers get the opportunity to watch master teachers.

Volleyball is an incredible sport in it’s openness and willingness to share through it’s community. The AVCA is at the forefront of this benevolent community as it continually taps into the resources of master coaches throughout the year to provide insight on their coaching ways and success. The AVCA offers articles, videos, webinars, seminars,  committees and networking opportunities each month, capped off with the AVCA Convention at the end of the year. The AVCA Convention is the pinnacle of volleyball learning opportunities with master coaches gathered in one place that selflessly present their experiences and expertise to better the sport. These master coaches volunteer their time, in fact pay the same AVCA dues and AVCA Convention fees to generously help younger coaches. How awesome is that?   The success of the AVCA Convention that surrounds the NCAA Women’s Final Four has been expanded to a Spring Convention that surrounds the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Bill Gates says we need to learn from Master Coaches and the AVCA Convention already has this model in place. Bravo to the visionaries of our sport in developing the AVCA some 30+ years ago as a way to better and strengthen our community.

I would be remiss if I did not include USA Volleyball as another leader in this volleyball community of sharing and educating for our sport. John Kessel’s Growing the Game blog is one of the world’s best volleyball blogs. USA Volleyball continues to share videos, free webinars and provides learning opportunities through seminars at the US Olympic Center and CAP Education courses.  And people complain about their measly USA Volleyball Membership dues?!?! Seriously?!?! Don’t forget, USA Volleyball is also the leading authority for Volleyball Officials and provides extreme amounts of education for the betterment of our sport. No other organization comes close to what USA Volleyball does for volleyball referees.

Volleyball in the United States is in a great place with tremendous leaders like Kathy DeBoer of the AVCA and Doug Beal of USA Volleyball. Unfortunately, I didn’t win this past Powerball to develop a real professional league in the United States, so it looks like we’ll have to keep spreading the love of our game through this tremendous volleyball community.

P.S.  Don’t miss out on the other incredibly valuable lesson in Bills talk is the utilization of video in practice and games. Many coaches now use video for matches, some for practice, but I believe 99% of coaches us this video to evaluate player and team performance, not their own. I love how the Iowa high school teacher uses video for self-feedback.

We talk a lot about having our athletes get out of their comfort zones to move forward and progress. How about us? As coaches we all have our comfort zones. Some of us are good in certain areas. Some of us can prepare an athlete for a league or a district meet and then are out of our element when we have to prepare for a state of national competition. In short we all have our comfort zones. Step back and do an honest evaluation of where you are as a coach. What are you comfortable with? Where are you uncomfortable? Is where you are comfortable holding you and most importantly your athletes back? I know I am pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone in certain areas. After 44 years of coaching it is tougher to do but I know it must be done. It may mean little things, but a succession of little things could make a big difference. What are you going to do today to get out of your comfort zone to help make your athletes better?

I hear the same things from Karch Kiraly in a Q&A session:

“Learning is an uncomfortable process and we have to take some time everyday being uncomfortable and pushing ourselves at the edge of our ability level.”

Miami University Head Coach, Carolyn Condit, and I often joke about the “honeymoon” period ending, the time when she and I will no longer enjoy working with each other. It is a running joke because we have such a great working relationship.

When we start a new job, we often put our best foot forward, act our best, and none of our bad habits or weaknesses are immediately exposed.

I have a friend of mine in the business world that jokes about dating. He tells me, “You realize when you date someone, you aren’t actually dating the ‘real’ person, but you are dating their ‘representative’, who they want you to believe they are, not who they really are. It’s not until a few months into the relationship when you have your emotions all tied into it, when the ‘real’ person reveals themselves. Then you’re stuck!” Poor Carolyn seems to be stuck with me now…well at least until she’s ready to get rid of me

Point being, through the hiring process, we have References to provide a basis of who we are, during the interview process we don’t mean to show our “representative” side, but we do, and in the first couple months at a new job, we are intentionally, unintentionally on our best behavior.

It is always my goal to be the best, be consistent in my actions, and represent myself and the program with the utmost of professionalism. But I have started to notice within myself, little bad habits, weaknesses of mine, starting to show to myself. We all continually work on our weaknesses and certainly try to minimize them, just as we try to do with our teams on the court, but we can’t hide them all the time.

For example, I don’t think there is anyone in the world that enjoys completing an expense report. Collect your receipts, fill in the spreadsheet, cut and tape receipts to a pieces of paper (arts and crafts we called this at Winthrop), and do this within the month. Of course my first 12 expense reports (every recruiting trip needs an expense report), received an A+ on them. I turned them in way before time, a ‘wide-eyed’ thank you from the accountant, and a big self-pat-on-my back. I met my new goal to turn things before being prompted.

Then spring season sprung upon us. 20 hour weeks with the players started (practice, weights, video, meetings, etc.), spring tournaments every weekend and squeezing recruiting trips in between. I received the dreaded email notification that receipts are due by midnight on the 3rd of the month. That dreaded notification was a realization that my honeymoon phase may be over. How many more nights can I spend at the office past 10 pm? The night of the 3rd was no different.

The expense report issue gave me an opportunity of self-reflection and a good reminder of self-discipline. Discipline can be one of the most challenging parts of everyday life. As Mike Hebert wrote to his team in his Championship Manual, “Discipline is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets.” If I cannot be disciplined on a little issue like this, how can I expect my players to be disciplined when we ask them to be? Lesson learned by me.

I still very much enjoy working at Miami and know how fortunate I am to not only be at a great school, but a program with a storied tradition and a legendary coach. I relish the stories she tells of fighting for court time with men’s basketball when Title IX was just put in place. I told her she needs to write a book, but she said, “Who would want to hear my stories?” She doesn’t realize, everyone would, but yet I’m the one telling bland stories of expense reports. Yawn. Maybe next month I’ll have something more exciting to talk about, like a real honeymoon

The following is an excerpt from USA Volleyball’s, State of the Game Report. I believe USA Volleyball too often gets vilified for roles others believe USA Volleyball plays or doesn’t play, money  directed to certain areas within USA Volleyball, and the delicate balancing act USA Volleyball has to play. I think this excerpt provides some insight into how well USA Volleyball performs it’s roles.

What is USA Volleyball? What exactly are the priorities, and what is our role? The answers to these questions can vary greatly depending on your role and function, both from within or from outside the sport.

USA Volleyball constantly needs to remember and evaluate who we are, what we do, who we represent and how we are evaluated by various entities and constituent populations. In reality, USA Volleyball may actually be considered three distinct and somewhat separate organizations. Those identifications are 1) a National Governing Body (NGB); 2) a National Federation (NF); and 3) a National Sport Association.

As a NGB, USA Volleyball is responsible to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Ted Stevens Amateur Sport Act bylaws. In this role, our priorities center on Elite Athletes in all disciplines and assisting them in performing at the highest level of international competitions as successfully as possible. Simply put, we are focused on winning medals at the Olympic Games and other top international competitions to meet the “High Performance Plan” markers established in cooperation with the USOC.

As a National Federation, USA Volleyball is a member of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as part of that organization’s structure as an International Sport Federation sanctioned and recognized by the IOC. In turn, USA Volleyball is also a member of and responsible to the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA), which is one of five international confederations under the structure established by the FIVB. We must remain in good standing with our International Federation (IF) and follow the constitutions of the FIVB and NORCECA to maintain our status as the NF for volleyball in the United States.

Our priorities as a National Federation start with full participation in the range of international and regional events in all the volleyball disciplines. USA Volleyball is also counted on to host our share of international competitions at the world and regional levels, as well as providing leadership to the governance at both the FIVB and NORCECA levels. As part of our National Federation status, we are committed to contributing to the growth of the sport on a global basis, not just in the United States.

As a National Sport Association, USA Volleyball is accountable to our membership (approaching 300,000), our 40 Regional Volleyball Associations (RVAs) and more than 35 national affiliate organizations. In this role, USA Volleyball’s priorities revolve around opportunities to participate at all levels from youth to adult in all disciplines, seasons and genders. We are judged as a National Sport Association by our customer service skills, quality and quantity of programs we produce, competence we exhibit and demonstrate across a broad range of sport specific technical areas and the demonstrative value gained by collating the entire country under a single organization’s banner.

The overriding issue for USA Volleyball is how these three, sometimes conflicting, roles and responsibilities can be effectively blended and balanced. As I see it, the heart of the USA Volleyball Board of Director’s role in our new governance model is to partner with staff to find a balance where all three can co-exist in harmony. We could easily devote 100 percent of our resources to any one area and be very effective at it, if we elected to do so. However, this scenario is not possible under the organizational circumstances outlined above.

Our self-evident and overriding goal is to “Grow the Game” through all three major responsibilities of our organization. The balancing act to meet our duties, mission and obligations under three separate governing entities is the on-going challenge.

Further, USA Volleyball is certainly in a highly competitive and increasingly crowded sports/business world. We are competing with other NGBs, sports associations, professional leagues and even the USOC on occasion for the discretionary dollars, sponsors and broadcast opportunities we need and want to help us grow as an organization and to “grow the game.” We are also competing in an ever expanding and increasingly saturated sport and entertainment marketplace, one that is morphing ever faster with new media, social media and ever-changing communication methods and technology.

USAV has proven to be very competent at event creation, production and management (particularly with respect to our large national championships); producing successful elite teams both indoor and beach, at the youth through senior levels; at operating in a fiscally responsible manner; and at dramatically expanding program offerings across the nation – from grassroots to elite levels across all of our disciplines.

USAV has been more challenged in achieving a position of prominence for our sport in the mainstream media (both print and broadcast); connecting to a wide range of national retail brands for sponsor partnerships; establishing viable professional leagues; and helping make volleyball an attractive and widespread spectator sport, or commercially successful enterprise. Taking into account all of our considerable strengths and acknowledged areas where improvement needs to occur, the following Strategic Plan represents the operational framework as well as the
staff vision of where we should direct our energies as we enter into the 2013-2016 quadrennial and beyond.

We welcome you to you join us in “Growing the Game” and sharing your knowledge and expertise for the overall advancement of USA Volleyball and the sport.

Coaches are Teachers too. “Profound responsibilities come with teaching and coaching. You can do so much good–or harm. It’s why I believe that next to parenting, teaching and coaching are the two most important professions in the world.” ~ John Wooden

Teachers do so much for us, even spending their own time and money on classroom supplies. Many retailers recognize this selfless giving and want to help make things just a bit easier on teachers. Whether they’re offering discount travel, school supplies, clothes, or food, these stores get extra credit with teachers. Many will require membership to your local teachers’ union, NEA, or special clubs, so be sure to read the fine print and keep your ID handy. And don’t stop with just our list — remember to ask for a teacher discount wherever you go, and you just might get one! Plus, pass on our list of 100+ Stores That Give a Student Discount to your classroom.

Crafts, Teacher Supply & Organization

Get school supplies, organization resources, and much more, all at a steal with these schools that give teachers a discount.

1. Lakeshore Learning: Teacher’s Club members at Lakeshore Learning can save 15% off on hundreds of classroom items daily.
2. The Container Store: Teachers who register for the Organized Teacher Program with The Container Store are eligible for 15% off in store and online, as well as special discounts throughout the year.
3. Naked Binder: Sustainable binder maker Naked Binder gives educators a 25% discount on materials.
4. Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts: Sign up for a Teacher Rewards discount card with Joann’s to get 20% back on your purchases.
5. Scholastic: A staple of many classrooms, Scholastic offers a Teacher Store filled with products and discounts for educators only.
6. BJ’s Wholesale Club: Although BJ’s doesn’t offer a discount for just any teacher, they do have partnerships with many school districts and teachers’ unions. Contact your teacher group to find out if you can get a discounted membership to this wholesale club.
7. Michael’s: At Michael’s craft stores, teachers with a valid educator ID can take 15% off all regularly priced items in store.
8. Blick: Get art materials at a discount by registering your school with Blick.
9. National Geographic: Purchase a Geno 2.0 kit for your classroom, and you can get a discount just for being a teacher.
10. Office Depot: Office Depot offers a Star Teacher program, giving registered teachers 10% back on ink, toner, paper, and most classroom supplies, plus 15% instant discounts on copy and print services.
11. FedEx Office: Offering a National Educators Discount Program, FedEx Office gives teachers 15% on most of the products and services they offer nationwide with no limit on the savings, plus special offers for educators.
12. Discount Dance Supply: Teachers enjoy a 10% discount on purchases with Discount Dance Supply, plus cash back and special pricing on certain items.
13. Big Lots: Although Big Lots does not offer year-round savings for teachers, they do have a Teacher Appreciation Day each fall, giving teachers 10% off their total purchase for an entire day.
14. Simply Stamps: NAE members can take 20% off purchases with Simply Stamps.
15. Ben Franklin Crafts: This craft store offers 10% for educators each Tuesday. Just don’t forget to bring your school ID!
16. Party City: Throwing a classroom party or using party supplies for a lesson? Just mention it at Party City to get a teacher discount.
17. A.C. Moore: Teachers who sign up for an A.C. Moore Rewards Card and present their teacher ID can enjoy discounts in store, and earn savings certificates to use later.
18. Hancock Fabrics: Teachers and homeschooling parents can receive 10% off their in store purchases with a Red Apple Card from Hancock Fabrics.
19. Texas Instruments: Teachers in math and science can receive discounts on qualifying Texas Instruments technology products, including graphing calculators and software.
20. Staples: Set up a Staples Rewards account, and you can earn rewards for your classroom purchases.
21. Dollar Tree: Although it’s not advertised, at most Dollar Trees, teachers can get 10% off with their school ID.

Books

Use these bookstore discounts to stock your classroom on the cheap.

22. Book Warehouse: Book Warehouse offers 15% off for teachers with an ID card. If you’re working on a large order, they can also offer additional discounts.
23. The New York Times: Teachers can get a special rate for a New York Times digital subscription. It’s just 99 cents for the first four weeks, and then 50% off the regular rate.
24. Schuler Books & Music: K-12 educators can get 20% off books for classroom use at Schuler Books.
25. Half Price Books: Half Price Books already offers great deals, but teachers with the Teacher & Librarian Discount Card can get 10% off year round, for school purchases and beyond. Ask about free books, too.
26. Barnes & Noble: Teachers, join the B&N Educator Program for 20% off the publisher’s list price on all purchases for classroom use, and even 25% off during Educator Appreciation Days.
27. Books-A-Million: Educators teaching students from Pre-K to the 12th grade can take advantage of a 20% discount program with Books-A-Million. They just have to sign up for the Books-A-Million Educator Discount Card.
28. NEA Magazine Service: Teachers who are members of the NEA can get up to 85% off cover price on a variety of magazines.

Clothes & General Merchandise

Get dressed up for the classroom and save money at the same time by taking advantage of these discounts just for teachers.

29. Coldwater Creek: Teachers can get 15% off in store purchases at Coldwater Creek.
30. The Walking Company: Get comfortable shoes for the classroom at 15% off from The Walking Company. All you need is your National Education Association membership.
31. Aerosoles: Standing in the classroom all day can be hard on your feet, but it’s a little easier with an Aerosoles discount. For items $39.99 or more, teachers can get 15% off with an ID or paystub.
32. Target: Using your International Teacher Identity Card, you can get $5 off $50 and free shipping on select items on Target.com.
33. Ann Taylor LOFT: Want some new duds for the classroom? Head to Ann Taylor LOFT, where you can get 15% off full-price purchases, as well as access to school grants, sweepstakes, style guides for teachers, and teacher appreciation nights.
34. J. Jill: With your valid teacher’s ID in stores, you can save 15% off full priced styles at J. Jill.
35. Banana Republic: With your teacher ID, you can get 15% off all full-priced purchases in stores.
36. Christopher & Banks: Although participation varies by store, Christopher & Banks typically offers 10% off any regular priced purchase for teachers with a valid school ID.
37. Macy’s: Use your International Teacher Identity Card for 10% off in store purchases at Macy’s.
38. The Limited: At The Limited, teachers can get 15% off every purchase when you flash your school ID.
39. Old Navy: Hit Old Navy at the right time, and teachers can score 10% to 20% off their total purchase. You’ll need to visit during Teacher Appreciation Week in May and show your teacher ID.
40. Cozy Orange: Get discounted yoga wear and gear with Cozy Orange’s Teacher Discount Program.
41. New York & Company: Through their Big Apple for the Teacher program, New York and Company offers 15% off any in-store purchase for teachers. You can also earn “extra credit,” which is 20% off your first purchase, plus special offers emailed throughout the year.
42. J.Crew: Show your valid school ID, and J. Crew will offer 15% off any full priced in store item for teachers.
43. Madewell: J. Crew’s sister store, Madewell, also offers teachers 15% off in stores.

Electronics

Download classroom software, save on computers, and much more with these teacher discounts for electronics and digital services.

44. Bose: Famous for its music systems, Bose offers up to 15% off for teachers. You’ll need to call Bose directly and ask for their “Educators’ Program.”
45. Dell: K-12 teachers can enjoy special pricing from Dell, both for classroom technology and personal purchases.
46. AT&T: Many educational organizations offer a discount on wireless service through AT&T. To find out if you’re eligible, just enter your work email address on AT&T’s website.
47. JourneyEd: Get discounts on academic software through JourneyEd’s educator shop.
48. Lenovo: With the Lenovo Academic Purchase Program, teachers can receive exclusive offers and discounts for Lenovo products. You’ll just need to select your school.
49. Apple Store: Apple offers special education pricing on computers, software, and other products for teachers. These discounts are valid for school purchases, as well as personal ones.
50. Sony: Sony offers both discounts and rewards to teachers, with cut rates on projectors and flat-panel displays, plus “extra credit” points for your school that can be redeemed for Sony products.
51. Sprint: For members of the National Education Association, as well as members or state education associations, Sprint offers 18% off select plans for new accounts.
52. Adobe: Teachers can take advantage of discounted software through Adobe, just by purchasing Teacher editions of their most popular products.
53. HP: Register with HP Home Stores’ Academic Purchase Program, and teachers can purchase products with discounts of up to 15%.
54. Verizon Wireless: Contact your school district, teacher’s union, education association, or simply visit Verizon directly to find out if you’re eligible for a teacher discount at Verizon Wireless.

Food & Dining

Treat yourself with a discounted night out at these restaurants that love teachers.

55. Uno Chicago Grill: With your International Teacher Identity Card, you can get 10% off your meal at Uno Chicago Grill (not just in Chicago!).
56. Starbucks: Although Starbucks doesn’t have a formal teacher discount, if you ask nicely, many baristas will give you one.
57. Dunn Bros Coffee: Another coffee shop discount we can’t confirm. Many teachers report getting a discount at Dunn Bros Coffee, so it’s worth checking out!
58. Panera Bread: Planning a parent-teacher conference or school meeting? Hit Panera Bread, and they’ll give you their leftover baked goods for free.
59. Pizza Hut: Although it’s not advertised, Pizza Hut is said to offer discounts for teachers between 10% and 20%. Contact your local Hut to get the details.

Home & Hardware

Use these teacher discounts to save money on your next home purchase, repairs, paint, and more.

60. Homes for Heroes: This company contracts with realtors, lenders, and other service providers to offer substantial discounts to heroes, teachers included.
61. Home Depot: With exempt paperwork, you can skip sales tax when shopping at Home Depot.
62. Lowes: Just like Home Depot, Lowes offers a break on sales tax for teachers, plus they’ll cut wood and pipe for you.
63. Sherwin Williams: Ready to paint your home, or even your classroom? Hit Sherwin Williams and ask for a discount-you may get up to 50% off each gallon.
64. Angie’s List: TotallyTeacher.com brokered a discount deal for teachers, offering a 20% discount on membership.
65. Whirlpool: Get special NEA member pricing on appliances from Whirlpool Corporation, including brands like KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana.
66. Cost Plus World Market: In certain markets Cost Plus World Market offers a discount card for teachers, which gives them 10% off for cultural arts education supplies.

Attractions, Travel, Transportation, and Entertainment

Enjoy your next vacation even more by taking advantage of these discounts for teachers at hotels, rental car companies, attractions, and even spas.

67. Marriott: Many hotels and resorts in the Marriott family offer a discount for teachers. Just ask to find out what they can offer.
68. Alamo Rent A Car: NEA members enjoy member discounts and special offers from Alamo Rent A Car, including free unlimited mileage and roadside assistance.
69. SpaFinder: Use your International Teacher Identity Card to get 10% off SpaFinder gift certificates.
70. Legoland: Florida teachers can get in to Legoland for free using a Standard Annual Pass, and California teachers can enjoy several free admission days for teachers at Legoland California Resort.
71. CityPASS: Explore cities on vacation, or enjoy your hometown with CityPASS, and get 10% off with an International Teacher Identity Card.
72. AMC Theaters: AMC Theaters regularly offers discount tickets for teachers. Check with your school district to find out if they have an agreement.
73. New England Aquarium: Massachusetts school teachers can be admitted to the New England Aquarium free of charge, and enjoy a 10% discount at the gift shop and on family memberships.
74. Madame Tussauds: Visit Madame Tussauds to get special rates with your International Teacher Identity Card.
75. National Park Service: With a school ID, all teachers enjoy a 15% discount on items from the National Park Service.
76. Medieval Times: Register for the International Teacher Identity Card, and you can get 30% off Medieval Times admission.
77. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Use NEA’s member-only rates to save on trips with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
78. Sea World: Teachers in Texas, Florida, and California can get a Teacher Study Pass to enjoy free admission for a full year.
79. Firestone: Teachers with an International Teacher Identity Card can get huge deals on tires with Firestone, plus 15% off on maintenance and car repair.
80. Vacations To Go: Often, cruise lines offer discounts for active and retired teachers. Check out the site to find out about current specials.
81. DOVE: Through the DOVE program in Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada, teachers can get a discounted vehicle from select dealerships.
82. Hertz Rent A Car: NEA members can get discounts and specials from Hertz Rent A Car, including $45 off a weekly rental or a $14.99 weekend day rental.
83. La Quinta: Teachers registered with the International Teacher Identity Card enjoy 10% off hotel stays with La Quinta.
84. Aston Hotels and Resorts: Thanks to a TotallyTeacher.com discount, teachers can get 10% off Aston hotels and resorts in Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Las Vegas.
85. National Car Rental: With your HSLDA membership, homeschool teachers can get a 5% discount on everyday car rentals, or 20% for business.
86. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum: Contact the Mark Twain museum to find out about their teacher discount.
87. Broadway: With your International Teacher Identity Card, you can get up to 40% off New York Broadway tickets.
88. STA Travel: Check out STA Travel to take advantage of their many negotiated teacher discounts with the world’s top airlines.
89. Red Roof Inn: Use your NEA membership to get a 20% discount on all of Red Roof Inn’s rooms.
90. Amtrak: You can save 15% on lowest available fares with your International Teacher Identity Card.
91. Graceland: If you’re a big fan of Elvis, you’re in luck. Teachers tour Graceland for free!
92. Chrysler: Teachers can get no-hassle pricing on Chrysler vehicles including Jeep, Dodge, and Ram. As an NEA member, you can get Preferred Price, which is 1% below factory invoice.
93. Warner Bros. V.I.P. Studio Tour: Use your International Teacher Identity Card for 20% off the ticket price of a Warner Bros. V.I.P. Studio Tour.
94. Park Ride Fly: You can save 10% on Park Ride Fly rates at the airport with your NEA membership.
95. Motel 6: Use your International Teacher Identity Card to get 10% off your stay with Motel 6.
96. Toyota: With the Toyota Loves Teachers Program, many dealerships offer special discounts like waiving your first payment or offering $250 gift certificates.
97. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort: To show their appreciation for teachers, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers a special reduced room rate.
98. Choice Hotels: Homeschooling teachers can save 15% at Choice Hotels International with their HSLDA membership card.
99. Universal Studios Hollywood: Teachers can get buy one get one free days at Universal Studios Hollywood with the International Teacher Identity Card.

Services

Get these services at a discount with your teacher ID and save.

100. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM: Show you care and save money while doing it, enjoying 15% off at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.
101. Jenny Craig: Jump start your weight loss with a free 30-day program from Jenny Craig for NEA members. If you decide to continue, you’ll get 25% off any Premium Program.
102. Farmers Insurance: Most local Farmers branches offer a discount for educators. Contact your local agent to find out for sure.
103. Nutrisystem Success: NEA members enjoy 40% off auto-delivery orders from Nutrisystem with a wide variety of foods to choose from.
104. Liberty Mutual: Homeschooling teachers can save up to $300 per year on auto insurance as an HSLDA member.

This is a piece I wrote many years ago for my own use, but never posted on my blog. It’s interesting for me to read some old pieces to see how my coaching philosophies have changed and developed over the years. In some ways they’re very different, yet still the same. My blog is a place of reference for my own knowledge throughout a season. I post this information for others to enjoy too. So Enjoy.

The beginning part of a season is typically the time a coach focuses on the development of individual skill work, offensive strategies (playsets), defensive alignments (blocking and defensive systems) and line-ups. We (me included) often unintentionally overlook the “before fundamentals” that result in losing a couple easy points in a set.  When I first started coaching, my focus of fundamentals was the six skills of volleyball: serving, passing, hitting, blocking, setting, and digging. But there are fundamentals before these fundamentals that are often overlooked and not addressed with teams: communication, posture, and movements.

1.  Communication

Language – Be sure players are “speaking the same language”. If we have a player from Spain, China, and USA all calling for the ball in their native language, it would obviously be a bit confusing. How different is it when one player calls “Ball”, another player says, “Mine”, and another “I Got It”? The basic communication patterns are not the same. Words can overlap, create confusion and noise which can result in a ball landing between two players.

Clarity – Be sure players clarify who the ball is intended. Simply use a player’s name after contact.  Especially in an out of system situation when the setter is not contacting the second ball OR when the setter is beyond the 10’ line and she is setting a backrow player.

Responsibilities – Train the responsibility of the 3rd ball contact in out of system situations.  Too often a front row player will have their back to the net giving a freeball to the opponent versus a backrow player able to make a smart controlled attack on the ball.

2.  Posture

“Go Posture” – the athletic posture of the athlete to allow them to “GO” to the ball. Players should be engaged and be in this posture throughout a point.

Defensive Posture – a low, stopped and balanced position on every setter and hitter contact.

3.  Movements

The Cycle – 1. Base 2. Release 3. Cover – continued movement throughout a point.  Remind players to “touch their mark”. A mark is a location on the court determined for each position of the cycle (keep in mind that a mark can be alleviated when a proper read and movement is required).

Discipline is the key to success in these “before fundamentals”. Team breakdown occurs when communication is incorrect, clarification is forgotten, a posture is broken, or the cycle is not followed throughout a point. Teaching the Before Fundamentals will save you a few points a set.

What do you do after you land the job and actually arrive on campus? Hold your breath and hang on for the ride.

What’s the first month like on a new job? Awesome, overwhelming, crazy, time consuming, flattering, humbling, and all that I could have imagined and more. Here’s is what to expect, at least from my perspective…

The Calm Before the Storm
The excitement of learning you officially landed the job is awesome. After you land the job, there is an eagerness to start immediately, but you can’t because you’re not there. You are still stuck in your “old world”, saying goodbyes, closing accounts, and have this anxious subconscious optimistic anticipation of the unknown life ahead. There is the dreaded packing, determining your favorite clothes from the past school to keep as mementos (as you won’t dare wear the old school’s clothes at the new school), and the long drive with the trailer of your life in tow.

