Limassol, Cyprus, recently hosted the FIVB Level 2 Coaches Course, attracting 25 participants worldwide, including acclaimed Serbian volleyball champions Srećko Lisinac and Nemanja Petric. While both athletes remain active players, they are proactively laying the groundwork for high-level coaching careers. The Cyprus Volleyball Federation, through its President Dr. Costas Constantinou, recognized their significant contributions to global volleyball.
The course was expertly led by Professor Dr. George Giatsis, a renowned kinesiology expert whose evidence-based methodologies have profoundly influenced volleyball and beach volleyball techniques, performance, and research globally.
Lisinac`s Insights on Coaching
Srećko Lisinac commented on his participation: “Having been sidelined by injury for two seasons, I`m focusing on recovery, but also seizing this opportunity to learn about coaching and view volleyball from a new perspective. The warm reception in Cyprus, along with the excellent learning environment provided by the Volleyball Federation and Mr. George Stefanidis, was exceptional. Dr. Giatsis`s presentation was incredibly insightful. I strongly believe volleyball needs more scientific integration, and his lectures on biomechanics, motor control, and learning – and how to apply these to refine game elements – were outstanding. He offered truly modern solutions to practical challenges, and I am very grateful.”
Petric`s Perspective on Future Roles
Nemanja Petric also shared his thoughts: “Despite still being an active player, I`m committed to preparing for a future coaching career by acquiring valuable skills and understanding the game from a different angle. My sincere thanks go to the organizers and the Cyprus Federation for their unwavering support; the organization, facilities, and hospitality were superb. This was my first chance to attend Dr. Giatsis`s lectures, and I was profoundly impressed by his depth of knowledge and the data he presented. His contribution to elite volleyball and scientific understanding is immense, and I hope to see him more involved in educating coaches and players globally. His biomechanics research is groundbreaking and promises great benefits for player and team development. My heartfelt thanks, again, to Dr. Giatsis.”
Expert`s View on Player-Coaches
Professor Giatsis expressed his appreciation for the attendees: “It`s always gratifying and inspiring to work with top-tier volleyball players who are keen to transition into coaching. Srećko and Nemanja brought invaluable insights from their elite playing experience. Their blend of high-performance knowledge and readiness to embrace scientific principles truly showcases how beneficial it is for volleyball when athletes of their caliber engage. I am confident they will achieve the highest echelons in coaching when they embark on this path.”
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood