Expert: Tom Houser - 10/28/2009

Question
My name's Lauren, and I'm coaching a girl's volleyball camp for 4th-6th graders. I was curious if it would be to early to introduce setters and specific setter technique (for the 6th graders?) or if I should just stick to the basics and have them all rotate setting. Thanks!
Lauren

Answer
Hey Lauren!  

Good morning and welcome to www.allexperts.com

If you ask 5 coaches this question, you will probably here 5 different answers, from one side (NO DON'T) to the other side (YES DO!)

Here's my opinion.  At that age, they need to know all skills.  For example, middle school teachers teach math, science, history, etc.  But I'm in high school, and yes we teach some of that to all students and A LOT of that to some students. But many students spend the day at our Vocational Center, where they are learning to become "specialists" in cosmetology, carpentry, etc.  

So, when do we specialize our vball players?  Probably at the same time that other sports start specializing their players!  

Bottom line:  We have to begin specializing in time to allow athletes to become proficient enough to be successful when they play on school teams.  SO, if your middle school allows 6th graders to play, then start specializing them when they're in the fifth.  In the public schools where I live, competition starts in the 7th.  

My advice:  Show all the skills to all the kids.  Expect EVERYONE to learn their 3-step spike approach, even if they're 4'3".  Expect EVERYONE to keep their platform still.  But if you have some campers who are more physically mature then ask/expect her to overhand serve, block %26 spike.  If you have campers who have naturally nice hands, then ask/expect them to hand set the ball.

Sure, let the little girls be little girls.  But ask/expect them to do whatever they're capable of doing, and don't treat the mature ones like little fragile pitiful little things.  If you do, you may lose them.  Remember:  Thoroughbreds want to run!  The mutts can't.  Do treat your thoroughbreds like mutts, don't pull on their reins, don't hold them back.  Or you may lose them, as they choose to focus on exciting non-baby sports that allow them to "run"!  

Now, why not visit www.coachhouser.com and check out the STAR Site Camps for 2010.  On Dec 1st, any week that's unrenewed by the 2009 hosts will be available.  And I have several staff members that are awesome with middle school girls!  I don't just place anyone on my staff.  My only employees are people that you will admire, and your girls will love.  They are people that you would let baby sit your children!  I guarantee it!  

Have a great Wednesday.
Coach Houser