Upon arrival, the 7 degree weather is a realistic slap in the face from the 70 degree weather of which I departed. I say a zero fell off somewhere along the route. The reality is that you don’t have anyone to call to help unload the trailer, as you don’t know anyone to call in this new city. You unload a trailer by yourself, using an old skateboard as your “helper” on the other end of your queen size mattress, and you later rest your body on this mattress in this completely unfamiliar, strange smelling apartment with that weird ticking noise that won’t let you fall asleep. Reality sinks in to the pit of your stomach, “Where am I? Why am I here?!?!”

You’re ready to dive in on the first day, but you can’t. There is this beastly department called Human Resources that needs you to sign your life away. You’re supposed to have the social security numbers of your beneficiaries? I’m lucky to even know the street address of the place I just moved. Hours are spent in HR talking about the University, where to park, where to get your parking sticker, where to eat, where to park when you want to eat. Don’t forget to choose one the eight-­‐hundred health care options and the never-­‐ending PowerPoint presentations on preventing harassment and discrimination.

Week One
Needless to say, in the first week, you meet so many new people you forget your own name. It’s always exciting to meet the team and watch their interaction and level of play. It’s even difficult to remember their names, although you spent hours researching them online and mulled over their statistics.

Month One
In the first month, I made it a point to invite each player to coffee or lunch. Not all have accepted the invitation yet, as each are on their own timeline. Some need time to know who you are in the gym, while others want to get to know you right away. But they are slowing trickling in and I am patient with each one of them in their own way.

I wrote an introductory letter to the great Miami Volleyball Alumni that is so supportive of the program and Coach Condit. We are lucky to have this incredible group. From that letter came a multitude of replies that all take time to acknowledge. In turn, I have already met a few of the alumni for drinks and lunch. My calendar has been jammed.

As well, my inbox has been slammed. Tons of emails flood-­‐in from well-­‐wishers that all need a reply. It is necessary to also provide all your contacts with your new contact information, which in turn creates an incredible number of replies that all need acknowledgement. In turn, there is a barrage of incoming emails from alumni, parents, faculty and staff welcoming you to the University.

Then there is the time spent on the incoming recruits. Phone calls and emails to them. Introducing you and learning about them. On the flip-­‐side, you are trying to catch-­‐up on a new recruiting system and where your school is in the recruiting process and contacting all those top Prospective Student Athletes. Emails, emails, emails. Phone calls, phone calls, phone calls. I feel I can’t catch up!

On top of this, we were searching for another assistant coach and we had a number of candidate visits on campus, a few recruits on campus, and I also took six recruiting trips, Chicago my first weekend to Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati (twice), and Las Vegas.

There was also some office housekeeping that I needed to do in order to be organized and work efficiently. For the Superbowl, I gutted my office completely and reorganized it, had it painted, and automated our files using Google Drive and Dropbox. My techie side has to come out somewhere!

Finally, I did also find a few moments to spare for myself to purchase a house in this past month, and yes move again (m-­‐o-­‐v-­‐e is a four letter word!). I’m now on day three of the new house (the first day with heat!) and trying to figure out another weird ticking noise that won’t let me go to sleep at night.

As great as our intentions are to be proactive in the first month on the job, much of it tends to be extremely reactive. Month two’s goals are to set goals and enjoy the spring tournaments. In the mayhem, it’s sometimes easy to forget that we coach volleyball, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

At the AVCA Convention in San Antonio, I enjoyed dropping in on a session by Russ Rose and Terry Lyskevych. As fascinating as it was to listen to two fellow Chicagoans give their perspective on the lay of the volleyball land, I enjoyed as much watching the crowd. John Cooke sat in front of me (although he looked as if he was sleeping…as he sometimes does) to take in their words. I wondered if he were there to enjoy the conversation, to learn new ideas for their own team, or to take a nap. In any case, I found it fascinating that the elite of the elite coaches were present.

One point of interest, besides the comical overture of the presentation, was Russ’ comment about today’s athletes. He said we are not in a good time with athletes right now. Unfortunately, this is a common theme I hear amongst many coaching colleagues these days. Coaches feel as if the players take a lot for granted, don’t work as hard or don’t know how to work as hard, are spoiled, privilege, etc. Ironically, I have an 80 year old mentor with 35 years in the military tell me that his parents said the same thing about his generation. It’s all perspective and every generation has its own unique challenges. I believe we often compare what we had versus what the current generation has.

Through my blog, I am often overwhelmed and humbled when someone tells me they have followed me for years. I never knew them nor got any comments, but have time and time again been told I’m followed. The only following I really know of are a few numbers on Google analytics that tells me I had 25,000 visitors this month. I have no idea who these visitors are, I can see they are from around the world, but I am appreciative they find what I write somewhat interesting. Or maybe they are on my blog for the resources. Honestly, I’m indifferent to why they visit. I’m glad to provide a resource and a way to help grow our game. That’s always been my objective.

Recently, an active participant of the AVCA and a board member of the First Time Attendees Committee, Brian Swenty, who I randomly met at a round table lunch at an AVCA Convention in Kansas City, approached me to join him to start up a Volleyball Coaches facebook user group. I was just about in the process of moving to my new gig at Miami and really wasn’t ready to embark on another online journey. But I couldn’t avoid Brian’s persistence and partnered along.

On this facebook group, we quickly attracted 250 users in the first week of the group and it is over 400 users now. I’m impressed and surprised with its quick growth, but I also find it fascinating that only a small group of members actually participate in the group. By participate, I mean GIVE information or comment on posts, and are active. I am willing to guestimate that only 15 people are contributing members, givers, to the group. The remaining members are “takers”. Those that are group members in order to learn, find information, or feel they need to be a part of the group to not ‘miss’ something important.

I am a taker of many groups. I enjoy taking information from the Harvard Business Review group, Mashable, The Talent Code, etc. I do not plan on being an active member of those groups, will rarely if ever leave a comment, but I do enjoy the ideas I develop through these groups. Sometimes I will share information from these groups that really spark my interest and feel my online friends will find the same.

Being a taker is easy and something I do for me, but being a giver is far more rewarding. We can’t be givers in everything we do, but we shouldn’t be takers with everything we do. There needs to be an aspect of our lives that we embrace and give. We can’t give all the time either, but there needs to be a discipline regiment that we can provide information, experience, and expertise to help others grow. In turn, we grow.

With the abundance of information and convenience of access to it, this generation, our players, continually and unconsciously take information. We have not provided them the tools to be givers. So much is already taken care of for athletes, and students of this generation, that we fail to provide the platforms for them to learn to give. And if we do provide them that platform, it is often a false platform because we are scared to let them fail, make their own mistakes, and grow from the process. The platform has a safety net that needs to be cut.

There is a precarious balance between giving and taking. How much leeway should we allow our players to grow before they get in serious trouble. At what point do we define serious trouble. When does providing a platform to be a giver interfere with the ultimate path of the team? I don’t have answer for these giving questions, but I hope as you take this information you can come up with the answers. Hopefully, I can read about your ideas in the format of your choice and we can network to grow from one another…as I have with so many other great coaches and thinkers.

Balance in life is essential, but teaching how to give, to be humble, to be a servant will pay great dividends to future generations (until they become grandparents and complain about their grandchildren). Maybe it’s a never ending cycle.

This Dove advertisement certainly supports my past post about body image of female athletes:

http://coachrey.com/volleyball-nutrition/body-image-offemale-volleyball-players/

This is a piece I wrote for the Art of Coaching Volleyball…

The Next Coaching Move

As read from my goals, the decision was already made: I was flexible to either a head coaching position or an assistant position. The answer was strictly dependent on the best fit position that opened up. This was completely uncontrollable and I had to trust in prayer.Granted we all want to coach at Hawaii, but there hasn’t been a new head coach there in 38 years. So that wasn’t happening for me 

We have to be realistic with ourselves and the opportunities that present themselves. I interviewed for a head coach position at a smaller Division I program. The location of the Division I program was ideal and there were a lot of personal benefits I would have been afforded should I have chosen that school, but I did not believe that I could be successful professionally at that school. The school has been successful in the past, but I did not believe I could be successful there. If I did not believe, my chances of success were already greatly diminished. I had to be true to myself. As much as I personally wanted it to be the right fit, It wasn’t the right fit for me professionally.

While interviewing for this head coach position, I was also interviewing with Miami University. The timing was right and the pieces fit (see Path C under Short Term and bullets under Long Term goals). Head Coach Carolyn Condit is one of the most kind-hearted, humble, and caring human-beings (one of my goals) that has had numerous Top 25 teams (one of my goals), reached the NCAA Tournament 7 times (one of my goals) and is beginning her 30th year of coaching. I realized the knowledge and experience I could soak up from her (one of my goals). As I reflected on my goals, it was easy to be true to myself. Miami University is a perfect fit.My goal of this post is for you to take time for yourself to develop your own goals or revise your goals to help make the decision making process easier. If you want to read more about my process, see my blog post: You Say Goodbye and I Say Hello. Hello, Hello!