In this reflective 30-minute Timeout session, host Luke Wiltshire dives into the art and science of creating intensity in volleyball training. As he shares his insights, Luke highlights how intensity becomes the backbone of high-performance teams, with each aspect of training—from planning to player roles—contributing to a culture of focused, purposeful work on the court.

Luke breaks down his approach to session planning, emphasizing that carefully structured drills and activities set the tone for intensity. He’ll discuss how coaches can strategically pace their guidance, using moments of quick correction and focused drills to keep players engaged and moving at the right tempo. Luke believes that the way sessions are sequenced plays a crucial role in elevating players’ mental and physical sharpness, helping them reach their peak performance when it counts.

Listeners will also hear Luke’s perspective on the importance of player responsibility in creating an intense training environment. From motivating each other to bringing energy and focus, players become key drivers in the level of intensity a team can achieve. Luke discusses how this looks different depending on the skill level of a team—whether working with beginners or experienced athletes, he emphasizes that the foundations of intensity remain the same: accountability, dedication, and a willingness to push limits.

With Luke’s practical advice on everything from warm-ups to high-energy scrimmages, this episode serves as a blueprint for coaches and players alike who want to elevate their training sessions. Tune in as Luke explains how achieving and maintaining intensity transforms practice into a powerful space for team growth, resilience, and competitive edge.

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In the next episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes Denise Austin, a Volleyball England Hall of Famer and a true pioneer of UK beach volleyball. Known for her grit and passion, Denise has left an indelible mark on the sport, not only as a competitor on the world stage but also as a driving force in its growth and popularity across the UK.

Denise shares her journey from her early days on UK beaches to competing internationally in Australia and the USA. She takes us through the highs and lows of her career, including the heartbreaking moment of narrowly missing Olympic qualification in 2000 by just one place. Yet, rather than letting that stop her, Denise showed incredible resilience, continuing to compete and elevate the sport she loved.

Beyond her playing career, Denise has championed beach volleyball tirelessly, creating pathways for the next generation of athletes and inspiring countless young players to chase their own dreams. As the face of beach volleyball in the UK, she’s not only been a role model but a true advocate for the sport. Most recently, she’s taken on a new role as a commentator, providing expert insights and coverage of beach volleyball events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Now retired from competition and residing in Portugal, Denise has built a thriving beach volleyball community, continuing to inspire others with her dedication to the game. Her story is one of passion, persistence, and vision—a must-listen for fans of volleyball and stories of resilience alike. Join Luke Wiltshire in this memorable episode with an icon of the sand whose legacy will shape beach volleyball for generations to come.

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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy Timeout, I explore the crucial role that squad size and depth play in volleyball, sharing insights from my recent observations at the Superleague opening weekend. With some teams fielding large squads packed with depth and versatility, I reflect on how these roster differences influenced their performance, strategy, and overall team dynamics.

I’ll break down the pros and cons of managing a big squad. Larger rosters offer the advantage of depth, giving coaches flexibility to rotate different players for different games, tailor lineups to specific matchups, and handle injuries without losing momentum. However, these benefits come with challenges, such as balancing playing time, maintaining team morale, and ensuring that all athletes feel engaged and valued. Despite these challenges, I explain why I personally favor larger squads, focusing on how they build competition within the team, increase tactical options, and foster resilience across the roster.

Beyond just size, I’ll share my thoughts on the importance of depth—how having specialized players ready for different roles can elevate team performance in key moments. Drawing from my experience and reflections on the Superleague squads, I dive into squad management strategies and the importance of clear communication. I’ll offer practical tips for keeping large rosters motivated, managing expectations, and ensuring that every player feels prepared to contribute when called upon, no matter the game.

Whether you're a coach looking to manage a bigger squad or simply interested in the dynamics of team depth, this episode offers a comprehensive look at why strength in numbers can be the key to success.

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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke Wiltshire, host of the show, sits down with Hai Binh Ly, one of the most respected volleyball stats performance analysts in the UK. With over 12 years of experience, Hai Binh has made a significant impact on the sport, working with both Superleague teams and national squads. He currently serves as the performance analyst for Team Sideout Polonia Ladies in the Superleague and the England Men's National Team, bringing his expertise to the highest levels of competition.

Luke explores Hai Binh’s journey in the world of volleyball analytics, tracing how his passion for stats has evolved over the years. Hai Binh shares his experiences working closely with coaching teams and explains the vital role that stats play in shaping coaching decisions, game strategies, and player development. Together, they break down the essential stats every team should be tracking, discuss the timing and context of when to use them, and explore how a strong relationship between analysts and coaching staff can enhance team performance.

Hai Binh also provides valuable insights into how teams at every level—from grassroots to elite—can better utilize stats to improve their game. Drawing from his vast experience, he highlights specific areas where teams can make real strides by focusing on key metrics, offering practical advice for coaches and players alike.

This episode offers a comprehensive look at the dynamic world of volleyball stats and how embracing analytics can elevate a team’s performance, no matter their level of play.

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In the second part of this special Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke continues to share his reflections from the Volleyball England Coaching Symposium. With Day 2 offering even more valuable insights, Luke dives into two critical sessions: using volleyball stats in the game and building athlete confidence.

First, Luke breaks down the session on volleyball statistics, examining how data-driven insights can transform a team’s strategy and performance. He discusses the practical application of stats in coaching, from analyzing individual performance metrics to using real-time data during matches to influence decisions. Luke reflects on how this session has sharpened his understanding of the role that stats can play in creating more informed and effective coaching strategies.

The episode then turns to an insightful session led by Alex Porter, which focused on developing confidence in athletes. Luke explores the techniques shared for building mental resilience and fostering a mindset of growth and self-belief in players. He reflects on how these ideas resonate with his own passion for athlete development and the pivotal role that confidence plays in performance.

Throughout this episode, Luke shares how the symposium reignited his passion not only for coaching but also for the promotion and development of coaches at all levels. His reflections emphasize the importance of continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and helping other coaches grow alongside their players. For Luke, coach development is key to fostering a healthy and thriving volleyball community, and this episode showcases his commitment to that mission.

Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, this episode offers a deep dive into the strategic and personal aspects of coaching, providing inspiration and practical takeaways to improve your approach to the game.

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In this insightful episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire invites experienced coach Dave Gunter to reflect on his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the strengths that have defined his career. Dave dives deep into the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes to perform at their best, stressing how this foundation is essential for both individual growth and team success.

Luke and Dave also explore the vital role that coaches and volunteers play in shaping not just skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals who carry the values learned through volleyball into other aspects of life. Dave shares his passion for keeping people in the sport, whether as players, coaches, or lifelong supporters, and discusses why fostering a welcoming and inclusive community is key to volleyball's future.

Drawing from his recent experience at the CEV Coaching Convention, Dave provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of coaching, education, and athlete development, offering listeners practical takeaways on how to leave a lasting impact on the sport. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of coaching, education, and creating a lasting legacy in volleyball.

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In this special two-part Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, the UK’s only volleyball podcast, Luke shares his reflections after attending the Volleyball England Coaching Symposium. Hosted by Jim Stone, USA U18 National Team coach and former Ohio State University Head Coach, this event was packed with valuable insights, discussions, and practical takeaways that will resonate with volleyball coaches at all levels.

There was so much to take in that Luke has split his reflections into two parts. In this first episode, he delves into Jim Stone’s extensive volleyball expertise and experience, offering a unique perspective on what makes Jim such a respected figure in the volleyball world. Luke highlights how Jim’s approach to coaching has influenced his own thinking and how the lessons from Day 1 of the symposium are already transforming his coaching methods.

The episode covers some of the key sessions from the opening day, including a deep dive into the current state of volleyball, presented by Jim and other experts. Luke also reflects on a session led by the Chief Medical Officer, covering essential updates on injury prevention, strength and conditioning, and athlete care—topics crucial for maintaining player performance and longevity.

Additionally, Luke shares insights from an engaging serve-and-pass clinic, which focused on fundamental skills with a fresh perspective. He also explores how the use of games in training was emphasized as a powerful tool for player development and engagement. Throughout, Luke reflects on his key takeaways from each session, explaining how these lessons are already influencing his own coaching practices and what he plans to implement moving forward.

If you're a coach, player, or volleyball enthusiast, this episode will provide invaluable insights into high-level coaching strategies and trends shaping the future of the sport

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In this exciting episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes the show’s first international guest from the USA, Will Macdonald. Originally from England, Will now works full-time as part of the University of Baylor volleyball coaching program in Texas. During this episode, we dive into Will’s journey—how he first got into volleyball, the challenges he faced, and the hard work and determination that led him to where he is today.

We also explore the differences between USA and English volleyball cultures, touching on what England could learn from the U.S. in terms of player development and coaching strategies. A key focus of our conversation was on Will's role in performance analysis and the use of stats to inform coaching decisions, providing fascinating insights into the way data shapes modern volleyball training. We also discuss the dynamics within the Baylor coaching team, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.

To round out the episode, we had some fun with a game of 'This or That'—always a light-hearted way to end our chats. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about volleyball and eager to learn from one of the game’s rising stars!

Connecting Through Conversation