Mt. Carmel (IL) High School Head Boys Coach;
4-year started on the Boston College Women's Volleyball Team
Abby Hasebroock, Head Boys Volleyball Coach at Mt. Carmel High School, discusses the psychology of the male athletes' brain. She explains what drives and motivates male players and how coaches should organize practice to adapt. Coach Hasebroock showcases drills that will work on pressure situations, communication, and competition.
Insights into Male Psychology
In the first segment Coach Hasebroock explains adolescent development and the psychology of the boy brain. She testifies that coaches must have a complete understanding in order to construct practice plans and approaches for the season. This is especially true if coaches have worked with females in the past.
You will discover the "10 learning traits" of males and how they are different from females. With those traits in mind, Coach Hasebroock explains how to design a practice that will help keep the boy brain active and keep them engaged from beginning to end.
Drills for Creating Pressure Situations
On the court, Coach Hasebroock highlights drills that create pressure situations. These drills put different players on the spot at random times, which helps the boys experience playing in pressure situations and compete through these times. She uses the term X factor in many of her drills. The X factor randomly calls out a player to execute a skill in the middle of a drill. If they cannot perform the task they must follow through with a consequence. The pressure situation drills presented in this segment cover the skills of serving, digging and attacking.
Drills for Encouraging Communication
Coach Hasebroock also demonstrates drills that focus on communication. Active communication means the brain is engaged and the athletes are actively ready for play. These communication drills are a great way to build team chemistry. The "Three vs. Self" drill is a great way to improve team communication and to build endurance.
To conclude the video coach Hasebroock gives some great philosophies on coaching a male player. She covers topics such as how to use consequences properly, how to critique performance in a way that motivates players, how to give feedback, and how to increase competition. All of these categories of coaching techniques are crucial in coaching the male athlete.
With the information and tips provided, a coach that is taking on a male team will be well equipped to handle the psyche of his or her athletes.
Produced at the 2014 AVCA Spring Clinic in Chicago, IL.
46 minutes. 2015.