Improve your overall fitness level…and

Well, as I am writing this our loveable little girl, Carli (our Beagle) is getting over a fever. She is sneezing like crazy…I am sure she is at home right now wiping her nose with a tissue

Whether you are a parent, coach or athlete I know you are always looking to improve the overall fitness level of yourself or your team…

A great way is with Interval Training..

If I was to guess, about 75% of ALL people I come in contact with use the same excuse not to
improve their health..

‘time’…

With interval training time is not an issue…

So…take that excuse and flush it down the toilet!

Here is an article I wrote on Interval Training..

Get Dramatic Results With Interval Training

AND………….

Not sure how else to say this….

But…

HOLY CRAP!!!

My Training for Volleyball DVD is selling like hot cakes!

We are packing and shipping them all over the world…to places that not only have I never heard of, but the people at the post office!

Listen…I know I love what I do, but this is like crazy, CRAZY….My wife has a huge smile while packing and shipping…we are very glad to be helping so many people.

It is such an honor to be a part of the volleyball world and I can only see great things happening in the near future, not just for me, but for you..the awesome volleyballer!

We will be filming two more DVD’s in the next month or two…I’ll be sure to let you know

OK..that’s it for today..

have a fabulous weekend wherever you are

In Good Health,

Barry
www.trainingforvolleyball.com

THE Volleyball Clinic for ALL Coaches and players!

Well, I am sitting here waiting for the rain to come and am very excited..

Not about the rain..:)

About the Volleyball Clinic that I will be having with another volleyball enthusiast…

Dave Cross from ‘Yes, I Can’ Volleyball and myself are very pleased to announce the release of ‘Volleyball Training to the MAX!’

This is THE event you will want to attend to take your team to the next level..

Remember all those games that were lost when you were ahead?

‘They just weren’t there mentally’ is something you may have said.

Remember when you thought your team ‘just didn’t have the energy or wasn’t strong enough to finish’?

Put ALL of that in the past …

Time to move forward!

Whether you are a club, high school or college coach or player, this IS for you.

More importantly, it’s for your TEAM.

OK..I will not waste anymore of your precious time.

Please check out what we have in store for you..

Visit ‘Volleyball Training to the MAX’ to see how you will have all the tools to take
your team to the next level!

Thanks and hope to see you soon!

In Good Health,

Barry
www.volleyballtrainingtothemax.com
www.trainingforvolleyball.com

Try this to see how important your Core is

You are well aware of how I am a promoter of core strength.

Well, after creating an exercise last weekend as I was watching the girls play I noticed something else…

When girls were jumping up and attempting to block a spike their arms were moving backwards as the ball hit their hands or forearms and the ball would drop down to the ground between them and the net.

Hmmmmm….I thought…how can we try to stop that?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…

I tried something right there at my table and I FELT it. Anyone walking by probably thought I was not all with it, but hey it if will help you I don’t care how I look

Ready?

Raise on arm above your head…

Relax you belly….

Reach over with your opposite hand and push your arm back at the forearm.

Notice how far your arm went back?

Now…SQUEEZE YOUR CORE

Make believe someone is going to punch you in the stomach and hold..

Try to move your arm back now..

FEEL THE DIFFERENCE??

Now those blocks will FLY back at your opponent (as long as you follow the proper blocking technique as well )

Your core brings your upper body and lower body together making you stronger and more powerful..No doubt about it..

Next time your play or practice I want you to squeeze your core EVERY time you hit, set, block or serve.

Listen to the sound of the ball..

Watch the way the ball travels..

Take notice to the power that is added when you hit.

SQUEEZE YOUR CORE and notice the change in your game.

Good Luck and please let me know if this tip made a difference in your play.

In Good Health,

Barry
Training For Volleyball

“I played Volleyball for 8 years , from youth league to Club and through High school and now I’m coaching. Barry has been training myself and members of my team one night a week for a few months now. I have noticed a change in my speed, jumping, and arm swing. I suffered back pain regularly before I started the workouts. Since, I have had very limited back pain because ofthe core strengthening that is in his program. I wish I had Barry as a trainer back when I played! I also see big differences in my girls play; I see harder hits, higher jumps, and all over better play. Barry has been agreat asset to our club, with his positive and inspiring workouts.
Thanks Barry!!!”

What did you eat last night?

‘What did you eat last night?’ is the question coaches should be asking their athletes the morning of tournament day.

My wife, Laure and I were at our first tournament where we had our Training for Volleyball stand and I noticed something that, to me, stuck out like a sore thumb.

The eating habits of almost ALL the young athletes right before they are ready to play and in general throughout the day.

The following are a few tips to help you not only gain an advantage over the poor nutrition of your opponent, but how to make healthychoices:(please remember, these are my suggestions for being the best on game day and NOT about weight loss.)

1) Drink plenty of water a few days before and the day of your game. You should always drink water throughout your day, but it is very important when you are going to be very active.

2) Eat a good carbohydrate meal the night before a game. Wholewheat pasta or yams are good sources of carbohydrates.

3) Pack healthy snacks for game day and eat every few hours, but not full meals. If you have a break in between games of at least an hour or more, then you can eat a meal, but not a meal that will make you ‘stuffed’. Granola bars, fruit, nuts, vegetables and crackers are good choices, but try to eat them 45 minutes before you start your game. If you eat immediately before the whistle blows, you will feel sluggish because your body is digesting food at the same time you are trying to be active.

Ok, those are my suggestions.

Please make proper food choices to help you gain that advantage over your opponent

GOOD LUCK!

Barry
http://www.trainingforvolleyball.com/

PS – It is embarrassing at times, but no matter where we go and if the teams and athletes
I train are winning games and tournaments thisis what we hear:
“It’s your training Barry!”

I assure them it is THEM who is doing the work and the dedicationof their coaches.

If you are still looking for the same results they are seeing:Increased vertical jump, improved swing speed, improved quicknessand greatly improved athletic ability, then look no further!

You can bring Barry to you or you can simply visit Training for Volleyball for the answers to the above for you and your team.

Prince Fielder – Vegetarian

I’m feeling happy!

This morning while logging onto my computer, I noticed an article on my Yahoo home page that told the story of Prince Fielder going vegetarian. Here is the link Prince Fielder – Vegetarian.

This is the second time in two weeks that professional athletes have made the news due to their vegetarian or vegan lifestyles and I really appreciate the attention. I know for a fact that a vegan diet can sustain a strong, athletic and muscular man because I live it but the average person scoffs at this notion. In fact people are already poking fun at Prince Fielder for his decision.

What a shame.

Oh, what I would give for some more open minds out there among the masses. In case you are one of the one’s who thinks it’s impossible for the body to function well without meat, here is a partial list of vegetarian athletes:

Ruth Heidrich, Three-Time Ironman, Debbie Lawrence, 5k Record Holder, Jim Kaat, Baseball Player, Tony Larussa, Baseball Manager, Hank Aaron, Baseball PlayerBill Pearl, Bodybuilder, Marv Levey, Buffalo Bills Coach, Robert Parnish, Center (Bulls)Joe Namath, Football Player, Lawrence Phillips, Football Player (49ers), Brendan Brazier, Ironman Triathlete, Sally Eastall, Marathon Runner, Andreas Cahling, Mr. International Bodybuilder, Carl Lewis, Olympic Track Star, Edwin Moses, Olympic Champion, Leroy Burrell, Olympic Champion, Murray Rose, Olympic SwimmerPat Reeves, Power Lifter, Bill Manetti, Powerlifting Champion, Ed Templeton, Pro Skateboarder, Mike Manzoori, Pro Skateboarder, Brian Anderson, Pro SkateboarderJamie Thomas, Pro Skateboarder, Laban Pheidas, Proskater, Steve Berra, ProskaterAnastasia Ashley, Surfer, Martina Navratilova, Tennis Player, Bille Jean King, Tennis Champion, Peter Burwash, Tennis Champion, John Salley, Toronto Raptors, Lucy Stephens, Tri-athlete, Stan Price, World Record Bench Press, Killer Kowalski, Wrestler

Don’t forget UFC fighter Mac Danzig. Tell him he can’t be a vegan and perform at his best.

Trust me when I tell you that the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle is one that is very rewarding in terms of health and physical performance. Your body wants this type of clean fuel and will respond very happily when it is received.

People switch to a vegetarian lifestyle for many different reasons. My switch came suddenly when I learned about the horrific treatment that these animals endure. Ironically, this is the same reason that Prince Fielder gives. I can assure you if you would have told me that I would be a vegan one day I would have laughed. You don’t always search these things out; sometimes they just happen, so if nothing else, always keep an open mind. You never know when it might be your turn.

In an effort to help people understand, I have written a few articles about what a vegetarian lifestyle REALLY is.

Go Vegetarian – It’s not as hard as you think

Being Vegan – Getting by in a non-vegan world

Becoming Vegetarian – Making a Case for the Vegetarian Lifestyle

Think about it….what is WRONG with choosing to do your part in not aiding in the horrific treatment of animals at the same time eating wholesome and nutrient rich foods to improve our overall health?

For more simplistic and detailed information please check out http://www.whyilikeveggies.com/

In good health,

Barry

‘Your body is a temple – Please be sure to treat it like one’

Oh the Core..

Every athlete wants to get the most out of his or her training and reach their full athletic potential. One of the most important factors in maximizing athletic performance is core strength. An athlete with a strong core is a strong athlete; it’s that simple.

Let me explain to you just what the core is and why core strength is so very important for any athlete. The core is comprised of nearly 30 different muscles that basically wrap around your body in the area between your hips and ribcage. There are a couple ways to think about this in easy terms. First of all think of your body in two halves, the lower half and the upper half. The core area is between the two and can be thought of as a ‘bridge’ that connects them. In order for the upper and lower body to work together requires that connection. Another visual is to think of the rebar in a foundation. Imagine that your core area is just like the foundation of a house. When not trained, it is a foundation without its rebar and one likely to weaken and cause problems, while a conditioned core is a strong and sturdy foundation with rebar.

Basically, the core is fundamental to all body movement. Whether you realize it or not, you hardly make a movement without engaging your core whether it be walking up the stairs or bending down to pick something up. Your core is involved, providing you with balance and stability. The strength, or weakness, or your core will dictate how easy or difficult these movements are.

So, what does this have to do with your athletic performance? Absolutely everything. When you are moving through your sport of choice you are using your body in its most functional state, in other words, as a whole. You are using your lower body and your upper body together; you’re jumping, throwing, twisting, hitting, running, the list goes on and on. Your core is the basis for all of this movement and once again the strength or weakness of that core will dictate the ease in which you move on the field or court. Athletes are also very often in unstable environments, like landing on one foot or throwing or hitting from an awkward position. I cannot honestly think of a sport where this stability and balance does not come into play. Your balance comes from your core; strong core equals good balance.

Here are some examples: Think of the volleyball player jumping and spiking. The spike is literally being performed in mid air; can a situation be less stable? The power for that spike must come from the core!

Think of the shortstop that runs to catch a grounder and then must jump, twist and throw all at the same time, again, ALL core!

Think of the tennis player who runs across the court and then smashes a return to the opposite side, ALL core!

I could go on and on with every single sport and just about every position but hopefully you get the idea. If you do not train for core strength and balance you will never realize your full potential. More and more athletes are training this way and if you ignore this vital aspect of athletic training you will be out-played.

Fortunately, core training is not difficult or time consuming and it does not require expensive equipment. It has been my experience that athletes are downright thrilled to be doing something other than ‘lifting’ anyway. Core training is innovative, challenging and creative; heck, it’s fun! Of course when the athletes and coaches see the results, which come quickly with this type of training, the excitement really builds.

If I sound passionate about Core Training, I am. I see the results first hand every day. Hundreds of athletes that I have trained enjoy incredible results and it is very exciting. If your routine does not involve core training, well, that needs to change. Improve your core and improve your game, guaranteed.

Read what 15-year old Meghan a Training For Volleyball customer and volleyball athlete accomplished with her purchase of Training For Volleyball:

“Dear Barry,

I am 15 and have been on a team for 2 years. The coach never played me because i couldn’t react quickly or jump very high. This past summer I attended the Penn volleyball camps. That is where I saw you speak and do the drills. I bought your DVD just thinking I’d give it a shot. But it really works! Jumping 5 inches higher and reacting much quicker I tried out and made the JV volleyball team. Now I am a starter in every game.

Thank you Barry.

Meghan”

How does it work?

After receiving so many emails about how my training works and how it can work so fast, I will provide a little glimpse into my training style used for all athletes, as well the exercises in Training For Volleyball.

First, and foremost I always look at the position an athlete plays in their respected sport. Their movement patterns, their reaction, their strengths and weaknesses.

Then, after listening to them and determinig their needs I design a functional and sport/position specific workout. FYI – This is NOT text book! ALL of my training is what we may call ‘off the wall’, but it is very effective.

Using many variations of resistance, including JC Bands, Super Bands, medicine balls, tons of balance challenging exercises as well as plyometrics is exactly how I am able to take a girl who one night was crying her eye balls out because she could not get a serve over the net to getting 8 serves over in a row after JUST ONE SESSION!

That same girl had a tournament this past weekend and she had FIVE, yes, FIVE aces in a row. This is after just 4 sessions with me and working out with Training For Volleyball.

Now, I also incporporate science with movement patterns, but I cannot tell you everything

It works…it’s effective and most of all it is FUN!

Please check out Spike It Baby and also the camps/clinics page. May be coming to a town near you this summer!

Have a great day!

In Good Health,

Barry

Three Simple Letters

It’s 9:05 pm here in Pennsylvania…

My wife and I have been up since 4:15 am….

Tired?

Maybe….

Complaining?

Never..

Whining about our long days?

Nope..

Flipping out about things gone wrong?

notta..

Why?

We are well aware how fortunate we are…

We understand that life can be much worse..

Are you complaining about your life?

Your long days?

A dent in your car?

Scratch on your dining room table?

Are your friends whining about their long work days and how they
are just tired to do anything…

Well you have heard of the Hoyts before, but here ya go anyway…

Take 4 min & 13 seconds of your time, grab your tissues and find
a ‘little umph’ to get you back on track OR send it to your friends
who whine about the little things.

Here ya go….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

Meet the Hoytshttp://www.teamhoyt.com/history.shtml

Three simple letters people..

C A N

In good health,

Barry
www.trainingforvolleyball.com

Top 5 Volleyball Tips For Improving Your Serve Receive

Coaching Girls Volleyball Skills:

Top 5 Volleyball Tips For Improving Your Serve Receive

In girls volleyball the ability to serve receive or to “pass” the ball from an opponent’s serve is one of the most important volleyball skills to learn in order to play competitive indoor or sand volleyball games and tournaments.

You will quickly learn that what you do with your feet and lower body determines how well you will perform all volleyball fundamentals, skills and drills. That’s why I always start my coaching instructions and volleyball tips focusing on the correct positioning of the feet and lower body.

Feet
Your feet should be shoulder width apart in a comfortable balanced position with knees bent so that you are in a slight squat. Your feet should be slightly staggered so that your right foot is two-three inches in front of your left foot and you can move quickly in any direction.

Lower Body
Your feet initiate the first movement you make by getting you in position behind the ball you want to pass. You will find that getting your body completely behind the ball you want to pass is the most important part of passing the ball. Anticipate where you need to be and getting your body behind the ball EARLY will make the rest of the serve receive process alot easier.

Upper Body
Your upper body is in a slightly crouched position in a position that permits you to move quickly in any direction in order to get behind the ball quickly. Once in passing position – BEFORE making contact with the ball your shoulders need to be squared up to the target. Your shoulders face the target and will guide the ball where you want it to go. Remember shoulders should be squared up to the target BEFORE you contact the ball. Arms Keep your arms apart as you move to get your body in position behind the ball to pass it. Your arms should be in the same position as when you run.

Once you stop, because you have determined where you need to be in order to serve receive – your right hand should form a fist which you place in the palm of your left hand. Your left hand should close around your right fist. Place both thumbs together- side by side and point them downward towards the ground. Pointing your thumbs to the ground will create the serve receive platform you use in order to make the pass. You must contact the ball on this platform created by your forearms between the wrist and inside elbow. With practice and repetition you will learn to control the ball consistently on your platform. Many times alot of people mistakenly contact the ball BELOW their wrists – on their fists and thumbs. You will never be able to control the ball consistently if you contact the ball below the wrists.

Remember that serve receive means that you are receiving the serve. Most serves come at a speed fast enough that when you receive the ball very little additional arm movement is needed in order to get the ball to your target (your target is usually your setter).

So your serve receive platform should never finish above your shoulders since you don’t need to swing your arms. When contacting the ball remember your shoulders are already squared up to your target so you just shift your body weight stepping from your back (left) foot to your front (right) foot -keeping your platform still and just using it to guide the ball to your target.

This is why expert volleyball coaches say you actually serve receive with your legs. Your shoulders and platform are there JUST to guide the ball to the target only.

Serve Receive Quick Review
1. Feet shoulder width apart with right leg slightly in front of the left. Shoulders and upper body in slight crouch ready to move in any direction quickly.

2. Anticipate where you need to be and get there BEFORE you start to pass the ball keeping arms and hands apart.

3. Get stopped with right foot slightly in front of the left.

4. Present your platform by wrapping your left hand around your right fist with thumbs pointing straight down to the ground which forces elbows and arms to from a super straight platform.

5. When contacting the ball don’t swing your arms to serve receive – keep your platform below your shoulders and thumbs pointing to the ground – always. Use YOUR LEGS to get the ball to the target by shifting your body weight from your back (left) foot to your front (right) foot.

6. Shoulders should already be squared to the target before you contact the ball so you don’t have anymore adjusting to do with your arms once you contact the ball.

7. Keep your eyes on the ball. Visually track it as it leaves the servers hand all the way to your platform. By focusing on the ball you can tell if you need to make minor adjustments in the angle of your platform in order to get the ball to your target. 8. Have fun playing volleyball in your next beach volleyball or indoor volleyball tournament!

April Chapple is a former USA National Womens Volleyball Team member and Volleyball Professional who created Volleyball Voices the first virtual volleyball mentoring community for girls volleyball players and volleyball coaches with stories by champion women volleyball players and coaching volleyball articles that break up volleyball skills so females learn how to play better volleyball.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Chapple

The Mitchell Report

The Mitchell Report….

Have you heard about it?

It is a report the came out Thursday about the widespread use of steroids in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Disturbing news to say the least…

What bothers me and hopefully you as an athlete or parent is that it is not only in MLB. Unless you hibernate you are well aware that this happens in high school and college sports as well. I have many friends who coach at the high school level and are well aware their athlete’s use them to get ready for the season. I also have too many friends who played college level sports and laugh about steroid use. ‘Everyone takes them. Even the girls’ is a comment from one buddy of mine.

They are aware of this, but do NOTHING about it.

Why?

Because it makes THEM look better when the kids are big and strong. It makes THEM look better if they start winning…What I am saying is, it has NOTHING to do with the athlete when it comes to coaches either knowing or promoting the use of performance enhancemnet drugs.

As an athlete or parent I beg you to report ANYONE who suggests steroid use or any other illegal performance enhancement supplement(many are not permitted by your state athletic committees)

Report them immediately. Let them sit in jail and think about their actions.The use of steroids can lead to depression, in many cases suicide and aggressive behavior which in turn can lead to murder.

Some of this may sound harsh, but it is a horrible reality that is part of our young athlete’s lives and you or a loved one needs to know about the reality of steroid use in athletics.

Thank you for your time and talk to your friends and loved ones TODAY about steroid use.

In Good Health,

Barry