Skyline Volleyball Club

2025–2026 Season – Coach Instructions & Practice Structure**

Welcome to the Skyline Volleyball Club 2025–2026 Season Practice Plans.

This season has been intentionally structured to ensure long-term athlete development, proper tournament preparation, and consistent coaching standards across all age groups. The entire season is divided into four distinct phases, aligned with each team’s tournament schedule.

Coaches are expected to follow the phase structure, time management ratios, and coaching behaviors outlined below.

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1. Seasonal Phases Overview

1. Fundamental Phase

• 14U: Weeks 1–6

• 15U: Weeks 1–6

• 16U: Weeks 1–5

• 17U: Weeks 1–5

Time Management during each practice

• 70% Fundamentals

• 30% Team-Oriented

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2. Pre-Competition Phase

Purpose: Transition fundamentals into game-relevant situations.

• 14U: Weeks 6–11

• 15U: Weeks 6–10

• 16U: Weeks 5–10

• 17U: Weeks 5–10

Time Management during each practice

• 60% Fundamentals

• 40% Team-Oriented

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3. Competition Phase

Purpose: Prepare athletes to perform efficiently during tournaments.

• 14U: Weeks 11–15

• 15U: Weeks 10–15

• 16U: Weeks 10–14

• 17U: Weeks 10–14

Time Management during each practice

• 40% Fundamentals

• 60% Team-Oriented

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4. Last Push Phase

• 14U: Week 15 – End of Season

• 15U: Week 15 – End of Season

• 16U: Week 14 – End of Season

• 17U: Week 14 – End of Season

Time Time Management during each practice

• 20–25% Fundamentals

• 75–80% Team-Oriented

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2. Tournament Schedule 

14U

• Feb 28–Mar 1 → Week 8 

• Mar 20–21 → Week 11

• Mar 28–29 → Week 12

• Apr 3–4 → Week 13

• Apr 17–19 → Week 15

• May 7–10 → Week 18

• May 14–17 → Week 19

15U

• Feb 6–7 → Week 5

• Feb 28–Mar 1 → Week 8

• Mar 13–14 → Week 10

• Mar 21–22 → Week 11

• Apr 24–26 → Week 16

• May 14–17 → Week 19

16U

• Feb 27–28 → Week 8

• Mar 21–22 → Week 11

• Mar 27–28 → Week 12

• Apr 10–11 → Week 14

• May 8–10 → Week 18

• May 28–31 → Week 21

17U

• Feb 13–14 → Week 6

• Mar 6–7 → Week 9

• Mar 21–22 → Week 11

• Apr 11–12 → Week 14

• Apr 24–26 → Week 16

• May 20–23 → Week 20

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3. Coaching Time Management (CRITICAL)

It is extremely important that coaches manage instruction time correctly based on the phase of the season.

Instruction vs. Reps

• Younger age groups require more repetition than talking

• High-quality reps are more valuable than over-coaching

Rule of Thumb:

If athletes are standing and listening too long, the practice quality drops.

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4. Coaching Roles & Responsibilities

Head Coach

• Runs the main drill flow

• Controls practice pace and transitions

• Ensures drills align with the current phase

Assistant Coaches

• Provide continuous individual feedback

• Correct athletes quietly and efficiently

• Pull players aside only when appropriate

  • Especially during fundamental phases

  • Less interruption during team-oriented phases

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5. Drill Teaching Progression (MANDATORY)

Every drill must follow this sequence:

1. Explanation

   • Clear, short, and specific

2. Demonstration

   • Coach or athlete demo

3. Execution

   • Let athletes run the drill

4. Pause & Feedback

   • Correct key points only

5. Re-Demonstration

   • Reinforce corrections

6. Re-Execution

   • Athletes run the SAME drill again with improved intent

This cycle may repeat multiple times depending on drill complexity.

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6. Drill Selection Philosophy

• Coaches must select drills from the Skyline Drill Library

• Drill choice depends on:

  • Age group

  • Week of the season

  • Current phase

• Early season:

  • Simpler, controlled drills

• As the season progresses:

  • More team-oriented

  • More game-like

  • Higher decision-making demand

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Final Note

Consistency across all teams is critical to Skyline’s identity and athlete development model.
Please follow these guidelines closely and reach out if clarification is needed at any point during the season.

Thank you for your professionalism and commitment to our athletes.