Wisdom Wednesday: Skill Building with Coach Will

This week’s Wisdom Wednesday features Coach Will, Head Coach of 14 Purple, who brings a thoughtful and steady approach to building strong, confident volleyball players. His coaching style focuses on mastering fundamentals, encouraging effort, and helping athletes break down challenging skills—one rep at a time.

---

The Skill That Matters Most
For Coach Will, one skill rises above the rest, no matter the position: passing and ball tracking.

“Everything in volleyball starts with tracking the ball,” he explains. “If you can’t follow the ball well and get yourself into the right position, it makes every other skill harder than it needs to be.”

From setters to liberos to outsides, Will emphasizes that court vision and consistent passing create the foundation for confident play and smart decision-making.

---

Encouraging Growth Through Challenges
Skill development isn’t always easy—and Coach Will understands that. His goal is to keep players motivated, especially when they’re learning something new or struggling with consistency.

“I use what I call the OREO method,” he says. “Positive reinforcement, clear direction, and more encouragement.”

He builds confidence through small steps and patient repetition. After a demonstration, he’ll often say, “Next ball—do it again.”

It’s a simple phrase with power behind it—an invitation to try again without fear, and a reminder that progress is built on effort.

---

Practice with Purpose
Coach Will keeps his training focused and intentional. He incorporates both individual and partner drills to build confidence and body awareness.

“I like using the wall for ball control—things like platform touches, hand contact, and footwork without the added pressure of teammates watching,” he says. “It’s a great way for players to focus on feel and positioning.”

He also leans on classic drills like pepper variations, high/low target work, and breakdown progressions for serving and footwork.

“I try to connect unfamiliar movements with mastered ones,” he explains. “If I can show how power transfer in serving works just like something they already know, it clicks faster.”

---

Patience. Progress. Positivity.
Coach Will’s calm, clear, and encouraging approach helps players see that every rep matters—and that it’s okay to take time to grow.

“Some skills take longer than others, but every player can improve if they stay focused and keep showing up,” he says.

Join us in celebrating Coach Will and his dedication to developing skilled, confident, and motivated athletes—one pass, one step, one ‘next ball’ at a time.