Insights & Strategies for Winning Volleyball

The first section of Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball is full of solid practical advice, whether you coach at the junior or international level or anywhere in between. You'll find chapters on

• offensive tactics, including the evolution of the Illinois Primary Hitter System,

• important concepts in developing a defense, and

• implications for defensive training.

Plus, Hebert encourages coaches to think and to analyze a team and its play. He provides his personal experiences and opinions as a background, then encourages coaches to pursue their own conclusions about what to do.

Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball takes you beyond basic skills. You'll learn how setting goals can be a cornerstone for coaching success. You'll also find practical tips for structuring your program--everything from accounting for players' personalities when formulating your line-up to getting access to the gym when you need it. And you'll find valuable ideas on game planning and coaching the match, including

• how to use scouting reports and statistical information to develop a game plan,

• three guidelines for game-plan design,

• how to organize your pre-match, during-match, and post-match coaching responsibilities,

• recommendations for improving your focus during a match, and

• five ingredients for a successful post-match team meeting.

Use this valuable guide to help you build your program. It contains everything you need to know about teaching volleyball and organizing a successful team.

Valley had been a losing program for nearly 2 decades, with only 2 winning seasons in school history, so I knew my work was cut out for me. I began absorbing Mike's book, knowing he had stepped into a similar situation when he stepped in as head coach at the University of Illinois.

Although the book is written from a collegiate perspective, I implemented a great many of Mike's ideas, and in just 3 years, we've turned the program around. The team went from 5-20 in my first year to 14-12 this season. That may not sound like a big deal, but it's a HUGE milestone for a program that has lived in the cellar for so long.

With its wealth of information on all phases of coaching, Mike's book WILL help you become a more effective coach. Believe me, I know ... first-hand!


Great book for a limited audience   July 14, 2000
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

As the other readers have commented, this isn't a book for everyone.

As a University of Illinois grad, I was curious to see how Coach Hebert had turned my alma mater's volleyball fortune around. He touches on the technical aspects of that turnaround as well as discusses how he feels a major college sport should be administered. The section on how he evolved into a coach is interesting too.

But by far the most interesting section for me is his discussion of the Primary Hitter system and how that relieves the setter from a lot of pressure. This is a particularly good system with experienced stud hitters and a relatively new setter. It takes some of the pressure off of the setter and puts it on the primary hitters. This is an advantage for the team at least until the setter develops into a leader and develops some confidence.

Overall, an interesting read.


Insights and Strategies for Winning Volleyball   March 1, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Although it appears simple at times, Mike Herbert explains Volleyball as it should be through how it is coached at the collegiate level. More High School and Club Coaches should realize that there is more to Volleyball as depicted by Mikes experiences. The Game Planning and Coaching Section which qualitatively evaluates players takes the guess work out of where players need to develope. By taking resposibility for how his team performes he definitely explains how to teach, scout and understand players which makes the difference between winning and losing


Wonderful Book for Analyists of the Game of Volleyball   December 30, 1999
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

As a sophomore in high school, I have experienced an enriched sense of enthusiasm for the game of volleyball because of this book. I think that it is a delightful depiction of the sport from a creative and "insightful" point of view. Rather than discussing the traditional, technical aspects of the game, this book explores theories and adaptations through the experiences of a highly respected college volleyball coach. If you are seeking knowledge of coaching, becoming a more innovative player, or are just an avid fan of the game, this book is an asset.


Excellent for beginners in coaching!   July 7, 1999
Felt this copy gave excellent examples of coaching drills. Team work shows ability to exchange and compete in competition. Must hear more from this author. Reply for more questions. Must hear from you.