Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for VolleyCoachShow
Sports

VolleyCoachShow

Jiri Popelka

Welcome to the VolleyCoachShow podcast, where the world's most renowned coaches and volleyball stars come together to share a wealth of practical advice, personal experiences, and captivating stories that transcend the boundaries of volleyball.

SubscribeListen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 50 episodes
  • Updated July 25

Episodes50

Newest first
  • July 25 · 21 min

    Mizuno Neo Jump Review

    In my review I evaluate the Mizuno Neo Jump volleyball shoe, specifically highlighting its superior cushioning and energy return during vertical movements. The shoe provides a bouncy feel that benefits heavy jumpers like outside hitters, it lacks a bit of the lateral stability found in other models.

  • April 16 · 20 min

    Will These New Rules Reshape Volleyball?

    New volleyball regulations are currently being tested to evaluate their potential to modernize and streamline the sport's gameplay dynamics. Are these new rules good? Will they make volleyball more fun?

  • March 6 · 18 min

    Why 90% of Hitters Jump High but Still Hit Soft?

    A lot of players ask me: “Coach, I can jump high… so why don’t I hit that hard?” In this episode I share something I see all the time with hitters — the disconnect between jump height and real spiking power. Very often the problem isn’t strength or genetics. It’s that the energy from the jump never actually transfers into the ball. I talk about why this happens, how many players jump only up instead of attacking forward, why core connection is crucial, and how small details in arm swing timing and contact point can completely change the speed of your hit. If you already jump well but feel like your spike should be heavier, this episode will help you turn that jump into real attacking power.

  • January 29 · 16 min

    Why does your jump get worse even though you train it more than ever?

    In this episode, I break down one of the biggest traps volleyball players fall into: confusing more effort with better results. We talk about fatigue, nervous system overload, bad timing of jump training, and why some players actually jump higher after resting — not after pushing harder. If your jump feels heavy, slow, or stuck, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to rebuild explosiveness the smart way.

  • January 6 · 15 min

    Fix These Attack Mistakes (Before They Destroy Your Game)

    Most attackers think they need a harder swing or a higher jump to score more points. They don’t. What really holds players back are a few hidden attacking mistakes that destroy efficiency and confidence — even in good hitters. In this episode, I break down the most common attacking mistakes I see at every level: playing for highlight kills, forcing perfect shots, hitting blindly into the block, giving free balls to the libero, being predictable, and attacking without communication. These are not strength or jump problems. They’re decision-making problems — and the best part is, you can fix them immediately. If you want to become a smarter, more efficient attacker and start scoring more points right away, this episode is for you.

  • Nov 20, 2025 · 10 min

    8 Advanced Ways to Improve Your Jump Serve (Without Changing Technique)

    In this episode, I break down eight advanced ways to make your jump serve more dangerous — without changing your technique. After playing at three World Championships, I’ve learned that great serving isn’t only about mechanics. It’s about identity, intention, psychology, vision, landing control, and how you handle pressure. I’ll tell you how to build your serving identity, reset your mind with a quick routine, attack passers with purpose, read their body language, and train under real match stress. If you want a jump serve that holds up when it matters, this one is for you.

  • Nov 17, 2025 · 9 min

    Stop Giving Free Balls! Master the Aggressive Bump and Stay Dangerous

    Today we’re talking about a skill almost nobody trains — but every smart player needs. The aggressive bump. You can’t spike every ball, and real match situations are messy: bad sets, low balls, off-balance contacts… they happen constantly. The best players don’t panic. They adapt. In this episode, I’ll show you how the aggressive bump can turn a “lost” situation into real pressure on the opponent. You’ll learn when to use it, which mistakes you must avoid, where to place it to make defenders suffer, and how to execute it with confidence. This one skill can completely change how dangerous you are on the court — especially when things aren’t perfect. If you want to stop giving free balls and start controlling the rally even from tough situations, this episode is for you. Let’s jump in.

  • Nov 7, 2025 · 16 min

    One-Handed Plays in Volleyball: Techniques and Avoidances

    In volleyball, we always want to play with both hands — that’s how you keep control and consistency. But sometimes, you just don’t have time. The ball is off, you’re under pressure, or you’re diving to save it. In this episode, I’ll tell you when it actually makes sense to play one-handed, what mistakes to avoid, and how to use your open palm to control the ball instead of just swinging your fist. These are real match situations — and if you learn to handle them the right way, you’ll start saving points that most players lose. Let’s talk about how to make that one-handed play your secret weapon.

  • Oct 29, 2025 · 14 min

    Perfecting the Volleyball Forearm Pass (Bump secrets)

    Today we’re talking about one of the most important volleyball skills — the forearm pass, or bump. It looks simple, but even experienced players get it wrong. I’ll share how to fix the six most common mistakes — from lifting your body too early to losing control of your platform — and show you how to pass forward, stay low, and keep your technique stable in every situation. Let’s jump in and perfect your bump — right here on the VolleyCoach Show.

  • Oct 20, 2025 · 9 min

    Volleyball Shadow Drills for All Positions

    In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most underrated ways to improve your volleyball skills — shadow drills. You don’t need a ball, a court, or even a partner. Just you, your body, and the right movements. I’ll explain why the best athletes in the world — like tennis pros Alcaraz and Sinner — swear by this type of training, and how volleyball players can use it to build better footwork, timing, and reactions. You’ll also hear my favorite shadow drills for every position: receivers, setters, outside hitters, and middles. Each one will help you move faster, stay balanced, and play with more confidence when the real game begins. If you want to get smoother, more consistent, and game-ready — this episode is for you.

  • Oct 7, 2025 · 12 min

    Unconventional Drills for Improve Your Vertical Jump

    In this episode, we explore 3 unconventional drills to jump higher in volleyball 🏐💥. You’ll learn why doing the same exercises over and over stops your progress — and how to challenge your muscles in new ways to unlock real vertical gains. These safe but powerful drills focus on eccentric strength, teaching your body to absorb and reapply force explosively. From squat jumps holding a volleyball to pre-fatigue box jumps and advanced depth-to-hurdle combos, you’ll discover how to train smarter, not just harder. Plus, find out how the Next Gen Hitter program can take your jump — and your entire game — to the next level.

  • Oct 2, 2025 · 13 min

    Volleyball Approach Mistakes and PRO Techniques

    In this podcast I am focusing on how volleyball players can improve their hitting approach to achieve professional-level power and height. I speak about three major footwork mistakes, such as stomping the right foot or letting it point toward the sideline, offering corrections like using a heel-to-toe step with the toes angled into the court.

  • Sep 24, 2025 · 13 min

    Mizuno Wave Momentum Elite Volleyball Shoe Review

    In this podcast you find an extensive review of the Mizuno Wave Momentum Elite volleyball shoe, presenting it as a successor to the Wave Momentum 3 and Mizuno's latest high-end model. Ultimately, the review concludes that the Elite is a top-tier shoe best suited for players, especially hitters and blockers, who prioritize stability and joint protection over maximum vertical jump performance.

  • Sep 19, 2025 · 13 min

    5 Simple Passing Training Drills for Your Bump Mastery

    This episode offers practical advice for volleyball players struggling with serve reception. I outlines six specific passing drills designed to improve movement, control, and accuracy during bumps. These exercises, which can be done with a teammate or coach, include drills that emphasize quick steps and accuracy while moving, techniques for handling wide or off-target serves, and routines that combine explosive movement with balance and precise technique under pressure.

  • Sep 9, 2025 · 11 min

    💪 The Plank: Volleyball's Core Performance Tool

    This podcast is about underestimated power of the plank exercise, particularly for volleyball players. It highlights how the plank strengthens the core, acting like a car's suspension to improve movement fluidity and reduce injury risk during explosive sports.

  • Sep 1, 2025 · 11 min

    Use These Special Volleyball Stability and Strength Drills

    In this podcast I introduce ten distinct exercises specifically designed for volleyball players. These exercises utilize only a volleyball to enhance strength, flexibility, and explosive power. Overall, the content emphasizes bodyweight and stability drills as a means to improve overall athletic ability and prevent injuries in volleyball.

  • Jun 17, 2025 · 19 min

    Volleyball's Mental Game: Strategies for Elite Performance

    This podcast explores the crucial role of mental strategies in elevating volleyball players from good to elite. It highlights that beyond physical prowess, top athletes utilize visualization, confidence-building routines, and emotional regulation to enhance performance. I also emphasize focusing on controllable factors, maintaining a "next point" mentality, and employing positive self-talk.

  • May 26, 2025 · 11 min

    🚑 Preventing Volleyball Injuries: Five Key Mistakes

    Discover the 5 biggest mistakes that cause volleyball injuries — and how to avoid them. From bad landings to shoulder overuse, I am sharing practical tips to keep you healthy, strong, and on the court.

  • May 15, 2025 · 14 min

    🔒 Becoming a Feared Middle Blocker

    I want to help you transform yourself into dominant middle blockers who are feared by opponents. In podcast you learn the importance of confidence, mental toughness, and physical preparation including agility, strength, and explosive power. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve consistency through relentless practice, continuous improvement, and anticipating opponent moves by studying game film.