Posted on December 21, 2023
To have a good season first you must choose your goals and objectives well and then follow them with effective strategic thinking and meticulous planning. In my experience in volleyball, the success of a season is often shaped long before the first whistle blows. In this blog, I want to try to explain why I believe a coach’s critical thinking skills are the secret ingredient to a successful yearly training plan (YTP) that not only thrives but evolves dynamically with the game during the season.
When starting to plan my YTP, I set clear goals for the season. Critical thinking is the compass I use that guides the setting of goals — realistic, measurable, and tailored to the unique composition of my team. It involves analyzing past performances, scrutinizing strengths and weaknesses, thinking about the new recruits’ abilities, our away games, in our senior players, etc. and envisioning the path to success.
A YTP is a lot more than managing load, volumes, and intensity, it is more than physical conditioning, it is about finding the peak form at the right moment. By form I am referring to all the aspects that are part of performance (social, mental, style of play, etc.). It is not just about pumping iron or perfecting a volleyball technique; it is about a strategic blueprint for the team’s style of play. Critical thinking enables coaches to understand opponents’ level in the league, identify gaps, and craft a plan that is tailored for the team. It is a mental chess game that unfolds long before the first move is made on the court.
In a team sport like volleyball where you have to understand the importance of every individual involved and recognize that each athlete is a unique puzzle, critical thinking comes into play when tailoring the YTP to these individual needs. It is about understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player, acknowledging their aspirations, and creating a plan that fosters personal growth within the collective success of the team. Considering individual needs, my YTP then has a special place for mental development as a component. Critical thinking is the architect, helping coaches understand the psychological nuances of their players. It involves implementing strategies that foster resilience, manage stress, and cultivate a winning mindset that will withstand the pressures of competition.
It should not be forgotten that one of the most important parts of the YTP is a delicate balance between pushing boundaries and preventing burnout. For example, critical thinking guides coaches in assessing the risk of injuries associated with specific training regimens. It is about crafting a physical conditioning plan that optimizes performance while safeguarding the well-being of the athletes. During the season, adaptability is key. Critical thinking empowers coaches to read the signs — be it player fatigue, unexpected challenges — and adjust the YTP accordingly. It is the flexibility to tweak the game plan without losing sight of the end goal. It’s an ongoing process of evaluation, learning from setbacks, and refining the YTP. By interpreting both the quantitative and qualitative data, the playbook should be a living document, evolving with the team’s dynamics and aspirations.
The success of a great season depends on a well-organized and planned YTP!