Welcome to Triple Block Heads; the podcast for all things volleyball. Each episode, the trio of Block Heads will discuss topics that will hit home for a variety of volleyball enthusiasts, from beginners to collegiate athletes and volley nerds in between. The Block Heads bring a combined 50 years of coaching experience ranging from club to the highest levels of Division 1.
Send us Fan Mail In this Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast episode, the hosts discuss how club volleyball tryouts shifted over the last decade from fall to summer, driven by competition, national trends, and “peer pressure” as early-offering clubs forced others to adapt. They explain Iowa’s USA Volleyball regional rules, including offer-holding deadlines and a two-wave summer system (mid-July and early August) that helps athletes compare options and clubs build rosters, contrasted with looser JVA or other regions’ practices (e.g., same-day decisions or Texas pre-nationals team-setting). From a club perspective, summer tryouts aid planning for tournament registration, scheduling, and jerseys, while raising concerns about athlete burnout. From an athlete/parent lens, common issues include conflicting tryouts, college camps, uncertainty about open spots, position-based timing (middles earlier, liberos later), and the need to know and protect the process from rule manipulation. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 40: The Volley Venture: The Business of Private Equity in Volleyball
Send us Fan Mail In this Triple Block Heads episode, Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss how youth sports—and especially club volleyball—have shifted from many small “mom-and-pop” organizations to consolidation by large ownership groups and private equity. They define private equity broadly as investors adding liquidity to rapidly expand clubs and facilities, often seeking returns by building real-estate assets and monetizing the entire “volleyball experience” through tournaments, software, merchandise, and other micro-transactions. They cite youth sports as a $40B market and note key buyers like LOVB and 3Step Sports, including distinctions between nonprofit vs LLC club structures and implications for selling. The group weighs potential benefits (resources, facilities, coach education, recruiting support) against concerns (loss of autonomy, schedule control, monopolization, impacts on USAV/JVA/AAU, tournament consolidation, “stay and play” costs), and predicts more change over the next decade with possible legislative scrutiny. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 39: Navigating June: Athlete's Dilemma and Decisions
Send us Fan Mail The Triple Block Heads hosts joke about Frank shaving his head, then discuss how club volleyball athletes should navigate June’s overlapping options: club college showcases, on-campus prospect camps, and preparing for nationals. Prompted by a message from Dennis Rios, they argue that on-campus camps provide the most information for athletes facing June 15 recruiting decisions, while club showcases function like “trailers” best used earlier in the process to sample coaches’ styles. They advise choosing showcases based on location and which schools attend, being intentional, reflecting afterward, tracking preferences, and following up with emails. From a club perspective, they emphasize educating athletes, maintaining backup plans, adapting practice schedules, and supporting camp attendance rather than prioritizing practice over recruiting. They also note the physical toll of multiple camps and the need for rest, and say social media camp posts mainly provide neutral information. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 38: Volleyball Unplugged: High Performance Memories and Evolution
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast, Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss the USA Volleyball High Performance Tournament (later the All-Star Tournament) and how it evolved, emphasizing its unique features: regional pride, USA development camp ties, international teams, a combined boys/girls event, and international rules with limited subs and best-of-five formats. They describe how the event challenges coaches to rapidly evaluate players, build cohesive teams, and install systems in just a few practices, while offering major networking and learning through open information-sharing among coaches. From a player perspective, they highlight independence from dorm living, exposure to college coaches, distinct atmosphere, and lasting relationships. They compare the old USA-team format to the current regional-only model, note recruiting and timing conflicts, share memorable stories (Tucson, Tulsa, Fort Lauderdale water outage, Des Moines hosting), and close by crediting Iowa director Kurt Trout’s leadership. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 37: From Passion to Profession: Breaking into Coaching
Send us Fan Mail In this Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast episode, the hosts discuss how to enter coaching, emphasizing that many start in club volleyball and should research local clubs, meet and “interview” club directors, and seek organizations with year-round opportunities (teams, camps, clinics, lessons, tournaments) to build coaching and administrative experience. They stress humility, learning through mentorship, observing different coaching styles, and the importance of relationships in shaping a coach’s trajectory, including for those without playing backgrounds who must earn trust through hard work. The conversation covers volunteering, working camps, officiating, clinics, and advocating for yourself to reach college coaching, noting Division I involves extensive non-volleyball responsibilities. They also highlight alternative volleyball careers (analytics, operations) and advise treating club coaching like a job interview by communicating goals, providing references, and asking questions—ultimately encouraging listeners to “shoot your shot.” Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 36: Two Libero System: Strategy, Recruitment, and Challenges
Send us Fan Mail In this Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast episode, Frank, Marc, and Makani discuss the two-libero system: its origins from the late-1990s libero rule, adoption in men’s NCAA (2012), later adoption in women’s NCAA, and newer rule changes allowing more flexibility between sets. They outline club and higher-level strategy uses, including splitting duties between serve-receive and defense specialists, using a libero jersey for a high-impact server to save substitutions, and using two liberos to give DS players reps while letting pins play six rotations. They note potential downsides such as disrupting rhythm, defensive cohesion, and second-ball setting consistency. From a recruiting perspective, they advise clear communication about role-sharing, emphasize that liberos are hard to evaluate live, and stress intangibles (“libero vibe,” movement, communication, effort) that keep coaches watching. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 35: The Role of Clubs in Athlete Injury Prevention
