Library/Strategy & Game Tactics/Mental training Adapting to the unexpected

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Intermediate TierStrategy & Game Tactics02:09

Mental training Adapting to the unexpected

Amanda Jones • The Art of Coaching Volleyball

Mental Performance Coach, The Art of Coaching Volleyball

Session Overview

Mental performance coach Amanda Jones explains how volleyball coaches can train athletes to adapt quickly when unexpected disruptions occur during matches or tournaments. She shares actionable strategies for reframing sudden lineup changes, bad officiating calls, or momentum swings into focused next-point execution.

Core Biomechanical & Tactical Principles

Teach athletes to separate controllable next-point actions from uncontrollable external disruptions like officiating or schedule delays
Introduce surprise rule changes or sudden lineup shifts during practice scrimmages so adapting to the unexpected becomes automatic
Use a collective breath and focal cue between rallies to reset team body language immediately after a chaotic play

Verbal Coaching Cues for Practice:

"Control what we can control""Flush the surprise, win the next contact""Reset breath and eyes before the whistle"

Why Recommended for Coaches:

Equips coaches with mental reset tools to keep teams composed when unexpected match disruptions or momentum swings happen.

Up NextHOW TO Build a GROWTH MINDSET in Volleyball | Karch Kiraly

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Key Coaching Cues

"Control what we can control"

"Flush the surprise, win the next contact"

"Reset breath and eyes before the whistle"

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