Page 3 - Jim Stone Book

Beginner

The beginner stage is not a specific age group. In most situations in the club environment,
beginners will be approximately 10-13 years of age. So, let’s focus on that age group. The
development of necessary volleyball specific skills requires the application of general motor skills.
A few of these motor skills include throwing, catching, coordination of body parts, strength, jumping,
landing and running. In this beginning stage, we will focus equally on motor skill development and
the introduction of volleyball skills.Below is a flow chart of how I manage the organization of skill
development.

While all motor skills are necessary, the abilities to throw and catch are essential to volleyball.
Correct throwing mechanics have a direct correlation to the ability to hit and serve. Also, there is a
relationship between proper throwing mechanics and injury prevention in the shoulder. Catching
requires the development of the ability to track a moving object and place the hands and body in the
object's path. Since much of volleyball requires tracking a moving ball, the ability to catch is vital.