In the dynamic world of youth sports, the pursuit of engagement often feels like a moving target. Traditional methods, once revered, sometimes struggle to capture the attention of a generation raised in an age of instant gratification and digital immersion. Volleyball, a sport of precision and teamwork, is keenly aware of this challenge. But in Riga, Latvia, a beacon of modern coaching is set to illuminate a new path forward, promising to reignite the love for the game in its youngest participants.
The Evolving Landscape of Youth Sports
It`s no secret that children today are different. They`re more vocal, curious, and, dare we say, a little less patient for drills that feel more like chores than play. This shift presents a unique dilemma for sports educators: how do we teach the fundamentals of a technically demanding sport like volleyball without inadvertently draining its inherent joy? For too long, the emphasis on technique over engagement has inadvertently pushed budding athletes away, especially boys, leaving many nations scratching their heads over dwindling participation numbers. Perhaps, the ball was in the coaches` court all along to adapt.
Enter `Action Volley` and `Smashball`: A Philosophy of Fun
This is precisely where the “Action Volley” philosophy, championed by Dutch renowned coach Remko Kenter, steps in. Kenter, who also serves as the Secretary of the European Coaches Commission (ECoC), understood that the solution wasn`t to dumb down the sport, but to smarten up the coaching. Founded in 2019, “Action Volley” operates under the simple yet profound slogan: “Volleyball through the eyes of children.”
This approach isn`t just theoretical; it`s a proven method that has already transformed the experiences of approximately 30,000 children through the training of 2,500 coaches in over 100 workshops across the Netherlands and 28 international sessions. Its success lies in making volleyball accessible and, most importantly, fun from the very first serve.
Key to this transformation is the introduction of innovative games like “Smashball.” Imagine a sport where the learning curve feels more like a gentle slope than a sheer cliff face. Smashball, designed to be less intimidating and more immediately gratifying, allows children to experience the thrill of hitting, scoring, and playing a full game much faster than traditional training might permit. It`s about building confidence and a genuine affection for the game before the complexities are slowly introduced.
Riga Becomes a Hub for Coaching Innovation
This mid-October, specifically on the 15th and 16th, the Riga Volleyball School in Latvia`s capital will host a pivotal “Action Volley” coaching course. Organized in collaboration with CEV under the expansive umbrella of the ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’ School Project, these courses are a testament to a concerted European effort to foster youth development in sports.
Coaches attending these English-language sessions will embark on a two-day journey designed to reshape their perspective:
- Day One: The Principles of “Action Volley” – Delving into the theoretical foundations of child-centric coaching, followed by practical applications that bring these concepts to life on the court.
- Day Two: Mastering “Smashball” – A deep dive into this engaging game, combining classroom insights with hands-on practice, culminating in an exam to solidify understanding and application.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a coveted CEV certificate, recognizing their commitment to modernizing youth volleyball coaching.
Investing in the Future of Volleyball
The course, priced at a modest €70, is a comprehensive package that includes both theoretical and practical training, along with provisions for lunch and coffee breaks. It`s an investment not just in a coach`s individual skill set, but in the collective future of volleyball. These intensive daily sessions, running from 9:00 to 17:00, are meticulously structured to provide maximum learning and hands-on experience.
With limited places available, the opportunity for coaches to gain these cutting-edge insights is both valuable and time-sensitive. It represents a chance to be at the forefront of a movement that recognizes the crucial role of the coach as a facilitator of joy and growth, rather than merely a drill sergeant.
A Brighter Tomorrow for Young Athletes
The “Action Volley” courses in Latvia are more than just training sessions; they are a pivotal step towards a future where every child can discover the excitement of volleyball without the initial hurdles that once deterred them. By empowering coaches with the tools to connect, inspire, and make the sport genuinely fun, Remko Kenter and CEV are not just teaching techniques; they are cultivating a lifelong love for the game. This initiative, by putting children`s perspectives first, promises to build not just better players, but happier, more engaged young individuals ready to grow with the sport.