Send us Fan Mail Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss how volleyball clubs can prevent injuries and support athletes through rehab, emphasizing that overuse injuries are rising due to longer seasons, more reps, and hard playing surfaces. They argue clubs should prioritize athlete wellbeing through practical prevention systems: consistent, progressive warmups that end with athletes sweating, and standardized cooldowns. They stress athlete responsibility (arrive early, focus during warmup, listen to early soreness) and the need for tournament-day plans to manage play/ref/off cycles, including shifting reffing tasks to coaches/parents so athletes can recover and prepare. Post-match priorities include hydration, electrolytes, protein, stretching, and switching to slides. They recommend simple shoulder prehab with resistance bands and inexpensive “rehab bags” (bands, lacrosse balls, foam rollers, massage guns), noting that accessible information makes lack of knowledge an unacceptable excuse. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 34: The Toughest Position... Middle Blocker
Send us Fan Mail In this Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast episode, Makani, Frank, and Marc begin a role-specific series focused on training middle blockers offensively and defensively from youth through elite levels. They identify four foundational motor skills for young middles—reaction, balance, timing/rhythm, and motor/work ethic—emphasizing early development for taller athletes and injury prevention. Offensively, they stress the mindset of “how do I get set,” training tempo clarity (zero, first tempo), variety of attacks (including one-foot options), audibles using natural gaps, efficient transition footwork, early communication, tracking the ball, and compact arm preparation. Defensively, they frame middle defense around blocking with four components: read, react, power movement, and punch/press-and-hold, plus hand-angle mastery and vision training. They close with desired middle traits: motor, selflessness, IQ, and swagger, and discuss recognizing middle impact and using role models to keep the position appealing. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 33: Navigating the Volleyball Transfer Portal
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Triple Block Heads Podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc delve into the complexities of the NCAA transfer portal and its impact on collegiate volleyball. They discuss the portal's emergence and its role in empowering student-athletes to take control of their careers. Key points include the operational windows for entering the portal, the potential for institutions to cut financial support once an athlete enters, and the balance between institutional needs and athlete motivations. The hosts highlight the high number of transfers, noting a staggering 20% yearly turnover among Division I volleyball players. They discuss the trends causing these transfers, such as playing time and cultural fit issues, and the financial incentives driving some athletes to move to higher divisions. Additionally, they explore how the transfer portal has influenced club-level recruiting timelines and speculate on potential future impacts, including financial remuneration for club athletes. The discussion concludes with reflections on the transfer portal's permanence and possible improvements, such as instituting loyalty incentives and more structured transfer limits. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 32: The Road to Nationals - First Qualifier Insights and Preparation
Send us Fan Mail This episode of the 'Block Triple Blockheads' podcast dives into preparing for National Qualifiers. The hosts, Makani, Frank, and Marc, discuss various aspects such as the definition of qualifiers, the challenges teams, players, and parents face, and how to set expectations and prepare effectively. Key points include understanding national qualifiers, dealing with the financial costs, setting the right mindset for young and regional teams, and balancing player development with competitive goals. The episode also offers practical advice for parents on managing the logistics of these events and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a team-first attitude and preparing rigorously for the challenges ahead. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 31: Offensive Systems and Training Tactics
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc delve into offensive strategies in volleyball, contrasting it with previously discussed defensive techniques. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creativity in offense, tailoring strategies to a team's specific strengths and weaknesses. Key topics include selecting appropriate offensive strategies based on team skills and structure, and maximizing various scenarios in both mid and out-of-system contexts. They explore approaches for leveraging different player roles and systems, including handling small pins, utilizing a dominant scorer, capitalizing on a strong middle attacker, and managing a lefty setter. The conversation highlights the critical relationship between setters and coaches and the need for teams to adjust strategies based on specific match situations while maintaining adaptability and creativity. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 30: New Years Resolutions for Volleyball
Send us Fan Mail In this New Year's episode, the hosts of the Triple Block Heads podcast reflect on their journey over the past year in producing content about volleyball. They discuss the challenges and successes they've experienced in starting and maintaining the podcast, particularly in improving their public speaking and engaging with the volleyball community. They share their personal and professional resolutions for 2026, which include enhancing work-life balance, improving productivity, and focusing on specific volleyball coaching techniques. The hosts delve into broader aspirations for the sport, including increasing TV coverage, improving production quality, and resolving issues with officiating. They emphasize the need for volleyball to gain more mainstream exposure to grow its fan base and inspire young athletes. With appreciation for their listeners' support, they vow to continue their podcasting journey into the new year. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 29: Changing Positions and Role Acceptance
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss various aspects of changing positions in volleyball. They delve into the reasons and timing for position changes, exploring scenarios ranging from club team adjustments to collegiate level transitions. The hosts emphasize the importance of transparency, setting goals, and maintaining open communication between coaches, players, and parents. They share personal anecdotes and offer strategies for players to embrace new roles, highlight the significance of role acceptance, and underscore the value of continuous development. Throughout the episode, the discussion is guided by the overarching theme of fostering a positive mindset and strong team dynamics, crucial for navigating the complexities of position changes in volleyball. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 28: Blockheads Guide to AVCA Convention
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the 'Triple Block Head' podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the upcoming collegiate volleyball convention at the end of the fall season. They cover the logistics of attending the event, including accommodation tips and session planning. Frank shares his excitement about presenting on small rosters and their positive impact on his club. Marc emphasizes the importance of attending conventions for open, low-stakes peer conversations. They also talk about the benefits of watching live matches and balancing the need for socializing, networking, and professional development. The episode ends with a plan to potentially produce a reality show tracking various presenters and attendees at next year's convention. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 27: Club Season Begins: What to Look Forward to...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Triple Block Heads, Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss their excitement and challenges for the upcoming volleyball club season. Frank, a club director, shares his enthusiasm for creating opportunities for young players to engage in more games and practices, as well as his new experience coaching a 12s team. Mark, with a collegiate perspective, appreciates the development of young players and the joy of watching them grow. The conversation touches on the physical and emotional demands of managing a club, the different levels of engagement by age group, and the community and learning environment that tournaments offer. They also humorously recount the trials of navigating tournament logistics, varying officiating standards, and the social aspects of the volleyball community. Overall, the episode conveys a deep passion for mentoring young athletes and the excitement of the new club season. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 26: Turning the Tide: Tactical Timeout Techniques
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the nuances of timeout management in volleyball coaching. They emphasize the strategic use of timeouts to break the opponent's momentum, adjust strategies, and address team morale. Key points include the importance of recognizing the right moments to call a timeout, the differences between club and collegiate volleyball, and how to use timeouts to build team cohesion and improve play. The hosts also share personal anecdotes, tips on structuring huddles, and common mistakes to avoid, such as emotional timeouts and wasting timeouts on futile situations. The episode underscores the significance of being deliberate and planful in using timeouts as a tool to enhance team performance and development. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 25: Concise Coaching with Three Words
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Triple Block Heads', hosts Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss their 'less is more' approach to volleyball skills training. They emphasize using concise, three-word cues that are easy for athletes, parents, and coaches to remember. The hosts cover key skills such as serving, setting, passing, blocking, and attacking, providing specific word cues and techniques for both beginners and advanced players. They focus on the importance of repetition, player empowerment, and concise communication in coaching. The discussion underscores how using brief, consistent cues can enhance athletes' performance and understanding of the game. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 24: Behind the Line: Integrating Back Row Offense
Send us Fan Mail The hosts of the 'Triple Block Heads' podcast dive deep into the integration and importance of back row attacks in volleyball, with a particular focus on the differences between the men's and women's games. They discuss the evolution of the back row attack, its prevalent use in men's volleyball, and its growing adoption in the women's game. Frank shares insights from his collegiate experience on setting back row players, emphasizing the trust and practice required. The team talks about different types of back row attacks, their technical aspects, and setting strategies, highlighting how these techniques can enhance overall offensive effectiveness. They conclude by encouraging high school and club teams to integrate back row attacks into their systems, not just as emergency plays but as strategic offensive maneuvers. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 23: Volleyball Defense Systems: Building a Winning Defensive Strategies
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Triple Block Heads, Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the importance of defense in volleyball, emphasizing how solid defensive strategies contribute to winning games and championships. They delve into various defensive systems, notably perimeter and rotational defenses, explaining when and why coaches might choose one over the other. They highlight the impact of blocking configurations and adjustments, the integration of front-row and back-row strategies, and the importance of player awareness and communication. They also offer insights into situational adaptations and unique defensive setups, such as the middle-up defense. Lastly, they discuss the significance of off-block defense and how to effectively train players to maximize defensive coverage, all while keeping the training engaging and beneficial for player growth. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
TBH Episode 22: Film Sessions: A Guide to Smarter, More Productive Viewing
Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode of Triple Block Heads focuses on the importance and strategies of watching film for volleyball players. It provides detailed tips on how athletes can use film sessions to improve their technical skills, decision-making, and overall game performance. The hosts discuss key elements for individual positions like attackers, blockers, setters, and defenders, emphasizing the importance of body positioning, platform formation, and situational awareness. The episode also suggests that watching film can help coaches refine game strategies and improve communication with players. Additionally, it encourages bench players to watch film to stay engaged and be better prepared for when they get their chance to play. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads
