If beach volleyball were a computer game, the players might be seen as the moving figures on screen. However, unlike in indoor volleyball where the coach might resemble the gamer, in beach volleyball, the coach is more akin to the programmer, pre-loading all the necessary code before play begins. There is a significant distinction between coaching indoor and beach volleyball. To offer fans deeper insights into the tireless, often unseen efforts of these mentors on the sand, my series “Secrets of Coaching Success” features accomplished European beach volleyball coaches, aiming to extract their insider perspectives on the process.
This sixth episode of the series highlights prominent Latvian beach volleyball coach Aigars Birzulis. His teams have achieved numerous medals at major international events across senior, junior, and youth categories, including an Olympic bronze in London 2012. Most recently, he guided Anastasija Kravcenoka & Tina Graudina to victory at EuroBeachVolley 2022, securing the women’s continental title. Below is the continuation of the interview with him.
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There has been a trend of introducing more and more team competitions like the Nations Cup, the Continental Cup, the World Beach Games 4×4, national leagues, etc. Will this trend increase the importance of the beach volleyball coach role?
I fully support this trend and believe we must continue to develop it.
Name something about the coaching profession in beach volleyball you think the general public knows little about.
Discussing this is challenging, as much of it involves internal team matters or is purely theoretical. So, I don’t have extensive comments on this.
What has been the key to your coaching success so far?
Having coached beach volleyball for many years, I think my key has been trying to identify opponents` weaknesses while concealing our team’s vulnerabilities. It`s not simple, as everyone attempts this, requiring significant effort. And you must never forget that a player is like a diamond needing constant polishing throughout their entire life, even at 95 years old.
When coaching a beach pair, do you focus more on improving the individual skills of each player or on improving the interaction between the two? What is the main thing you try to teach your players, in general?
I approach it in all ways. There`s no single formula, no universally right or wrong method. You have to discover the specific approach that works both for the players individually and for the partnership as a team. I don’t believe in a copy-paste method. Every team needs its unique identity.
Is there a coach, from beach volleyball or another sport, you look up to and follow as a role model?
I believe there are many excellent coaches in beach volleyball, and their results demonstrate this. For me, Jurgen Wagner is one of the best coaches. Also, Rasmus Jonsson has introduced entirely new perspectives. I could name many great coaches, but I’ll stick with these two.
How do you rest and recover outside your job?
I enjoy fishing, picking berries and mushrooms, or simply being in nature. Cranberries are the same shape as volleyballs, so they often bring positive thoughts, because no matter where I am, beach volleyball is always in my head and heart.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood