Today I practiced with the Women's National Team. We had 13 in attendance, missing several key players do to other commitments, or inability to make it to practice.
We practiced from 5:30p-8pm.
Nanan let me run the entire practice. Based on my observations from their scrimmage on Tuesday, ball control is the primary area of concern. Isn't that true with nearly every team!
We focused today on serve reception and free ball passing technique. I stressed Sumo passing (tanden) and keeping the feet balanced and square. Too often our passers were right foot or left foot forward and off balance. We focused on 'popping the ball up.' keeping it on our side to always enable an attack. We began with practice with a warmup session and then played Trips (Queen of the Court, etc...). We progressed to player tossed technique drills and then coach initiated passing drills. I refer to these as Sumo-to-self and either catch or set to target.
We then introduced Cooperative drills, stressing dependence on one another and focusing on teamwork. We made the drills competitive and added consequences for the losers. We also had the team work as one to achieve their goals. One note, I did a two-person switching drill, asking only that free balls be sent over the net. The drill involved two people on the court, one would Sumo the ball up, the other would send it over the net then switch off their side of the court and two new individuals would enter. This is a continuous drill with the team trying to work together as one. Our goal was 20 consecutive balls over the net. We made 14. This will be our benchmark for next week.
We did basic hitting technique and individual setter training. At the end, scrimmaged for 15 minutes.
There is a wide range of talent on the team and selecting those who will play on the national team, and reducing touches for those that won't, will improve practice tremendously. Ages of the participants range from 15 to 39. We have marginal setting so far, marginal passing, marginal defense and blocking, and marginal attacking. We have work to do. But the attitudes are great and everyone seems eager to learn.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wed April 28, 2010 training with Men's National Team
This was a less hectic day. It seems our meetings are over and now we are focusing more on volleyball.
Today, I started my day with a television interview with the local GIS station. The interview was conducted by Pastor Worme and involved Nanan and myself. We discussed the purpose of my visit and volleyball in Grenada. It was a good experience and i enjoyed meeting Pastor Worme.
In the evening, I observed my first Men's National Team practice. We practiced from 5:30-8pm. Volleyball in Grenada is an outdoor sport, primarily because they do not have indoor facilities. This was a shock to me 3 years ago, but this time I was prepared. The men and women practice on a 'hard' court. By hard court, they mean a cement court located outdoors at the Carenage. It is truly amazing how these athletes perform on such an unforgiving surface.
The Men's National team was very impressive. What stood out the most is their athleticism. They are not a big team by international standards, however their passion and intensity is. Again, volleyball has improved significantly the past three years because of the hard work by Nanan, the head coach.
Observations about the practice...the men are unafraid to dive on the cement...truly remarkable. They basically scrimmaged to allow me an opportunity to asses. Setting was good although I recognized no set plays and few quick attacks or back row attacks. Both setters are deceptive, however, do not jump set regularly. Platform passing has improved tremendously, however still lacks some control and consistent technique. Blocking is just okay. They swing block, but I'm not yet sure it is intentional. No triple blocking but a fairly consistent double block. They run a perimeter defense although there is not an easy flow. Attacking is pretty good. There are several very high leapers that can terminate. My first assessment...find our best attackers and find more ways to utilize them.
This was the first practice with little prior practice. Considering that, the team performed exceptionally well and I am very excited about their potential.
I had discussion with the team afterwards and was amazed what I learned. They receive no compensation for participation on the National Team. They do not have uniforms or practice gear, providing their own t-shirts, shoes, etc. They also provide their own transportation to practice. For me, this at first did not seem significant. To them, however, it is. Many live on the other side of the Island and it is about a 45 minute to 1 hour bus ride. From there, many still have to walk to their homes. Many have graduated secondary school and college and are working. They finish work and then come to practice.
Both the men and women make many sacrifices to play. They ask in return only two things; respect and recognition. I asked several why they make these sacrifices and they replied "Pride." They are very proud to represent their country. One (Andy Best, a tax collector) stated he is very proud to be on the National Team and only wished people in Grenada recognized him for his efforts. He said not many know about the National Volleyball teams and few recognize him as one of their athletes. He would like people to know how hard they work.
Some of my first priorities, organize transportation for the athletes from practice; help coordinate efforts to outfit the team in similar practice gear (mainly t-shirts) and help organize efforts to secure proper uniforms. Lastly, to promote these amazing athletes so their country can be as proud to watch them as they are to perform.
