Episodes

2d ago

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss various aspects of changing positions in volleyball. They delve into the reasons and timing for position changes, exploring scenarios ranging from club team adjustments to collegiate level transitions. The hosts emphasize the importance of transparency, setting goals, and maintaining open communication between coaches, players, and parents. They share personal anecdotes and offer strategies for players to embrace new roles, highlight the significance of role acceptance, and underscore the value of continuous development. Throughout the episode, the discussion is guided by the overarching theme of fostering a positive mindset and strong team dynamics, crucial for navigating the complexities of position changes in volleyball. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Dec 4

Send us a text In this episode of the 'Triple Block Head' podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the upcoming collegiate volleyball convention at the end of the fall season. They cover the logistics of attending the event, including accommodation tips and session planning. Frank shares his excitement about presenting on small rosters and their positive impact on his club. Marc emphasizes the importance of attending conventions for open, low-stakes peer conversations. They also talk about the benefits of watching live matches and balancing the need for socializing, networking, and professional development. The episode ends with a plan to potentially produce a reality show tracking various presenters and attendees at next year's convention. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Nov 20

Send us a text In this episode of Triple Block Heads, Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss their excitement and challenges for the upcoming volleyball club season. Frank, a club director, shares his enthusiasm for creating opportunities for young players to engage in more games and practices, as well as his new experience coaching a 12s team. Mark, with a collegiate perspective, appreciates the development of young players and the joy of watching them grow. The conversation touches on the physical and emotional demands of managing a club, the different levels of engagement by age group, and the community and learning environment that tournaments offer. They also humorously recount the trials of navigating tournament logistics, varying officiating standards, and the social aspects of the volleyball community. Overall, the episode conveys a deep passion for mentoring young athletes and the excitement of the new club season. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Nov 6

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the nuances of timeout management in volleyball coaching. They emphasize the strategic use of timeouts to break the opponent's momentum, adjust strategies, and address team morale. Key points include the importance of recognizing the right moments to call a timeout, the differences between club and collegiate volleyball, and how to use timeouts to build team cohesion and improve play. The hosts also share personal anecdotes, tips on structuring huddles, and common mistakes to avoid, such as emotional timeouts and wasting timeouts on futile situations. The episode underscores the significance of being deliberate and planful in using timeouts as a tool to enhance team performance and development. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Oct 23

Send us a text In this episode of 'Triple Block Heads', hosts Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss their 'less is more' approach to volleyball skills training. They emphasize using concise, three-word cues that are easy for athletes, parents, and coaches to remember. The hosts cover key skills such as serving, setting, passing, blocking, and attacking, providing specific word cues and techniques for both beginners and advanced players. They focus on the importance of repetition, player empowerment, and concise communication in coaching. The discussion underscores how using brief, consistent cues can enhance athletes' performance and understanding of the game. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Oct 9

Send us a text The hosts of the 'Triple Block Heads' podcast dive deep into the integration and importance of back row attacks in volleyball, with a particular focus on the differences between the men's and women's games. They discuss the evolution of the back row attack, its prevalent use in men's volleyball, and its growing adoption in the women's game. Frank shares insights from his collegiate experience on setting back row players, emphasizing the trust and practice required. The team talks about different types of back row attacks, their technical aspects, and setting strategies, highlighting how these techniques can enhance overall offensive effectiveness. They conclude by encouraging high school and club teams to integrate back row attacks into their systems, not just as emergency plays but as strategic offensive maneuvers. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Sep 25

Send us a text In this episode of Triple Block Heads, Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the importance of defense in volleyball, emphasizing how solid defensive strategies contribute to winning games and championships. They delve into various defensive systems, notably perimeter and rotational defenses, explaining when and why coaches might choose one over the other. They highlight the impact of blocking configurations and adjustments, the integration of front-row and back-row strategies, and the importance of player awareness and communication. They also offer insights into situational adaptations and unique defensive setups, such as the middle-up defense. Lastly, they discuss the significance of off-block defense and how to effectively train players to maximize defensive coverage, all while keeping the training engaging and beneficial for player growth. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Sep 11

Send us a text This podcast episode of Triple Block Heads focuses on the importance and strategies of watching film for volleyball players. It provides detailed tips on how athletes can use film sessions to improve their technical skills, decision-making, and overall game performance. The hosts discuss key elements for individual positions like attackers, blockers, setters, and defenders, emphasizing the importance of body positioning, platform formation, and situational awareness. The episode also suggests that watching film can help coaches refine game strategies and improve communication with players. Additionally, it encourages bench players to watch film to stay engaged and be better prepared for when they get their chance to play. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Aug 28

