“Action Volley” Youth Volleyball Coaching Courses Coming to Latvia

Renowned Dutch coach Remko Kenter, founder of “Action Volley” and Secretary of the European Coaches Commission (ECoC), is set to lead engaging youth volleyball coaching courses in Riga, Latvia. The comprehensive program is scheduled to take place from October 15-16 at the Riga Volleyball School.

Upon successful completion of the classes, all participants will be awarded a CEV certificate. These courses are conducted entirely in English and are organized in close cooperation with CEV, falling under the umbrella of the CEV School Project `Play Volleyball – Grow with it`.

“Action Volley” operates under its distinct motto, “Volleyball through the eyes of children.” Since its establishment by Kenter in 2019, the initiative has successfully hosted over 100 workshops across the Netherlands and an additional 28 international workshops. To date, approximately 2,500 coaches have benefited from these sessions, thereby positively impacting an estimated 30,000 children involved in volleyball.

The two-day course is meticulously structured to provide a rich learning experience. The first day will focus on introducing coaches to the foundational principles of “Action Volley.” The second day will then delve into the specifics of the “Smashball” game. Both days will seamlessly blend theoretical reviews with practical application on the court, culminating in an evaluative exam for all participants.

Kenter emphasizes the paramount importance of youth coaches being able to truly connect with and empathize with the world of children. “It is crucial that kids feel safe and comfortable within their group. Coaches also bear the responsibility of explaining concepts in a manner that aligns with children’s language and level of understanding,” states the Dutch specialist. He further adds, “While the practical, active part on the court is undeniably the most enjoyable, it is absolutely vital that all practical activities are supported by a clear and coherent coaching vision.”

Kenter offers a keen observation on the contemporary landscape of youth sports: “Children have evolved considerably in recent years, which is a completely natural progression. We inhabit a different world than before, and today’s kids are more outspoken and tend to ask more questions. Regrettably, volleyball has not always adapted effectively to these profound changes. In numerous countries, we observe a decline in children playing volleyball, with boys being particularly affected.”

He elaborates, “One contributing factor might be that volleyball is inherently a technically demanding sport. In older training methodologies, the emphasis was heavily placed on technique, which can be challenging and, as a consequence, often felt tedious for children. However, thanks to innovative approaches like `Action Volley` and `Smashball,` children are rediscovering the joy of the game. This resurgence is because the sport is now played and taught in a fundamentally different, more engaging way. Modern coaches must, therefore, place a greater emphasis on fostering autonomy and building genuine connection with their players.”