Podcast · Sport
by Jiri Popelka · English · Sport
Welcome to the VolleyCoachShow podcast, where the world's most renowned coaches and volleyball stars come together to share a wealth of practical advice, personal experiences, and captivating stories that transcend the boundaries of volleyball.
25 Jul 2026 · 21 min
In my review I evaluate the Mizuno Neo Jump volleyball shoe, specifically highlighting its superior cushioning and energy return during vertical movements. The shoe provides a bouncy feel that benefits heavy jumpers like outside hitters, it lacks a bit of the lateral stability found in other models.
E47 · 16 Apr 2026 · 20 min
New volleyball regulations are currently being tested to evaluate their potential to modernize and streamline the sport's gameplay dynamics. Are these new rules good? Will they make volleyball more fun?
E46 · 6 Mar 2026 · 19 min
A lot of players ask me: “Coach, I can jump high… so why don’t I hit that hard?” In this episode I share something I see all the time with hitters — the disconnect between jump height and real spiking power. Very often the problem isn’t strength or genetics. It’s that the energy from the jump never actually transfers into the ball. I talk about why this happens, how many players jump only up instead of attacking forward, why core connection is crucial, and how small details in arm swing timin...
E45 · 29 Jan 2026 · 17 min
In this episode, I break down one of the biggest traps volleyball players fall into: confusing more effort with better results. We talk about fatigue, nervous system overload, bad timing of jump training, and why some players actually jump higher after resting — not after pushing harder. If your jump feels heavy, slow, or stuck, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to rebuild explosiveness the smart way.
E44 · 6 Jan 2026 · 15 min
Most attackers think they need a harder swing or a higher jump to score more points. They don’t. What really holds players back are a few hidden attacking mistakes that destroy efficiency and confidence — even in good hitters. In this episode, I break down the most common attacking mistakes I see at every level: playing for highlight kills, forcing perfect shots, hitting blindly into the block, giving free balls to the libero, being predictable, and attacking without communication. These are ...
E43 · 20 Nov 2025 · 11 min
In this episode, I break down eight advanced ways to make your jump serve more dangerous — without changing your technique. After playing at three World Championships, I’ve learned that great serving isn’t only about mechanics. It’s about identity, intention, psychology, vision, landing control, and how you handle pressure. I’ll tell you how to build your serving identity, reset your mind with a quick routine, attack passers with purpose, read their body language, and train under real m...
E42 · 17 Nov 2025 · 9 min
Today we’re talking about a skill almost nobody trains — but every smart player needs. The aggressive bump. You can’t spike every ball, and real match situations are messy: bad sets, low balls, off-balance contacts… they happen constantly. The best players don’t panic. They adapt. In this episode, I’ll show you how the aggressive bump can turn a “lost” situation into real pressure on the opponent. You’ll learn when to use it, which mistakes you must avoid, where to place it to make defe...
E41 · 7 Nov 2025 · 16 min
In volleyball, we always want to play with both hands — that’s how you keep control and consistency. But sometimes, you just don’t have time. The ball is off, you’re under pressure, or you’re diving to save it. In this episode, I’ll tell you when it actually makes sense to play one-handed, what mistakes to avoid, and how to use your open palm to control the ball instead of just swinging your fist. These are real match situations — and if you learn to handle them the right way, you’ll start sa...
E40 · 29 Oct 2025 · 14 min
Today we’re talking about one of the most important volleyball skills — the forearm pass, or bump. It looks simple, but even experienced players get it wrong. I’ll share how to fix the six most common mistakes — from lifting your body too early to losing control of your platform — and show you how to pass forward, stay low, and keep your technique stable in every situation. Let’s jump in and perfect your bump — right here on the VolleyCoach Show.
E39 · 20 Oct 2025 · 10 min
In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most underrated ways to improve your volleyball skills — shadow drills. You don’t need a ball, a court, or even a partner. Just you, your body, and the right movements. I’ll explain why the best athletes in the world — like tennis pros Alcaraz and Sinner — swear by this type of training, and how volleyball players can use it to build better footwork, timing, and reactions. You’ll also hear my favorite shadow drills for every position: receivers, s...
E38 · 7 Oct 2025 · 12 min
In this episode, we explore 3 unconventional drills to jump higher in volleyball 🏐💥. You’ll learn why doing the same exercises over and over stops your progress — and how to challenge your muscles in new ways to unlock real vertical gains. These safe but powerful drills focus on eccentric strength, teaching your body to absorb and reapply force explosively. From squat jumps holding a volleyball to pre-fatigue box jumps and advanced depth-to-hurdle combos, you’ll discover how to train smarter,...
E37 · 2 Oct 2025 · 13 min
In this podcast I am focusing on how volleyball players can improve their hitting approach to achieve professional-level power and height. I speak about three major footwork mistakes, such as stomping the right foot or letting it point toward the sideline, offering corrections like using a heel-to-toe step with the toes angled into the court.
E36 · 24 Sep 2025 · 13 min
In this podcast you find an extensive review of the Mizuno Wave Momentum Elite volleyball shoe, presenting it as a successor to the Wave Momentum 3 and Mizuno's latest high-end model. Ultimately, the review concludes that the Elite is a top-tier shoe best suited for players, especially hitters and blockers, who prioritize stability and joint protection over maximum vertical jump performance.
E35 · 19 Sep 2025 · 14 min
This episode offers practical advice for volleyball players struggling with serve reception. I outlines six specific passing drills designed to improve movement, control, and accuracy during bumps. These exercises, which can be done with a teammate or coach, include drills that emphasize quick steps and accuracy while moving, techniques for handling wide or off-target serves, and routines that combine explosive movement with balance and precise technique under pressure.
E34 · 9 Sep 2025 · 11 min
This podcast is about underestimated power of the plank exercise, particularly for volleyball players. It highlights how the plank strengthens the core, acting like a car's suspension to improve movement fluidity and reduce injury risk during explosive sports.
E33 · 1 Sep 2025 · 12 min
In this podcast I introduce ten distinct exercises specifically designed for volleyball players. These exercises utilize only a volleyball to enhance strength, flexibility, and explosive power. Overall, the content emphasizes bodyweight and stability drills as a means to improve overall athletic ability and prevent injuries in volleyball.
E32 · 17 Jun 2025 · 20 min
This podcast explores the crucial role of mental strategies in elevating volleyball players from good to elite. It highlights that beyond physical prowess, top athletes utilize visualization, confidence-building routines, and emotional regulation to enhance performance. I also emphasize focusing on controllable factors, maintaining a "next point" mentality, and employing positive self-talk.
E31 · 26 May 2025 · 12 min
Discover the 5 biggest mistakes that cause volleyball injuries — and how to avoid them. From bad landings to shoulder overuse, I am sharing practical tips to keep you healthy, strong, and on the court.
E30 · 15 May 2025 · 14 min
I want to help you transform yourself into dominant middle blockers who are feared by opponents. In podcast you learn the importance of confidence, mental toughness, and physical preparation including agility, strength, and explosive power. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve consistency through relentless practice, continuous improvement, and anticipating opponent moves by studying game film.
E29 · 7 May 2025 · 14 min
In this episode you learn the biggest myths in volleyball — from the overhyped importance of height and vertical jump to the belief that only hitters win games. Learn why smart training, strategy, and mental strength matter more than you'd think.
E28 · 15 Apr 2025 · 13 min
In this podcast you get tips and drills for increasing vertical jump height, emphasizing the importance of daily, explosive plyometric drills to activate fast-twitch muscle fibers.
E28 · 17 Mar 2025 · 19 min
In this podcast I highlight five often overlooked weaknesses causing volleyball losses. These hidden issues include poor court awareness, inadequate defensive positioning, inconsistent serve receive, a weak mental game, and flawed attack strategy. I explain each weakness and provide you with actionable advice on how players can improve in these specific areas.
E27 · 10 Mar 2025 · 13 min
I am sharing with you 10 quick tips to level up your volleyball game fast. Podcast covers key skills like passing, serving, footwork, and jumping while focusing on proper mechanics. You'll also get advice on roll shots, blocking timing, defense, and the power of communication. Plus, it dives into the mental game—building confidence, staying positive, and keeping emotions in check for better performance.
E27 · 28 Feb 2025 · 31 min
Struggling to jump higher? 🚀 Stop making these 10 common mistakes that hold you back! From neglecting ankle strength to improper mechanics, I’ll show you what’s stopping your progress—and how to fix it. Improve your power, mobility, and recovery to reach your jump potential!
E26 · 17 Feb 2025 · 16 min
Want to improve your reception? In this podcast I break down how to improve serve reception with smart goal setting. It covers short-term goals like refining your platform angle, reducing errors, and improving communication, plus long-term goals like mastering different serves and staying consistent under pressure. You'll also get practical drills—wall passing, partner reception, agility ladder work—to help you track progress and keep improving.
E25 · 10 Feb 2025 · 23 min
In this podcast, I’ll walk you through 10 key steps to level up your jump serve. We’ll cover everything from a solid routine and proper approach to mental prep. You’ll learn how to perfect your toss, jump explosively, and hit at the highest point for maximum power. I’ll also tell you how to land safely, hit different targets, and stay sharp under pressure. The goal? A consistent, powerful jump serve that keeps your opponents on their toes.
E24 · 28 Jan 2025 · 4 min
In this episode, we dive into four unconventional exercises designed to skyrocket your vertical jump in volleyball. From explosive hurdle jumps to box jumps with a medicine ball, these drills focus on leg strength and power while pushing your limits. Plus, we share a bonus tip on tracking progress to stay motivated. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these techniques can help take your game to new heights!
E23 · 20 Jan 2025 · 10 min
Discover the hidden keys to dominating the net with this must-watch video! Where I shares 10 powerful tips to improve your blocking, from mastering timing and footwork to reading hitters and using psychological tactics to disrupt opponents. Learn the secrets of strategic defense and an aggressive mindset to become an unstoppable force at the net.
E22 · 14 Jan 2025 · 15 min
Uncover hidden strategies that elite players use to shut down the game’s most dangerous hitters. Learn the secret to mastering blocks and how to predict attack zones before they happen. Dive into little-known defensive techniques for neutralizing power and keeping the ball in play. Find out how top servers disrupt even the most confident attackers and throw them off their rhythm. Finally, gain access to the mental game secrets that ensure you stay composed and execute your strategy flawlessly...
E21 · 9 Jan 2025 · 18 min
Master your emotions and boost your volleyball performance with these 6 stress-management techniques! Learn how to stay focused, build confidence, and foster team cohesion by controlling emotions, embracing mistakes, and channeling negativity into growth. Unlock the mental toughness every player needs to succeed!
Welcome to the VolleyCoachShow podcast, where the world's most renowned coaches and volleyball stars come together to share a wealth of practical advice, personal experiences, and captivating stories that transcend the boundaries of volleyball.
VolleyCoachShow is a English sport podcast from Jiri Popelka. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
