As a volleyball instructor, you need to display control by supplying your players a set of rules and requirements which they have to know and comply with. Setting down the law during the initial week will be crucial if you want to run a well-oiled machine. I have produced a summary of some tips i believe would be the essentials.

UNACCEPTABLE Behavior

1. Engaging in anything other than watching and cheering when players are on the bench. The players should not be chatting about Jersey Shore or their boyfriends. They need to be paying attention to the game.

2. Distracting a player that is attempting to play a ball. This is along the line of good sportsmanship. Do not let your players fall into this as you really do not want to unliked by other teams. You will quickly make a name for yourself.

3. Yelling or swearing in anger. Once again, sportsmanship. I had a player yell the “F” word during a tight match with lots of people watching. The most unfortunate aspect was it was so quiet because it was such an exciting play. An extremely uncomfortable instant no doubt.

4. Questioning or criticizing an official’s call. Almost nothing bugs me more than watching players ask for a call after every play. Do not allow your players to do that. Let them understand that that is your job.

5. Hurling or kicking the ball in anger. If you have ever coached boys, you realize what I am talking about. They really like to kick the ball as far as they can. Plus, isn’t this like the very first rule of volleyball you ever learned? That and rolling the ball under the net (I really like throwing it over to the person serving).

6. Talking to the officials. You definitely need to make certain everyone knows only the captain can talk to the officials. It really is not entertaining to receive a yellow card at a critical part of a match.

7. Negative cheers. Recall this one?: We want a pitcher not a belly itcher. None of that please.

8. Blaming teammates. Another thing I feel that I observe way too much. Every team has that one player that loves to look at the person who screwed up and say some thing. That is the coach’s job. Do not allow that to get beyond control.

9. Pouting following a bad play. In the event that this happens, just take the player out. This is not really going to benefit the team.

Here is a list of points to encourage:

1. Help teammates off the floor

2. Compliment teammates and opponents on great plays

3. Roll the ball under the net

4. Run to get an errant ball and bring back to the server or referee

5. Cheering at the conclusion of each point (win or lose the point)

6. Cheering from the sidelines (“Jenny’s on fire, Ooh, Ah”, “Keep it up Sara, keep it up”, “Here we go Red, here we go”)

7. Motivating player which makes an error (“Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time”)