Book Private Volleyball Lessons with Coach Ezequiel

4 years of indoor high school volleyball experience where my team has gone to the State Championships during my last 2 years.

3 years of beach volleyball as an A level player in both teams of 4s and 2s.

Assess Their Skill Level

Observing their strengths and areas for improvement. Where are they struggling?

Focus on Fundamentals

Passing: Emphasize proper platform technique.

Setting: Work on soft hands and accurate placement.

Serving: Focus on consistency at first.

Hitting: Teach the correct approach steps and arm swing mechanics for effective spikes.

Blocking: Improve positioning and timing at the net. I'll teach them to read the hitter and position their hands for effective blocks. Conditioning and Strength Training

Volleyball requires agility, endurance, and strength. Encourage plyometric exercises (like jumping drills) to improve vertical jump and explosive power. Core and leg strength are especially important for hitting and blocking.

Game Strategy and IQ

Teaching them how to read the game, such as anticipating where the ball will go based on the opponent’s body language or court positioning.

Have them work on communication skills, as effective teamwork and quick decision-making are key to volleyball success.

Drill Repetition

Repetition is critical in volleyball. Set up drills that reinforce specific skills (like bump-set-hit sequences) and progressively increase the difficulty as they improve.

Boost Mental Toughness

Volleyball is as much mental as it is physical. I will teach them how to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from mistakes, and maintain focus during long rallies.

Encouraging them to set small, achievable goals, and build confidence through positive reinforcement.

Encourage Consistent Practice

Practice consistency in all aspects of the game. Encouraging them to dedicate time to volleyball outside of team practices, whether through individual workouts, beach volleyball, or pick-up games.

Playing with Them and against Them.

Actively play with or against them in practice games. This allows me to provide real-time feedback and challenge them in game-like situations. Adjusting my playing level to push them without overwhelming them.

Being Patient and Supportive

Improvement takes time. I provide encouragement, celebrate small victories, and maintain a positive attitude, even during setbacks. With support they will stay motivated and engaged in the learning process.

By offering consistent feedback, tailored drills, and mental support, I can effectively guide someone toward becoming a more skilled and confident volleyball player.

A typical private volleyball training session is usually tailored to the player’s skill level and specific needs, focusing on improving technique, agility, and overall game performance. Here's what a session might look like:

1. Warm-Up (10-15 minutes)

Dynamic stretching: Includes arm swings, leg swings, and trunk rotations to prepare the body.

Light cardio: Jogging, jumping jacks, or quick footwork drills to get the heart rate up.

Volleyball-specific movements: Like shuffling, backpedaling, and practicing approach steps to activate muscle groups used in the game.

2. Skill Focus Drills (30-40 minutes)

This portion is tailored based on the player's position or skill goals (e.g., passing, hitting, serving).

Passing drills:

Forearm passing: Practicing receiving serves or tosses and controlling the ball.

Serve-receive: Focusing on footwork, platform angles, and consistency.

Setting drills:

Setting repetitions: Working on hand positioning and soft touches.

Target practice: Setting to specific spots on the court to improve accuracy.

Serving drills:

Consistency: Repeating serves to focus on accuracy and power (float serve, jump serve).

Serving targets: Trying to serve to specific areas of the court.

Hitting drills:

Approach and arm swing mechanics: Breaking down the hitting approach for more power and timing.

Hitting off a setter or a coach’s toss: Focusing on various angles and ball placement.

Blocking drills:

Footwork and positioning: Practicing lateral movement at the net.

Timing drills: Working on reading the setter and timing blocks with a hitter.

3. Game-Like Scenarios (15-20 minutes)

One-on-one drills: Simulating game situations where the player must react quickly (e.g., transitioning from defense to offense, reading the setter, or defending against different types of serves).

Volleyball IQ: The coach might provide feedback on decision-making during play, such as positioning, reading the opponent’s movements, and shot selection.

Serve-receive to attack: Practicing real game sequences to improve decision-making and flow between passes, sets, and hits.

4. Conditioning and Agility (10-15 minutes)

Agility ladders or cone drills: Focusing on improving foot speed, quick reactions, and overall mobility on the court.

Vertical jump training: Plyometric exercises like jump squats, box jumps, or resistance band work to improve jumping ability.

Core exercises: Planks, Russian twists, and leg raises to strengthen the core, essential for stability during play.

5. Cool-Down and Review (5-10 minutes)

Static stretching: To improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Review and feedback: The coach might give a quick recap of the session, highlighting areas of improvement and strengths, and providing guidance on what to focus on outside of training.

When I think about the person who truly shaped my volleyball journey, Coach Mateo Santos immediately comes to mind. Coach Santos wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor, a motivator, and a master of the game. His influence went beyond drills and strategy—he taught me how to approach volleyball with passion, discipline, and an analytical mind.

Coach Santos had a reputation for being both demanding and deeply caring. A former professional player who competed internationally, he brought an unmatched intensity to every practice. He believed that every rep, every drill, and every play was an opportunity to improve, and his attention to detail was something that pushed me to levels I never thought possible. He used to say, "Small adjustments lead to big victories," whether it was refining my footwork or finding the right angle for a spike.

Under Coach Santos, I didn’t just become a better volleyball player; I became more confident, resilient, and driven. He taught me that success isn’t just about talent but about hard work, preparation, and the ability to stay calm in the toughest moments. The lessons he imparted—both on and off the court—continue to guide me in every aspect of my life. His belief in me was unwavering, and that belief, combined with his masterful coaching, shaped me into the player and person I am today.

People have described my personality as caring, funny, and chill. I've also been described as high energy. I've always been big on learning and teaching (especially when it comes to volleyball). I enjoy passing on as many lessons and skills as I can.