The Volleyball By Design Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with CCAA National Championship coach Aaron Schulha to break down the full blueprintbehind his team’s title run. From building a selfless, high-trust culture to executing detailed game plans under pressure, this conversation goes far beyond talent and into what actually separates championship teams. We dive into: How to help your team play free and confident in high-pressure moments The role of sports psychology and mental preparation in a championship run Why trusting the game plan is a non-negotiable at the highest level How to design and implement effective weekly film sessions What to track (and what actually matters) when it comes to team stats and performance The importance of reception quality and its direct impact on offensive success How to evaluate players using +/– and quality vs. negative touches Building a selfless team culture led by a strong leadership group How to structure your offense and defense based on personnel strengths Key principles behind their defensive system and positioning How to develop attackers who can see and manipulate the block effectively Why summer training and preseason planning set the foundation for success The importance of surrounding yourself with assistant coaches who complement your strengths How to avoid players getting stuck in the past and keep them focused on the present moment Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I sit down with 5-time national team coach Austin Dyer, who has led his program to 4 straight national championships. We break down the real reasons behind their success and also take a deep dive into the setter position. Topics in this episode include: Roster Building & Retainment Athlete Development Adapting coaching style based on team Culture Recruiting Athletes vs Volleyball Players Setting Position: Decision making, leadership, technical Post Match Analysis Building Systems And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we go back into the vault with Mindset Coach Paige Tonz, who works specifically with female athletes helping them improve their mindset, confidence and so much more. In this episode we discuss: How to prepare mentally for serve receive How to bounce back after committing an error How to not dwell on the mistake you just made How to deal with a player with low confidence How to get players to believe in themselves How to prepare mentally for a game and practice How to maintain a positive mindset when things aren't going well in a game If you're interested in getting in touch with Paige, you can find her on Instagram @PaigeTonz Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into two important trends shaping the game right now. First, I break down the new rules being introduced by FIVB in 2026 and what they could mean for the future of volleyball. I also share some interesting out-of-system trends I’ve been seeing during the 2026 playoffs. Teams are becoming much more efficient when they’re out of system, and we’re seeing new setting solutions from both liberos and left sides that are creating more stable and effective offensive options. Key topics discussed: 2026 FIVB rule changes and their potential impact How out-of-system offense continues to evolve New setting strategies from liberos The growing role of left sides in out-of-system setting Tactical trends emerging in the 2026 playoffs How coaches can adapt to these changes in their own programs 🏐 Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

Down 0–2 in a best-of-five match is where most teams panic — and where great coaches separate themselves. In this episode, I break down the exact emotional resets, tactical simplifications, and momentum strategies needed to engineer a reverse sweep. If you want to lead with clarity when the pressure is highest, this one’s for you. We dive into: Tactical Changes Preparation during the season Coaches Toolbox Emotional Regulation And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we head back into the vault and listen to an episode I did with 6x national champion coach Jessy Satti where he not only shares some insight into wining all those championships but he breaks down concepts and strategies that all coaches can get a ton of value from. In this episode, we dive into: 5 phases of blocking Trap Blocking 2 vs 3 step blocking Fire up blocking 60/40 Offensive Strategies Overload vs Separation And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to register for my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into strategies you can use in your gym leading up to the playoffs. This is an important time to make sure you're doing the right things to maximize your opportunity to win in the playoffs. We talk about: Film Team Chemistry Refinement vs Acquisition Check ins Mental Skills Team Building Activities Tactical Strategies And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Join my workshop at www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

This is a topic that is hard to articulate, you can't learn it anywhere on the web but it's extremely important and every high level coach has this in their gym. And that is creating a system and standard of excellence and maintaining that during practices and over the course of a season. In this episode, we dive into: What does it look like to create a high standard of excellence What I see in the best gyms in the world Strategies to implement this in your gym Finding the balance Creating pressure What it involves from the coach The little things that coaches miss in practice but are important Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we go back into the fault with an interview I did with the Head Coach of the University of Alberta, Brock Davidiuk, as he is an expert setting coach. In this episode, he shares so much technical aspects of setting and provides amazing insights to the position. He talks about: The technical principles - Feet, Hands, Body & Eyes Principle of a live environment Stages of setting Youth setting to college setting College setting to Pro setting Setter hitter relationship And so much more Click here to find out more about his setting academy Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Reach out to me via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

This episode dives into the intangibles of volleyball — the non-skill, non-system factors that directly impact game play, lineup decisions, and winning. We break down the habits, awareness, and behaviours that coaches need to be aware of but don’t always explicitly coach, and why they matter so much on match day. Some things we cover are: Being surprised on the court Coming down from the block Switching Setter Coverage Screening Communication Engaging with the Ref Attention to detail from athletes And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Acacdemy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I break down the exact technology I use in my volleyball program — including apps, software, and equipment that help with practice planning, film, communication, and player development. If you’re looking to save time and coach more efficiently, this episode is for you. The Tech I mention are: IstatVball 3 CoachBoard Solo Stats Touch OVR Jump Tester Bam Video Delay Bushnell Radar Gun Pocket Radar Gun QwikCut - https://bit.ly/QwikCut-Volleyball-Platform HUDL (Balltime AI), Volleymetrics Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

Great seasons don’t just happen on the court — they’re shaped by the conversations you have with your players. In this episode, I share how I approach preseason and postseason interviews, what questions truly matter, and how these conversations can transform player development, accountability, and team culture. We dive into: Why preseason and postseason interviews matter more than most coaches realize The key questions that set expectations and drive real player growth How interviews improve trust, communication, and team culture Common interview mistakes coaches should avoid Turning player feedback into actionable changes for next season Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSngh_CoachB

In today's episode, we go back into the vault where Erik Shoji shares some tangible advice that coaches can take and apply in their gym right away with their players. Topics include Passing Technique & Strategies Reading and Cues Mental side of passing Defensive movement & cues And so much more. Click here to view Erik's youtube channel Click here to register for my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Click here to sign up to the waitlist for Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com

In this episode, I went back to past interviews with great coaches and compiled all their advice on building team culture and put it into this episode. There are a ton of takeaways and notes you can get from this episode. We dive into: Documents & Pillars Communication Standards Relationships Special culture items per team Amazing quotes on culture And so much more Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

This custom blocking system taught in the episode has helped many high level teams create chaos on the fly and shut down some of the strongest offenses. If you're a coach looking to improve their blocking toolbox, this episode will change the way you think about blocking. We dive into: Blocking terminology The custom blocking system How to implement it Different Variations And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we dive into hand signals from not only the setter but the coach and other players as well. Then we transition to verbal cues and how you can use verbal cues to communicate effectively with your players and avoid having to burn unnecessary timeouts. In this episode we cover: 10 different hand signals Different positions that have different purposes Play calling Verbal cues and how to create them And much more Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out to me via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode I walk you through the exact blueprint that took a local high school with zero competitive volleyball experience to 2 regional championships, 1 city championship and a top 4 finish in the province (equivalent to State championships) in just 3 years. We dive into: The 3 year plan Culture Planning Player Development What moved the needle the most Core ideas to elevate programs And a few more key ideas Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I'm privileged to bring back National Team Middle Daenan Gyimah where we're talking about the evolution of the game and why his coach is the best coach in the world. We dive into: 6 Skills/Tactics that is being used more at the highest level The skills of a Middle Blocker His pro team's scheduling and training Importance of training environment A few drills Why his coach is the best in the world And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I take us back into the vault to an interview I had with pro setter Micah Ma'a where we discuss the tactical and technical aspect of setting. We dive into: Setting technique Decision making Key factors to making a great setter And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode I share 10 strategies on transition that can help your team capitalize when in transition. We dive into: 7 different types of transition Footwork Switching Patterns Transition off Dig Creative offense in transition And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into a common problem coaches face with their teams and that is, what to do when the other team goes on a run. In this episode I share strategies to combat this issue. We dive into: The Mental Side Timeouts Rotation Issues Play Calls Train it in Practice Perfect 12 Drill Tactical And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I sat back and thought about how the greatest coaches in the world got to where they are. Did they do anything similar? Where did they spend a lot of their time? Where did they invest their time and money to get to where they are? I noticed there were patterns that were the same across all high level coaches and I wanted to bring those to the podcast. This is a great episode if you're ready to grow right now as a coach and jump to the next level. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we dive into a popular discussion regarding volleyball IQ. How can we, as coaches, improve our players volleyball IQ. In this episode we dive into 5 main strategies and a few others to help your players increase their volleyball IQ. We talk about: Volleyball IQ is game understanding + perception + decision making + anticipation Block Training vs Game Training Video Decision Making & Cues Types of drills Problem Solving And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

This episode is a little different. Yes, you'll still get some value out of it as a coach for a variety of reasons but I walk you through my entire process for starting my ProAm Volleyball league. We dive into: My Vision Step By Step Process to Start Draft Combine Unique Rules Tickets Staff Coaching Etc. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into the tactical aspect of serve receive and not necessarily the technical. Understanding how to tactically approach serve receive will help increase your sideout percentage. We dive into: Long Angle vs Short Angle Spin vs Float Different footwork Film Mindset Libero Seams vs Passing zones Increasing Sideout % Short Serves vs Long Serves And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Click here to donate to volleyball kids in need - www.westhillvolleyball.ca Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into the conversation regarding playing time and how it affects the culture of your team. We talk about: Dealing with players, parents and administration Volleyball Manual Popular scenarios on your team regarding playing time and culture Strategies to help deal with the playing time dilemma for coaches And a few more key things Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I dive into some drill concepts as well as team and individual drills. These drills are vetted and proven and used by the best coaches in the world. We dive into: Fundamental vs Skill Block Train vs Game Train 6 Individual skill drills 7 Team Skill Drills Multi Skill Drills Performance Indicators How To Implement Progressions and Variations And much more Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share a list of items that will help coaches be more prepared and ready for the beginning of the season. We dive into: Equipment Planning Training Structure Reporting Meetings Etc. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to register for my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we are privileged to have on 2025 Libero of the tournament at the NORCECA Championships Quintin Greenidge where he not only dives into the technical and tactical aspects of being a Libero but tells us the insights from what the best coaches did for him to get him to the next level. He dive into: Serve Receive - Technical Defense - Technical Club Film Strength Training And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to register for my free workshop - www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

At DVA LIVE 2025, there were amazing guest speakers that provided real insights that helped coaches with their teams. One of them was head coach Dan Lewis who had a great presentation about his planning process, player development, evolution of the game and so much more. In this episode, you get to hear some important points he made during that presentation in which you could apply to your team. He dives into: New phases of volleyball Guiding Principles A drill he uses every single practice and how you can cater it to your team Static/Block Training vs Game Training Stats Culture And a few more key concepts Purchase DVA LIVE 2025 (All Video Replays & Access to all resources shared) - www.volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive2025 Join Digital Volleyball Academy at www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we have the privilege of having 6X National Champion Jessy Satti on and he talks about how his club is the largest club in Canada and why they're so successful. He also talks about how he's gone to 9 18U provincial championships in a row. It's a great episode. We dive into: Keys to growing a club Retaining Athletes Seasonal Planning Practice Planning Phases of Training Top Drills he uses Setter work And a few more key concepts Join Digital Volleyball Academy at www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Join my free workshop at www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode I share several strategies that you can use in games to adjust and give your team an advantage. We discuss: Match Prep Matchups Blocker Tendencies Serving Strategy Backcourt Defense Substitutions Offensive Plays Timeouts Setter And a few more key concepts Join Digital Volleyball Academy by visiting www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Join my free workshop at www.volleyballworkshop.com Attend my virtual coaches clinic at www.volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive2025 Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

There's no secret that Ai is taking the world by storm but did you know we can use it to help us with volleyball? AI can not only save you time as a coach but can help you be more efficient with your team. In this episode we talk about: AI Video in Volleyball How AI can help you plan practices Obtaining information at the fastest rate Allow you more opportunity to learn Strategies on using AI for your team And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive2025 Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

I get asked all the time from coaches, how do I efficiently train my players with just one court. There are so many skills to work on but it's hard to do it with one court. Yes, 2 courts is better than 1 but we can absolutely effectively train with 1 court. In this episode I dive into: How we can break the net up Serving and passing drills that allow us to train multiple skills Ball control with 1 court Adding offense with one court And a few more key concepts DVA Live 2025 - www.volleyballworkshop.com/dvalive2025 Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share a good general plan for an off season practice. Remember the goal of off season is to get multiple touches and how you do that in practice is important. We talk about: First thing you need to do Multiple drills you can use in practice Accountability Offense vs Defense And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via IG @BrianSingh_CoachB

The off-season can play a significant role in how successful your team is next season. What are the keys to your off season? There is a lot of wasted time and misconceptions with what needs to be done in the off season. In this episode we dive into: The single most important aspect of your off season and why teams don't improve during the off season Debriefs, Reflections & 1 on 1's Character and Culture Camps, Clinics, etc. Skill Development Performance Indicators Video Delay Strength Training And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, we our privileged to have on one of the most known volleyball coaches in North America, Coach Donny Hui. In this episode we dive into: Practice Planning & Structure Player Development Culture Drills Standards Attacking Breakdown And a few more key concepts To find out more about Coach Donny, you can visit www.elevateyourself.org Click here join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacaemy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

The game is speeding up and it's important for coaches to be teaching athletes the proper mechanics to execute the skills with speed in mind, so as the athlete develops, they'll be able to adapt and grow with higher level volleyball. In this episode, Daenan breaks down how to train athletes to increase their speed with multiple different skills. He dives into: What he's seeing at the higher level Split Step Drills to train speed Answers great questions asked by coaches And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode we have the privilege of hearing from John Speraw who is now the CEO and president of USA Volleyball. This episode is taken from a presentation he gave at DVA Live 2022 which is my annual virtual coaches clinic I run every year. In this presentation, he talks about what's important to him in winning a championship program. Definitely worth the listen. Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

An article was shared with me by national team player Daenan Gyimah that was created by the national team sports psych coach. I think it's a very important conversation that coaches should be aware of and implementing in their program. In this episode, we dive into: 7 Components of high performance culture A culture of excellence Understanding the culture matrix And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode we are privileged to welcome the 2024-2025 USPORTS Womens volleyball national championship coach Ken Bentley who secured his 7th national championship in his career. He shares a wealth of knowledge including: Strength Training Program and Philosophy Off season planning and schedule Training technical work Planning for upcoming season Match Preparation What made him win a championship Setting technical work And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode I walk you through a step by step approach to building your offense from the ground up. We start at the very beginning on advance through to higher level conversation. We dive into: The goal of your offense Type of offense How to determine who's playing what position Hitting Lanes Number System Middle Attacker 1 on 1's Setter Attack Out of System Play 2nd Contact Offensive Plays Backcourt Attack And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

I was asked, if I had a limited budget what volleyball aids and equipment would I get in order of importance. This question led me to record this episode and list all the volleyball equipment that I see head coaches have in their gyms and in order of importance so you can prioritize your purchases. We dive into: Volleyball Equipment First Aid Technology in your gym Software Accessories And a few more key concepts Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or visit www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB

In this episode, I share about a ProAm League I started this year consisting of Pro & University players. What's interesting are the things we can learn from these pro players and apply in our gym. Throughout the first set of matches, I noticed things that make these pro's great and I discuss what we can bring to our athletes. In this episode, I dive into: Velocity Setters Perception Ball control Middles Preparation And a few more key concepts Visit www.coachbleague.ca to watch games and check out the league Click here to join Digital Volleyball Academy or visit here - www.digitalvolleyballacademy.com Click here to join my free workshop or go to www.volleyballworkshop.com Reach out via Instagram @BrianSingh_CoachB