Resources

Whether you’re a beginner, a developing player, a college hopeful, a parent, or a coach, this resource page is here to serve as a launching point for tools, insight, and next steps.


Beginners

New to volleyball? Start here! Learn the fundamentals of the game, from rules and positions to basic skills, teamwork, and mindset. This section will help you build confidence, have fun, and have fun playing the sport!

Quizlet

This beginner-friendly Quizlet set is a great way to learn essential volleyball terms, positions, and rules. Perfect for players just starting out, it helps build a strong foundation in the language of the game so you can feel more confident on the court and in team settings. Use it as a study tool, warm-up activity, or quick refresher anytime.

Elite Volleyball Program

Elite Volleyball Program, based in Chicago, offers comprehensive training opportunities for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. They provide small group sessions, 1:1 coaching, and weekly Sunday clinics designed to develop fundamentals, sound technique, and a genuine love for the sport. Their advanced summer clinics feature high-level coaching from top high school coaches and college staff from programs such as Michigan State and DePaul. With approachable coaches and a supportive environment, Elite Volleyball Program helps players grow confidently on and off the court.

Volleyball Positions and Rotations Explained

These links break down each position on the court, explain how players rotate, help you understand the flow of the game, and where to stand on the court. This is your roadmap to learning how teams work together and what makes each position on the court unique.

Positions Explained

5-2 Rotation

4-2 Rotation

6-2 Rotation

5-1 Rotation

Intermediate

You’ve got the basics, now it’s time to level up. These resources cover strategy, consistency, court awareness, communication, and mental focus to help you grow as a smart and well-rounded player.

Schedule a Session→

For players past the basics and hungry to get better, this section has resources to help you level up. But there’s only so much progress you can make solo. Book a session and we’ll break down your habits, target your growth areas, and unlock your next level.

Quizlet

This Quizlet set is a great way to review essential volleyball terms, positions, and rules. It’s a great tool for strengthening game IQ, reinforcing court awareness, and mastering the vocabulary needed to level up your communication and performance. Ideal for club players, middle school teams, and those preparing for higher-level play. Use it as a study tool, warm-up activity, or quick refresher anytime.

Elite Volleyball Program:

Elite Volleyball Program, based in Chicago, offers comprehensive training opportunities for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. They provide small group sessions, 1:1 coaching, and weekly Sunday clinics designed to develop fundamentals, sound technique, and a genuine love for the sport. Their advanced summer clinics feature high-level coaching from top high school coaches and college staff from programs such as Michigan State and DePaul. With approachable coaches and a supportive environment, Elite Volleyball Program helps players grow confidently on and off the court.

College Recruiting

For experienced players aiming to compete at higher levels, this section dives into advanced technique, game IQ, position-specific training, mental toughness, leadership, and peak performance habits. If you are thinking about playing in college, this section breaks down what you need to know from recruiting timelines, highlight videos, communication tips, NCAA rules, and how to stay mentally and physically ready throughout the process.

NCAA Contact Calendar and Rules

If you’re a student-athlete or parent navigating the volleyball recruiting process, understanding the NCAA rules and calendar is essential. These guidelines determine when and how college coaches can contact players, schedule visits, and extend offers. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or miss key windows without knowing the rules, which is why staying informed is so important. This resource from NCSA breaks everything down clearly, helping you approach recruiting with confidence, stay compliant, and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you’re just getting started or already in contact with programs, take the time to read through the full guide so you know what to expect and how to plan ahead effectively. It is vital to your eligibility that you and the school you are in contact with are compliant with the NCAA calendar and rules.

Coast VBC Recruiting Guide

Coast Volleyball Club has created a comprehensive Girls College Recruiting Guide that helps athletes and families navigate the often overwhelming process of playing at the next level. The guide outlines everything from building and managing a recruiting profile to understanding eligibility requirements, scholarship opportunities, and the overall recruiting timeline. With practical advice on communication, calendars, and evaluating recruiting tools, this resource is designed to equip athletes and parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their college journey.

While the guide is dense and thorough, it’s important to remember that recruiting is not one-size-fits-all. I encourage you to look through the guide and then schedule a session, or lean on trusted people and support systems to help tailor the process to your unique situation and find the right fit for you.

Elite Volleyball Program

Elite Volleyball Program, based in Chicago, offers comprehensive training opportunities for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. They provide small group sessions, 1:1 coaching, and weekly Sunday clinics designed to develop fundamentals, sound technique, and a genuine love for the sport. Their advanced summer clinics feature high-level coaching from top high school coaches and college staff from programs such as Michigan State and DePaul. With approachable coaches and a supportive environment, Elite Volleyball Program helps players grow confidently on and off the court.

For Parents

Looking to meaningfully support your athlete through their volleyball journey? This section includes guidance on navigating the club volleyball landscape, understanding college recruiting, encouraging healthy competition, and helping your child grow through the game while managing your own stress that comes along with this process.

Schedule a Session→

Supporting your athlete is a rewarding and complex journey. If you want personalized guidance on how to best advocate for your child, navigate team dynamics, or understand the coaching process more deeply, book a session here. Together, we’ll build your confidence and equip you with practical tools to be your athlete’s strongest ally every step of the way.

Interactive Club Volleyball Directory

Looking for the right volleyball club in Illinois? This comprehensive directory lists all registered junior clubs in the area and includes an interactive map to help you find convenient locations. Whether you’re searching for training, tournaments, or a new team environment, this resource makes it easy to explore your options and connect with clubs that fit your goals.

Elite Volleyball Program

Elite Volleyball Program, based in Chicago, offers comprehensive training opportunities for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. They provide small group sessions, 1:1 coaching, and weekly Sunday clinics designed to develop fundamentals, sound technique, and a genuine love for the sport. Their advanced summer clinics feature high-level coaching from top high school coaches and college staff from programs such as Michigan State and DePaul. With approachable coaches and a supportive environment, Elite Volleyball Program helps players grow confidently on and off the court.

Volleyball Positions and Rotations Explained

As parents, you’re deeply invested not just in your athlete’s success, but in understanding the game itself. You may have opinions about what’s happening on the court, and that’s valid. These tools offer insight into the structure of the game and what may shape a coach’s decisions. Learn what each position does, how rotations work, and why coaches make certain choices. These resources walk you through role responsibilities, strengths and limitations, and the structure of various rotation systems, giving you the tools to feel informed, included, and empowered to engage in your child’s volleyball journey.

Positions Explained

5-2 Rotation

4-2 Rotation

6-2 Rotation

5-1 Rotation

COMING SOON

Workshop Series:

Parenting a Student Athlete:

Demystifying Self Care for Parents: Making Self Care a Realistic Routine

For Coaches

Explore tools to help you support and challenge your athletes, from practice planning and skill development to team culture, communication, and player motivation. This section is ideal for both new and seasoned coaches.

Schedule a Session→

Coaching is rewarding but full of challenges. Whether it’s developing your athletes, managing team dynamics, or refining your strategy, book a session to get personalized support, troubleshoot tough situations, and strengthen your coaching philosophy. Together, we’ll help you lead with confidence and create a positive, winning environment.

A Coach’s First Year Guide

This guide is a practical checklist built to support first-time volleyball coaches in laying a strong foundation. From logistics and communication to culture-building and court time considerations, it offers keys and tips to help you lead with intention. Use this guide as your springboard, and if you’re navigating tough dynamics, parent conversations, or shaping a coaching philosophy that’s sustainable and effective, Schedule a Session. We’ll refine your approach, troubleshoot challenges, and move you from questions to clarity.

Volleyball Positions and Rotations Explained

Whether you’re building your first lineup or refining an existing one, understanding each position and rotation is key to unlocking your team’s potential. These resources walk you through role responsibilities, strengths and limitations, and the structure of various rotation systems, giving you the tools to make strategic decisions with confidence and clarity.

Positions Explained

5-2 Rotation

4-2 Rotation

6-2 Rotation

5-1 Rotation

Great Lakes Coaching Resources

This resource offers comprehensive education and certification programs tailored specifically for volleyball coaches. Whether you’re new to coaching or looking to deepen your expertise, Great Lakes Volleyball provides training that focuses on skill development, strategy, and creating positive team environments.

The Art of Coaching

Established in 2011 by expert coaches, Terry Liskevych, Russ Rose, and John Dunning, The Art of Coaching Volleyball delivers a wealth of practical advice, drills, and strategies designed to help coaches at all levels elevate their game. From mindset to technique, this site is a go-to resource for improving coaching effectiveness and team performance.

Elite Volleyball Program

Elite Volleyball Program, based in Chicago, offers comprehensive training opportunities for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. They provide small group sessions, 1:1 coaching, and weekly Sunday clinics designed to develop fundamentals, sound technique, and a genuine love for the sport. Their advanced summer clinics feature high-level coaching from top high school coaches and college staff from programs such as Michigan State and DePaul. With approachable coaches and a supportive environment, Elite Volleyball Program helps players grow confidently on and off the court. This is a great referral resource for your athletes in need of in depth development and individual attention that cannot be met within the practice time period.


Train Smart | Supporting Your Athletic Edge

Hard work can take you far, but smart training takes you further. The athletes who thrive at the next level understand that true performance isn’t built on skill alone, it’s supported by strength, mobility, recovery, and power. Here, we spotlight trusted local partners and cost-friendly strategies that help volleyball players build resilience and explosiveness from the inside out. Think of this section as your roadmap to moving better, jumping higher, and sustaining peak performance, while gaining the competitive edge that lasts all season.

Agrazia Studio

Led by Amanda Graziano, a certified movement educator, Agrazia Studio gets to the true root of what Pilates was meant to be: core-centered training that directly supports mobility, strength, and performance. For volleyball players, this means improving balance, power, alignment, and injury prevention from the inside out. If you want to move better, jump higher, and play longer, Agrazia isn’t just cross-training; it’s transformational. Agrazia Studio offers a boutique, research-informed approach to wellness through Pilates, mobility training, and recovery services. With highly personalized private sessions and small group classes, they focus on building strength, stability, and functional movement in a calm, intentional space. Here at Cross Court Connections, we cannot recommend this place enough.

MFC Sports Performance

MFC Sports Performance is a state-of-the-art, coaching-first training center that builds stronger, faster, more resilient athletes through individualized strength, speed, agility, and power programs. With appointment-based hours and options for 1:1, small-group, and full team training, they tailor progressions to your season and goals.

Tom Hansen

Tommy Hansen, known online as Freestyle Jump Guy, is a vertical jump specialist with a strong track record in volleyball performance training. As the Owner of Perform 4 Life and Director of Sports Performance at Top Flight VBC, he combines expert programming like plyometric drills and approach jump training with results. His social media provides high-impact workouts, vertical mechanics, and athlete-tested strategies to help boost your jump and overall athletic power.

Affordable Training Opportunities

If additional strength and conditioning/vertical training is out of your budget, there are still powerful (and free) ways to level up. Consider joining your school’s track, basketball, or swim team. Both offer built-in structure and coaching that help you build endurance, strength, explosiveness, vertical, body control, change of direction, speed, and the many benefits of cross-training – all without the extra cost!

Progression Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball isn’t just a summer pastime; it’s one of the best cross-training tools for indoor players. The sand demands balance, control, and explosive movement in every rep, forcing athletes to refine footwork, strengthen stabilizing muscles, and develop a higher level of ball control. At Progression, players experience boutique-style training that emphasizes technique, movement efficiency, and competitive play. For indoor athletes, this means stepping back into the gym with sharper defensive reads, improved agility, stronger jumps, and an all-around mental toughness. With small group sessions, focused coaching, and seasonal flexibility, Progression offers a development path that transfers directly to indoor performance, helping athletes build durability, adaptability, and the competitive edge to stand out on any court.

Strategic Social Media

Social media can be a tool for learning and staying connected in the volleyball community. This section highlights social media accounts worth your time, and offers real insight, practical tips, recruiting context, and coaching wisdom that can help you and your players level up. This list includes athletes, coaches, organizations, and other volleyball minds sharing valuable insight, drills, recruiting advice, and more. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, these accounts will keep your feed educational and intentional.

Arm Swing Academy

Arm Swing Academy is dedicated to helping volleyball athletes refine one of the game’s most critical skills: the attack. With a focus on biomechanics, timing, and technique, this page offers targeted drills, slow-motion breakdowns, and expert guidance to improve power, consistency, and efficiency in your arm swing. Perfect for hitters at all levels who want to elevate their offensive game.

Coach Uche Elite

Coach Uche combines expert volleyball coaching with motivational content to help players elevate their game. His page features training drills, strategy tips, and mindset advice designed to push athletes toward peak performance.

Dan Meske | Head Coach, University of Louisville Volleyball
Dan Meske is the head coach of the University of Louisville, one of the top-ranked NCAA Division I volleyball programs in the nation. Known for their elite performance, consistent Final Four appearances, and commitment to player development, Louisville Volleyball under Meske’s current leadership continues to set a high standard in the sport. Coach Meske is highly approachable and emphasizes a growth mindset, believing that the best players are never bored by mastering the basics. His focus on fundamentals, team culture, and competitive mindset offers valuable insights for players at every level. Every post contains a valuable lesson for players at the beginning of their volleyball journey to seasoned professionals.

Dave Neeley

Dave Neeley shares game-changing volleyball insights, from technical breakdowns and strategic analysis to mindset shifts that help players grow on and off the court. His page is a valuable follow for athletes and coaches who want to deepen their volleyball IQ and sharpen their technical understanding of the game.

Lights Out Volleyball

Lights Out Volleyball supports the game at every level, from sponsoring pro athletes in both indoor and grass formats, to hosting free grass tournaments for HS and college players. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, their page offers powerful inspiration, skill-building clips, and a real community vibe that keeps the love for volleyball alive and growing.

Raki Volleyball

Raki Volleyball focuses on technique tutorials, drills, and volleyball fundamentals designed to help players of all levels improve their skills. It’s a go-to for clear, practical coaching tips you can apply right away, particularly for high level players.

Sadie Scoville

Sadie is a college volleyball athlete who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make it and stay in collegiate athletics. From hard practices and lift sessions, to honest reflections, she shares her journey, giving aspiring players a real look at the road to college volleyball.

Setter Precision

Setter Precision delivers targeted training content for setters looking to level up their technique, consistency, and court vision. With a focus on footwork, hand placement, and decision-making, this page is a go-to for athletes and coaches who want to build smarter, more confident setters through detail-oriented drills and insights.

Tehanie Volleyball

A current Utah Tech Volleyball player, Tehanie shares volleyball drills, setting tips, and home workouts designed for serious players who want to train with intention. Her content is practical and focused on helping athletes build skills outside of team practice. If you’re looking for consistent training ideas and favorite tools from a collegiate setter, she’s a must-follow.

The Volleyball Institute

The Volleyball Institute blends high-level training with thoughtful coaching insight, offering content that focuses on skill development, volleyball IQ, and player mindset. With a strong emphasis on intentional reps and long-term growth, this page is ideal for high level elite athletes and coaches who value quality and want to build a smarter, more complete game.

TORQ VB

Run by a former All-American, U.S. National Team member, and pro athlete, TORQ Volleyball applies cutting-edge skill acquisition and biomechanics research to volleyball training. His content bridges science and sport, offering deep insights, smart drills, and elite-level strategies to help players train with intention, efficiency, and long-term growth in mind.

Wall Volleyball

Wall Volleyball offers creative drills and training ideas that players can do solo using just a wall and a volleyball. Perfect for anyone looking to improve ball control, reflexes, and technique anytime, anywhere. Follow for fun, effective ways to practice and elevate your skills outside of team practices.

Zoe Jarvis

Zoe Jarvis, formerly Zoe Fleck, is a standout athlete whose volleyball journey reflects dedication, resilience, and growth. From her early days in the sport to competing at the highest level (Team USA, LOVB, University of Texas), she shares not only impressive gameplay but also insights into mindset, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. Follow her for authentic motivation and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed both on and off the court.


Cross Court Connections