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Blockhead podcast, hosts Frank, Marc, and Makani discuss various ways volleyball players can improve their skills at home. The episode highlights the importance of being creative and intentional when training without a traditional court or equipment. The hosts share personal stories and practical tips, such as using household items, involving parents or friends, and even playing non-traditional games like Wallyball. They stress the significance of continuous skill and body conditioning, virtual play visualization techniques, and proper use of different types of balls for volleyball training. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Aug 14

Send us a text This episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosted by Marc, Frank, and Makani, delves into the intricacies of blocking in volleyball. The hosts discuss the training progression for blocking, starting from the basics taught to younger age groups to more advanced techniques for older players. They cover essential blocking concepts, including positioning, footwork, and hand placement. The importance of eye work, reading the game, and adapting blocking schemes based on the opponent's offensive strategies are emphasized. The episode also highlights how to measure blocking success, incorporating defensive strategies, and effective communication within the team to enhance blocking efficiency. Finally, the hosts stress the importance of teaching younger players blocking fundamentals early on to prepare them for higher levels of play. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jul 31

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Frank and Makani and Marc dive deep into the art of volleyball attacking. They address skill progression, focusing particularly on young athletes aiming to spike the ball. The discussion includes fundamentals of attacking, such as timing, feet to the ball, and the importance of a rhythmic approach. They also cover age-specific variations, particularly for 13-15 year-olds, emphasizing the need for a slow-to-fast approach, adjusting step counts, and the necessity of transitioning effectively based on the set. The episode highlights different positional requirements for outsides, middles, and right-side hitters, discussing both tangible and intangible traits essential at each position. They also touch on advanced offensive systems, set variability, and the importance of IQ, vision, and decision-making in gameplay. The conversation is rounded off with practical drills to instill these concepts in young athletes, stressing the importance of both repetitive practice and game-like scenario training. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jul 17

Send us a text In this episode of Triple Blockheads, Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the complexities of sports specialization versus being a multi-sport athlete, with a focus on volleyball. They delve into how the debate often begins in the club space, the importance of supporting multi-sport athletes in smaller communities, and how recruiting processes can be influenced by a player's multi-sport background. Frank shares insights from his experience as a club director, emphasizing the community's cultural pride and the need for versatile athletes. Marc adds perspectives from the recruitment angle, highlighting the physical and mental benefits of participating in multiple sports. They also touch upon the specific challenges faced by clubs, such as balancing development with competitive success, and the critical role of parental support and athlete mental health. The discussion concludes with thoughts on positional specialization and the importance of developing well-rounded volleyball players. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jul 4

Send us a text In this episode of the 'Triple Blockheads' podcast, hosts Marc, Frank, and Makani discuss the structure of the volleyball club season, starting from practices in December to national tournaments in July. They explore the pros and cons of such an extended season, emphasizing the impact on players' physical health, particularly in terms of overuse injuries. The discussion also touches on the discrepancies between different regions and clubs in the U.S. regarding tryouts and season timelines, and how financial incentives influence these decisions. They question if the current system truly benefits the athletes or if a shorter season ending in May could be more effective. The episode concludes with a conversation about the need for grassroots movements to drive change and keep the primary focus on athletes’ well-being. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jun 19

Send us a text The podcast episode discusses the importance of volleyball training camps for young athletes, detailing the benefits and differences between camps and clinics. It covers personal experiences with various types of camps and highlights the evolving structure of modern volleyball camps. The conversation delves into the essential elements of running successful camps from both club and collegiate perspectives. Key points include the significance of a well-organized structure, tailored skill development, appropriate camp selection for athletes, effective use of court space, maintaining coach efficacy, and creating a supportive and engaging environment. The episode emphasizes that attending the right camp can significantly enhance an athlete's skills and experience. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jun 5

Send us a text The 'Triple Block Heads' podcast returns with hosts Makani, Marc, and Frank diving into the volleyball recruiting process—a highly requested topic. The discussion covers crucial aspects: the importance of proactivity in recruitment, the appropriate timeline for reaching out to schools, and essential rules and milestones like the significance of June 15th for communication with colleges. They emphasize the need for personalized, concise, and effective emails accompanied by impressive highlight videos to grab coaches' attention. The hosts also explore the role of recruiting services and assistants in aiding athletes, especially for those not in high D1 categories, underscoring the importance of relationships and thorough research. Wrapping up, they highlight the unique nature of the recruiting experience and advise athletes to enjoy the process, make well-informed decisions, and leverage all available resources. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