Today, I started my day with a television interview with the local GIS station. The interview was conducted by Pastor Worme and involved Nanan and myself. We discussed the purpose of my visit and volleyball in Grenada. It was a good experience and i enjoyed meeting Pastor Worme.
In the evening, I observed my first Men's National Team practice. We practiced from 5:30-8pm. Volleyball in Grenada is an outdoor sport, primarily because they do not have indoor facilities. This was a shock to me 3 years ago, but this time I was prepared. The men and women practice on a 'hard' court. By hard court, they mean a cement court located outdoors at the Carenage. It is truly amazing how these athletes perform on such an unforgiving surface.
The Men's National team was very impressive. What stood out the most is their athleticism. They are not a big team by international standards, however their passion and intensity is. Again, volleyball has improved significantly the past three years because of the hard work by Nanan, the head coach.
Observations about the practice...the men are unafraid to dive on the cement...truly remarkable. They basically scrimmaged to allow me an opportunity to asses. Setting was good although I recognized no set plays and few quick attacks or back row attacks. Both setters are deceptive, however, do not jump set regularly. Platform passing has improved tremendously, however still lacks some control and consistent technique. Blocking is just okay. They swing block, but I'm not yet sure it is intentional. No triple blocking but a fairly consistent double block. They run a perimeter defense although there is not an easy flow. Attacking is pretty good. There are several very high leapers that can terminate. My first assessment...find our best attackers and find more ways to utilize them.
This was the first practice with little prior practice. Considering that, the team performed exceptionally well and I am very excited about their potential.
I had discussion with the team afterwards and was amazed what I learned. They receive no compensation for participation on the National Team. They do not have uniforms or practice gear, providing their own t-shirts, shoes, etc. They also provide their own transportation to practice. For me, this at first did not seem significant. To them, however, it is. Many live on the other side of the Island and it is about a 45 minute to 1 hour bus ride. From there, many still have to walk to their homes. Many have graduated secondary school and college and are working. They finish work and then come to practice.
Both the men and women make many sacrifices to play. They ask in return only two things; respect and recognition. I asked several why they make these sacrifices and they replied "Pride." They are very proud to represent their country. One (Andy Best, a tax collector) stated he is very proud to be on the National Team and only wished people in Grenada recognized him for his efforts. He said not many know about the National Volleyball teams and few recognize him as one of their athletes. He would like people to know how hard they work.
Some of my first priorities, organize transportation for the athletes from practice; help coordinate efforts to outfit the team in similar practice gear (mainly t-shirts) and help organize efforts to secure proper uniforms. Lastly, to promote these amazing athletes so their country can be as proud to watch them as they are to perform.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
My First Day - tuesday April 27th
My first day involved mostly meetings.
I am staying in a guest house owned by Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Mr. Conrad Francis. It is a wonderful house, very comfortable with a morning view overlooking Grand Anse harbor. I am about 1.5 miles from the beach. To the right is my residence.
My day started with Nanan picking me up at 8am.
Our first meeting of the day was with the Honorable Patrick Simmons, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports. He was a charismatic man and I found out he played soccer at an American University in the day, at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. He stated his support to develop volleyball in Grenada.
My next meeting was with Mrs. Veda Bruno-Victor, Permanent Secretary. Another charming individual, forceful, confident, and very determined. She reiterated the purpose of my visit and said it was two-fold:
1. Help develop the administrative levels of volleyball to promote the continued existence and prosperity of volleyball in Grenada.
2. Develop a plan to Promote volleyball on the Island with the intent to increase interest, publicity, and potentially sponsorship.
There is another purpose that was mentioned too....they want to win! It is apparent this is a very competitive country and they take pride in their athletics as well as their culture. They want volleyball to get on the same level as cricket and Track and Field. And they want to win the Windward Islands games and the OECS games.
After this meeting, I had a 10 minute television interview with the Government Information System (GIS). This is a local broadcasting station that transmits Island-wide. It went well.
Following that, I met the Mr. Richard Simmons, Press Secretary and the President of the Grenada Volleyball Association. He stated the need for 'club' development as a means to continue availability of the sport outside the short school season.
I also met several of the national team coaches, including the cricket coach, the soccer coach, and the basketball coach.
It was a very impressive day and I am very excited at the level of interest and support.
In the evening I witnessed my first Women's national team practice. There were 19 participants and I was truly amazed at the improvement since my last visit 3 years ago. Nanan is doing a remarkable job and the team runs an organized offense and defense, utilizes plays, plays very aggressively, and communicates loudly!! I was most impressed at the improvement in platform passing. Three years ago all contacts were overhead with the fingers. While this is good, I believe platform passing was a must to dig hard driven balls and receive aggressive serves.
Also, three years ago I felt the best athletes were not involved. It was a small team (not tall) and of average athleticism. Now, they boast two athletes over 6'1, have tremendous athletes playing, and have a good mix of experience and youth.
It was a very exciting day and I am ready to begin. Tomorrow I observe the Men's National Team.
purpose of trip
I have been commissioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to come to Grenada for a 6 week stint to work with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports (Ministry) to continue to develop and promote the sport of volleyball in the Spice Isle.
This will be my third visit to this wonderful country.
The IOC sees improvement in Grenadian Volleyball and would like to follow up on previous efforts that have proven so successful. Grenadian volleyball has momentum and they want to build on it.
My first visit was in May 2007 and I went on a fact-finding visit with Mr. Jim Rahn, sponsored by a gentleman with the intent to help others. Our purpose was to visit the Ministry of Sports and all 19 secondary high schools on the island and determine their interest and availability to participate in a volleyball workshop we hoped to hold in June.
It seems volleyball used to be a primary sport in Grenada, but Hurricane Ivan (2004) not only decimated the Island and it's economy, it all but eliminated the sport of volleyball from the secondary school 'curriculum' and as a national sport.
Our mission was to bring the sport back.
My second visit was in June 2007 and we stayed for 2 weeks. The first week we held volleyball camps/training sessions for all secondary school athletes. The Ministry provided transportation and lunch to all participants and we completed the training with a VolleyRama tournament for both boys and girls. We had full participation from all schools (19 each) and it was a tremendous success. The second week we had a coaching clinic/workshop for all secondary PE teachers and coaches. In the morning we would cover Volleyball Theory (rules, systems of play, organization, terminology, etc.) In the afternoon, we held Practical sessions (we would let the coaches play!) It went tremendously well and I met lifetime friends.
Mr. Raphael Brathwaite, (Nanan) Head Volleyball Coach for the Men's and Women's National teams, employed by the Ministry, was asked by his government to continue these efforts and bring volleyball back.
Our first task was to create interest....mission accomplished!
Next, we needed a school sponsored season....mission accomplished!! They have now had two official seasons. (while short...it is a start)
Third, promote volleyball on the Island to continue to get good athletes interested and sponsorship....mission NOT accomplished! No sponsorship and very little publicity
I invited Nanan back to the United States as my guest to observe American volleyball and train. He accepted and came in 2007 and again in 2009. Both visits were 3 months in length and he was a guest in my house.
We have a challenging, exciting task ahead of us and I look forward to working with Nanan, the coaches, the Ministry, and all the interested athletes of Grenada to make Volleyball in Grenada Great!
This will be my third visit to this wonderful country.
The IOC sees improvement in Grenadian Volleyball and would like to follow up on previous efforts that have proven so successful. Grenadian volleyball has momentum and they want to build on it.
My first visit was in May 2007 and I went on a fact-finding visit with Mr. Jim Rahn, sponsored by a gentleman with the intent to help others. Our purpose was to visit the Ministry of Sports and all 19 secondary high schools on the island and determine their interest and availability to participate in a volleyball workshop we hoped to hold in June.
It seems volleyball used to be a primary sport in Grenada, but Hurricane Ivan (2004) not only decimated the Island and it's economy, it all but eliminated the sport of volleyball from the secondary school 'curriculum' and as a national sport.
Our mission was to bring the sport back.
My second visit was in June 2007 and we stayed for 2 weeks. The first week we held volleyball camps/training sessions for all secondary school athletes. The Ministry provided transportation and lunch to all participants and we completed the training with a VolleyRama tournament for both boys and girls. We had full participation from all schools (19 each) and it was a tremendous success. The second week we had a coaching clinic/workshop for all secondary PE teachers and coaches. In the morning we would cover Volleyball Theory (rules, systems of play, organization, terminology, etc.) In the afternoon, we held Practical sessions (we would let the coaches play!) It went tremendously well and I met lifetime friends.
Mr. Raphael Brathwaite, (Nanan) Head Volleyball Coach for the Men's and Women's National teams, employed by the Ministry, was asked by his government to continue these efforts and bring volleyball back.
Our first task was to create interest....mission accomplished!
Next, we needed a school sponsored season....mission accomplished!! They have now had two official seasons. (while short...it is a start)
Third, promote volleyball on the Island to continue to get good athletes interested and sponsorship....mission NOT accomplished! No sponsorship and very little publicity
I invited Nanan back to the United States as my guest to observe American volleyball and train. He accepted and came in 2007 and again in 2009. Both visits were 3 months in length and he was a guest in my house.
We have a challenging, exciting task ahead of us and I look forward to working with Nanan, the coaches, the Ministry, and all the interested athletes of Grenada to make Volleyball in Grenada Great!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
my flight
I had a very interesting flight into Grenada. My first connection left St. Louis at 7am to arrive in Chicago at 8am. No problems. My next connection was to leave Chicago at 9am and arrive in San Juan at 2:40pm. We boarded the plane as scheduled and took off. Forty minutes into our flight, the Captain announces he is turning around and performing an emergency landing back in Chicago because of an unruly passenger in the back of the plane! I was seated near the back of the plane and was unaware of any disturbance.
Turns out a young man refused to put away/turn off his cell phone and became unruly and disruptive when asked. He was met in Chicago by 5 police cars and was escorted off the plane.
Of course we couldn't just turn around and take off. So we had a 3 hour delay while they refueled and checked over the plane. we took off again around 1pm to arrive in San Juan at 5:50pm. Unfortunately my connecting flight from San Juan to Grenada begins boarding at 5:40 and departs at 6:15p....so it's a bit tight.
We finally arrive in San Juan at about 5:40 and I run through the airport and board the next flight on time. While sitting on the plane to Grenada (a very small maybe 40 passenger plane with propellers), the captain announces we are having trouble with the plane and will need to unload the plane and get another one ready. So we all unload.
The really neat thing about this though was that you don't board the plane via the inside terminal (as normal). You walk out of the terminal, walk outside, drop your bags onto a wagon outside the plane, and board. It reminded me of a trip to Fantasy Island...."the plane Boss."
I arrive in Grenada at approximately 10:30p their time. They are 1 hour ahead of St. Louis time.
My friend Raphael Brathwaite (Nanan) met me at the airport with his girlfriend Suzanne. They are wonderful people and brought me soup for dinner.
My accomodations are great! I am in a two bedroom guest house located in Grand Anse, and owned by Mr. Conrad Francis, Ministry of Sports. It has a view of the harbor and sea and is about two miles from the beach. more on that tomorrow.
Tomorrow we start at 9am with meetings in the ministry and my first television interview.
I will try and include pictures in future posts.
God Bless.
Todd Gober
Turns out a young man refused to put away/turn off his cell phone and became unruly and disruptive when asked. He was met in Chicago by 5 police cars and was escorted off the plane.
Of course we couldn't just turn around and take off. So we had a 3 hour delay while they refueled and checked over the plane. we took off again around 1pm to arrive in San Juan at 5:50pm. Unfortunately my connecting flight from San Juan to Grenada begins boarding at 5:40 and departs at 6:15p....so it's a bit tight.
We finally arrive in San Juan at about 5:40 and I run through the airport and board the next flight on time. While sitting on the plane to Grenada (a very small maybe 40 passenger plane with propellers), the captain announces we are having trouble with the plane and will need to unload the plane and get another one ready. So we all unload.
The really neat thing about this though was that you don't board the plane via the inside terminal (as normal). You walk out of the terminal, walk outside, drop your bags onto a wagon outside the plane, and board. It reminded me of a trip to Fantasy Island...."the plane Boss."
I arrive in Grenada at approximately 10:30p their time. They are 1 hour ahead of St. Louis time.
My friend Raphael Brathwaite (Nanan) met me at the airport with his girlfriend Suzanne. They are wonderful people and brought me soup for dinner.
My accomodations are great! I am in a two bedroom guest house located in Grand Anse, and owned by Mr. Conrad Francis, Ministry of Sports. It has a view of the harbor and sea and is about two miles from the beach. more on that tomorrow.
Tomorrow we start at 9am with meetings in the ministry and my first television interview.
I will try and include pictures in future posts.
God Bless.
Todd Gober
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Departure Schedule
My flight leaves for Grenada Monday morning at 7am from St. Louis Airport. I'll arrive in Grenada at 8:24pm and will be met by my friend Raphael Brathwaite.
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