Page 4 - Jim Stone Book

I want to emphasize two things about teaching skills or motor patterns. My general opinion is
coaches tend to verbalize how to perform a skill. Providing a visual of what you want the athletes to
work on is a foundation for effective learning. The late Carl McGown, former USA Men’s National
Team coach, provided this sequence when imparting information to players.

1. Provide a visual of what you want the players to replicate while emphasizing
key points
2. Give them opportunities to repeat
3. Provide another visual with emphasis on key aspects that might be problematic

4. More opportunities to repeat
5. Success!!
Carl McGown

This is a model that I’ve used over my career and I would highly recommend that coaches organize
their presentations with this model as a framework for activities. The second point of emphasis is
when presenting any skill, I tend to work from the feet upward. Without good footwork, the ability to
master the various skills will be problematic.

I will divide the Beginner stage into two parts that will progressively challenge the athlete by
emphasizing both general motor skill development, along with volleyball specific skills.

Level 1

In the Level 1 of the beginner stage, we place a priority on the development of movement and motor
skills. By developing these general skills, the athlete will have a foundation for the acquisition of
volleyball specific skills.

Throwing

When I introduce correct throwing mechanics to a player, I avoid having them throw to another
person. I don’t want the focus in the throwing motion to be placed on accuracy or throwing at a
velocity that my partner can successfully catch. My priority is how to teach the mechanics properly
along with focusing on throwing with velocity. Both of these factors will impact accuracy. So, I just
minimize the importance of accuracy by having the athlete begin by throwing against a wall.