May 22

Send us a text In this episode of the 'Triple Block Heads' podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss a variety of hypothetical rule changes for volleyball. They propose modifications such as eliminating the let serve, introducing professional sports-style trades and drafts in club volleyball, moving the antennas to the pole standards, and implementing international substitution limits. They also consider banning open-hand tips, introducing super points for high-stakes moments, and adding hockey-style power plays. The goal of these changes is to enhance the strategic complexity of the game, improve skill development, and increase the excitement for both players and spectators. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

May 8

Send us a text In this episode of 'Triple Blockheads,' hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark delve into the topic of positional specialization in volleyball. They explore when young athletes should focus on a specific role and the benefits of being versatile. The conversation covers multiple aspects such as developmental phases in club volleyball, coaching strategies, and how positional flexibility can impact a player's career from youth to collegiate levels. The hosts also discuss how clubs balance competitive success with comprehensive skill training, and offer insights for both athletes and club coaches on preparing players for college volleyball. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Apr 24

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark discuss strategies for managing and overcoming the mid-season lull in volleyball. They cover the importance of keeping practices fresh and creative by introducing non-traditional activities, adjusting practice structures, and incorporating player-led drills. The conversation touches upon the nuances of goal setting and defining success, emphasizing the role of continuous skill development and player engagement. The hosts also highlight the differences in handling teams that qualify early for nationals versus those still striving for a bid. They offer practical advice for maintaining motivation and passion throughout the long club volleyball season. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Apr 10

Send us a text In this episode of Triple Blockheads, hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark discuss various volleyball training tools and techniques to enhance practice sessions. They cover tools like setter balls, noodles, dots, cones, tape, video replay, jump boxes, and more. Each item is evaluated based on its practical application, cost-effectiveness, and potential benefits. Additionally, they critique more expensive equipment like Solo Spike and Air Cat, suggesting cheaper and more efficient alternatives. The discussion emphasizes creativity and resourcefulness in using training aids to improve skill development and make practice sessions more engaging. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Mar 27

Send us a text This episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosted by Makani, Mark, and Frank, focuses on the progression of volleyball setters. The discussion covers essential aspects of setter development from foundational skills to advanced techniques. Key talking points include the importance of proper posture, leg usage for power generation, and maintaining a neutral body position for consistency. The hosts emphasize the setter’s role as a leader, detailing the significance of communication, mental flexibility, and strategic decision-making. They highlight the necessity for setters to be both technically proficient and mentally tough, and also address the importance of having a secondary skill. The episode also mentions updates in volleyball regulations, specifically the removal of 'doubles' in the Lone Star region. Additionally, the talk concludes with advice for young setters on becoming better leaders and communicators on and off the court. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Mar 13

Send us a text In this episode of 'Triple Blockheads,' the hosts Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss the significance and application of statistics in the volleyball world. They explore how stats can help athletes differentiate themselves, improve their skills, and develop their game at various stages, from middle school to high school and beyond. The conversation covers key metrics like kill percentage, error percentage, and hitting efficiency. They also discuss the importance of setting realistic goals during practice and how conditional statistics can improve specific skills like serving and hitting. The role of advanced analytics and technology in tracking and analyzing stats is also examined, alongside the evolving approach to using stats in team strategies and individual training. Finally, the hosts emphasize that while stats are valuable, they should not be the sole focus, especially for younger players, as overemphasis can hinder developmental progress. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Feb 27

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Block Heads Podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark delve into the hot topic of private volleyball lessons. The conversation revolves around the increase in private lessons, their benefits, drawbacks, and appropriate use cases. The hosts discuss the reasons athletes may pursue private lessons, how these lessons can help or hinder a player's development, and the possible hidden agendas behind them. They emphasize the importance of having clear expectations, proper communication between coaches and athletes, and the balance between technical skill development and game play scenarios. Opinions vary on whether private lessons are more valuable in season or off season, but there's a consensus on the necessity of structured, purposeful practice. The episode concludes with a look at how club culture and competition impact the prevalence of private lessons and an invitation for listeners to contribute their questions and comments. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Feb 13

Send us a text Welcome to this episode of the Triple Blockheads Podcast where hosts Makani, Mark, and Frank discuss volleyball club tournament etiquette. They provide insights on proper behavior for players, teams, parents, and spectators from the beginning of team registration to post-match sportsmanship. The episode covers crucial topics like respecting tournament policies, appropriate team camp setup, on-court conduct, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. They also delve into effective warm-up routines, roles and responsibilities during matches, and the impact of parental conduct on the athletes and the team. Mark shares his views from a recruiting perspective, emphasizing non-verbal cues and conduct that college coaches notice. The discussion wraps up with the hosts sharing their biggest pet peeves in club volleyball tournaments, providing both humorous and practical advice. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jan 30

Send us a text In this episode of Triple Blockheads, hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark discuss the intricacies of collegiate recruitment, focusing on the role and influence of parents in the process. They emphasize the importance of allowing athletes to advocate for themselves while providing tips for parents on how to support their children effectively without overstepping. The discussion covers proper etiquette at club tournaments, the significance of authentic communication during recruitment, and the impact of a parent's involvement in a child's journey from high school to college sports. The hosts highlight the need for independence, character building, and appropriate parent engagement during campus visits and phone calls with coaches. They also touch upon the relationship between clubs and colleges in preparing athletes for recruitment and the importance of honesty and fit in both domains. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jan 16

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Blockheads Podcast, Makani, Frank, and Mark discuss the fundamentals of effective volleyball passing. The conversation covers essential techniques, including the importance of high and playable passes, understanding angles, maintaining athletic posture, and mastering platform control. They emphasize training methods such as reps, experimenting with different passing scenarios, and integrating overhead passing. They also touch on the mental aspects of passing, offering strategies for players to regain confidence after mistakes. The discussion concludes with insights on system-level strategies to improve team passing and ultimately, offensive execution. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Jan 2

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Blockheads Podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark delve into the topic of 'double contacts' in volleyball, specifically focusing on the new collegiate rules allowing double contacts when setting to a teammate but not over the net. The discussion covers the rule changes' impact on game flow, player confidence, and the development of setters and non-setters at both the collegiate and club levels. They explore how these changes could shift who gets trained as a setter, the potential impacts on the club system, and even speculate about future system changes. The hosts also touch on the challenges of rule differences across various levels of play and the potential for confusion among parents, viewers, and officials. The conversation aims to provide insights into how volleyball rules evolve and the broader implications for the sport. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Dec 18, 2024

Send us a text In this episode of the Triple Blockheads Podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Mark delve into structuring effective volleyball practices. Key discussion points include essential elements like skill progression, individual versus team structures, and managing practice intensity based on season timing and workload. The group emphasizes the importance of minimizing downtime such as shagging and incorporating game-like drills to enhance readiness. The use of statistical analysis, both simple and complex, helps evaluate player performance and set realistic goals. Inclusivity, player empowerment, and creating a competitive yet supportive environment are also highlighted. The episode wraps up with strategies for closing practices on a positive note, ensuring players leave feeling accomplished and motivated. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Dec 18, 2024

Send us a text In this episode of Triple Blockheads, hosts Makani Cantor, Frank, and Mark delve into the intricacies of serving in volleyball. They discuss the mechanics from initial development to collegiate levels, focusing on toss and hand contact. They stress the importance of simplifying movements and achieving repeatability. The episode highlights strategies for developing effective serving routines, mental aspects such as visualization and positive self-talk, and the importance of depth and location in serving. They also discuss evaluating serves, adjusting techniques based on situational contexts, and guiding athletes in their serving journeys. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Dec 18, 2024

Send us a text In the inaugural episode of 'Triple Blockheads,' hosts Makani Cantor, Marc Neef, and Frank Flanagan discuss their journeys into the world of volleyball, from their diverse backgrounds to their passion for the game. They provide insights into various phases of volleyball development, including club ball, collegiate sports, and coaching. The trio tackle topics such as the impact of early exposure, the importance of fostering love and passion for the game, and the significance of learning and growth over mere winning. They also highlight the challenges and rewards of transitioning from player to coach and the broader implications on personal and athletic development. This episode sets the stage for a podcast dedicated to celebrating and exploring the depth of the volleyball world, its community, and its lifelong impact. Instagram - @tripleblockheads X - @tripleblockhead Threads - tripleblockheads Facebook - Triple Block Heads Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads