COMMUNICATION
Tips for Success
Empowers volleyball players to take ownership of their communication skills, ensuring they are ready to lead and respond effectively on the court. Practice these drills regularly to build strong communication habits. Use these skills during practices and games. Focus on communicating more in every drill and scrimmage. Ask a teammate or coach for feedback on your communication.
Communication Programs
Warm-Ups
Self-Talk Awareness
Spend 2 minutes thinking about how you talk to yourself during games.
Write down one or two common phrases you say to yourself (e.g., “I’ve got this,” “Stay focused,” or “Don’t mess up”).
Adjust any negative self-talk to positive, actionable language (e.g., replace “Don’t mess up” with “Stay controlled and ready”).
Tone Practice (3-5 minutes)
Practice saying “I got it!” in three different ways:
Confident and loud.
Calm and steady.
Unsure or hesitant.
Reflect on how the tone changes the message and commit to practicing confident and clear tones.
Week 1 & 2
Session Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Call Out Clarity (5 Minutes)
Purpose: Build confidence and clarity in verbal communication.
Stand in an open space and imagine a game situation.
Practice calling out:
“Mine!”
“Outside hit!”
“Set high!”
Focus on volume, clarity, and assertiveness.
Record yourself (using your phone) and listen back to ensure your tone and volume are strong.
Visual Communication Game (5 Minutes)
Purpose: Improve silent communication skills.
Use an object like a volleyball or a small ball. Toss it up, spin it, or move it around, and practice visual gestures:
Point to an imagined teammate.
Use a hand signal (e.g., for a play or strategy).
Simulate gesturing for a set or pointing out a tip play.
Mirror Cue Response (5 Minutes)
Purpose: Improve non-verbal communication and response speed.
Stand in front of a mirror and act out volleyball scenarios where communication is needed:
Pretend to set and say, “Back row attack!”
Pretend to receive a serve and call, “Short!”
React as if a teammate made a mistake, clap, and say, “Shake it off!”
Focus on your body language—stand tall, keep your gestures purposeful, and make eye contact with yourself in the mirror.
Active Listening Practice (5 Minutes)
Purpose: Strengthen the ability to process and respond to teammates’ communication.
Play a video of a volleyball match or a sports interview (e.g., a coach or player speaking).
Pause the video at intervals and repeat key phrases or paraphrase instructions or calls you hear.
Practice responding as if you were part of the game or conversation (e.g., “Got it!” or “I’m covering right!”).
Cool Down
Reflection Exercises
Write down 1–2 things you learned about your communication style during the session.
Reflect on these questions:
How confident was I in my call-outs?
Did I feel comfortable listening and responding?
What can I improve?
Relaxation and Focus
Close your eyes, take 5 deep breaths, and imagine yourself in a game.
Visualize communicating effectively with your team—strong, clear call-outs and supportive gestures.