The Volleyball By Design Podcast

In this episode, I share my journey from knowing very little about volleyball to building a career coaching at the high school, club, and college as well as eventually working alongside some of the best coaches and athletes in the game. Along the way, I share some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about becoming a better coach and building a successful volleyball program. In this episode, we discuss: How I went from basketball player to volleyball coach The biggest mistakes I made early in my coaching career Why finding a mentor can accelerate your development The importance of having a plan for your volleyball program Why coaches need to be lifelong learners Building culture, identity, and systems within a program What I learned from working with elite coaches Why player development should go beyond simply teaching positions How to build a championship-level volleyball program Why coaching education is so important for the future of volleyball If you're interested in growing as a volleyball coach, I'd love to have you in my community - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here for my workshop - http://volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share part of a presentation from Canadian National Team and professional volleyball player Daenan Gyimah, as he gives coaches an inside look at what happens at the highest levels of the game. We discuss: Building strong team pillars and mental performance Helping athletes reset and “snap back” after mistakes Developing leadership and accountability within your team Creating stronger team culture and chemistry Why elite teams need clear systems and expectations How high-performance teams structure their practices What makes teams like Japan so effective Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - http://volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

This past week I had the privilege spending a week training with the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team and came away with a ton of lessons that coaches at any level can apply to their own gym. In this episode, I share: How the head coach planned each practice around player availability, injuries, load management, and practice goals How they designed drills to maximize volume, efficiency, and game-like reps Specific training ideas for serve receive, middle attacks, blocking, and 6-on-6 How they used competition and scoring systems to increase intensity How technology and a serving machine were used to replicate game speed The importance of players being prepared and warmed up well before practice What stood out most about the mindset and competitiveness of the players Practical lessons you can take from Team Canada and apply in your own gym immediately Click Here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Join my workshop at http://volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, you will hear from mental skills coach Paige Tonz as she shares two practical mental-performance tools from her presentation at DVA LIVE 2026. First, Paige breaks down the pre-serve routine—a simple way to add a mental component to an athlete’s existing physical routine so they can manage pressure, reduce overthinking, and step into each serve with greater confidence. Then, she introduces the Bounce Back Tracker, a simple way for coaches to stop focusing only on mistakes and start measuring resilience. Instead of asking how often an athlete makes an error, coaches can track how quickly they respond and get back on track. Two simple tools that can help athletes become more confident, composed, and resilient under pressure. You can watch this training and all the other trainings at DVA LIVE 2026 by clicking here - http://volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive2026 Join Digital Volleyball Academy by clicking here - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share a part of a live training that Dan did with our coaches about drill design. You can see what his thought process is and how efficient his drill designs are based on fundamental principles. He dives into: RTG How to incorporate training the mechanics Phases of the game and how to train them The importance of inputing the ball And a few more key concepts Click here to purchase DVA LIVE 2026 - http://volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive2026 Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Reach out via instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share some of my favourite volleyball games I've picked up while coaching with Nike Volleyball. These games keep players engaged, create healthy competition, and still reinforce important volleyball skills but more importantly, they're fun. If you're looking for fresh ideas to bring energy into your gym, this episode is packed with games you can start using at your very next practice. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

What if your offense could consistently create 1 on 0's without relying on predetermined play calls? In this episode, I break down the Motion Offense, an advanced offensive system that has been used successfully for over 15 years at the collegiate level. Rather than relying on called plays, this system teaches players to read, react, and create offensive advantages based on pass location, spacing, and timing. In this episode, you'll learn: How the Motion Offense creates 1 on 0's opportunities without a play call. The three base positions that form the foundation of the offense. How middles, pipe hitters, and setters work together to create offensive advantages. Why spacing and "gap control" are critical to the system's success. The importance of reading pass location instead of memorizing set calls. The biggest challenges coaches face when implementing this offense. Why player development and organization are essential for executing the system at a high level. Whether you coach high school, club, college, or university volleyball, this episode will challenge the way you think about offensive systems and give you practical ideas for building a faster, more dynamic attack. Click here to join DVA and see this training live with video - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join DVA LIVE - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

I recently joined another volleyball podcast called the Win By Two podcast for one of my favorite coaching conversations I've had in a long time. We dive into building championship culture, developing players, creating standards of excellence, why mentorship matters, and the biggest mistakes youth coaches make. If you're serious about becoming a better coach, this episode is for you. We dive into: Building championship culture The biggest coaching mistakes to avoid Why mentorship changes everything Developing players the right way Planning practices with purpose Creating standards that drive success Coaching beyond drills and systems Lessons from 20 years on the court Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.volleyballacademy.com Join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

On this episode, we have former Ukrainian National Team libero Pylyp Harmash joins the podcast to break down what separates great passers and defenders from everyone else. In this conversation, we dive into the modern techniques being taught at the highest levels of volleyball, why passing should be coached differently than serving, and how movement—not platform—is often the missing piece for most athletes. We also discuss the differences between European and North American training environments and what coaches can do to better prepare their players. In this episode we cover: • The difference between closed skills and open skills—and why it matters for coaching. • How to handle float serves using your feet instead of your hands. • Why distance from the net changes everything in serve receive. • Proper body positioning, hip rotation, and angle creation for consistent passing. • The 3-step movement pattern elite passers use. • How to pass topspin serves more effectively. • Why the traditional split step may be hurting modern defenders. • Key differences between volleyball development in Ukraine and North America. • Why more quality repetitions still matter in player development. Whether you coach youth, high school, college, or club volleyball, this episode is packed with practical concepts you can immediately apply in your own gym. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, US Men's National Team libero Erik Shoji did a presentation for our coaches where he shares the 8 key characteristics of successful volleyball programs from a player's perspective. We dive into: Practice Match Prep Communication Standards Relationships Competition Passing Fundamentals Reading Culture And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Join my workshop at www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share my experience attending a professional team practice and the coaching lessons that stood out most. From maximizing athlete reps and minimizing downtime to creative drill design and skill development, you'll get an inside look at how elite teams structure training for efficiency and impact. Whether you're coaching youth, club, high school, or college volleyball, you'll come away with practical ideas you can apply to your own practices right away. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I sit down with former Canadian National Team setter and Olympian Brett Walsh ( @Brettjwalsh ) to break down the key skills that separate good setters from great ones. We dive into setter footwork, hand positioning, jump setting, and the importance of transferring energy efficiently through the body. Brett also shares his thoughts on developing decision-making, reading the game, creating offensive advantages, and helping setters become more than just ball distributors. Topics in this episode include: One-foot vs. two-foot setter footwork Hand positioning and ball contact Jump setting mechanics Setter decision-making Training the setter position Vision and reading the game How setters can dictate the flow of a match rather than simply set the ball Check out his setter academy on IG @precisionvolleyballacademy Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

As coaches, we often focus on what athletes should be doing in the gym during the offseason. In this episode, we discuss practical ways athletes can continue developing their skills without touching the court. In this episode we dive into: Break Film Shadow Volley Strength Training Mental Other sports Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I walk coaches through how to plan their season from a macro perspective using the phases of the game and system design to guide your roadmap. You'll see how some of the best coaches map out their plan. We dive into: Side out Systems Rotations Block-Defense Transition Organization & Mechanics And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I break down a blueprint for building a successful volleyball program for young athletes ages 3–10. We cover: How to introduce volleyball in a fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way Teaching key motor patterns, depth perception, movement skills, and ball control through games and play. Practice structure ideas and progressions for skill development Creating a community that keeps kids excited to come back each week. And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

I learnt about this triangle a few years ago and it changed the way I set up my serve receive. This will optimize your reception and help increase your sideout. In this episode, I dive into: What the serve receive triangle is? How to set it up? The different angles that's relevant to serve receive Reception when serve comes from all 3 positions And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into one concept of serve reception and passing that could be the reason your players are struggling with their pass. I see it a lot at the youth level. We talk about: 3 principles of serve receive Giving up too much space Reading Taking the ball on the side 360 degree plane And a few other concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we talk about what multi-skill drills are, why they accelerate development, and how to implement them into your practices to get more game-like reps and better results. Topics include: 6 skills of volleyball How to implement multi-skill drills Examples of multi skill drills Understanding the power of player development And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I sit down with national championship-winning coach Carolyn O’Dwyer to break down the standards, systems, and training environment behind her team’s title run after falling short the year before. In this episode: How to build practices that are harder than matches The standards that drive consistency and performance Developing multiple offensive weapons The key stats that actually matter (and how to use them) Training athletes to problem-solve in game situations Structuring preseason for success Developing outsides (serve receive, attacking tools, decisions) Why repetition and quality reps matter Balancing competition vs experimentation in practice The core principles behind a championship culture A must-listen for coaches who want to build more consistent, high-performing teams. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I sit down with USPORTS National Champion head coach Adam Schriemer to break down the systems, standards, and mindset behind building a championship team. From practice design to match-day decision making, Adam shares exactly what it takes to consistently win at the highest level. In this episode we dive into: Why championship teams focus on “earning 17 and losing no more than 8” The key stats that actually decide matches (first ball kills, transition, aces, blocks) How to build a team culture that thrives through conflict and adversity A 4-week training progression to prepare your team for the season Serving philosophy: why unpredictability beats power The 4 keys to elite serve receive How to structure in-system and out-of-system offense Defensive habits that separate good teams from great ones Why “playing to win” is different than “trying to play well” Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB