Illini Elite utilizes the master training philosophy for all of its programs from camps and clinics to youth teams and high school elite teams. Through its execution, one of the benefits of master training is that it allows each athlete to receive the same comprehensive training as every other athlete in each age group regardless of their individual or team skill level. In many clubs, each athlete is at the mercy of each of their individual coaches technical, tactical and physical understanding of the sport of volleyball. If this is the case, practice can be poorly organized, inefficiently executed and can often fail to give each player the chance to reach his or her full potential.

Here is an overview of how Master Training is executed at Illini Elite:

The Master Coach oversees developing and implementing each practice plan for all of the athletes and making sure that all of the involved coaches understand the practice plan, therefore assuring that each athlete receives the same high quality training during practice.

Illini Elite has 3 full-time directors as master coaches for the following teams:

  • HS National – run by Andy. 10 teams: (1) 18u, (2) 17u, (3) 16u, (4) 15u
  • HS Local – run by Joe. 22 teams: (8) 18u, (8) 16u, (6) 15
  • 14s – run by Joe. 3 national level teams, 10 local level.
  • 13s – run by Kyle. 2 national level teams, 10 local level.
  • 11s/12s – run by Andy. 14 local teams.
  • Camps/Clinics –  divided between Joe and I when we’re not running our other programs.

Each coach receives their practice plan when they arrive to practice and the master coach reviews it with the coaches all together before practice begins to make sure coaches understand the drills and what is being emphasized in training that day. Some clubs that incorporate master training will send the practice plan earlier in the day OR upload the practice plan to a section of their website that has educational resources for coaches.

Practice begins with Position Training. Then teams rotate stations to different stations while coaches will stay on an assigned court and run the same drill for each team that comes through the station.  This allows coaches to be assigned to the drill/skill that they are best equipped to run and teach. When training new coaches, pair newer coaches with experienced coach so they can learn how to adapt and modify the drill.

Teams rotating through stations also helps limit the amount of equipment that is needed. Boxes, blocking boards, additional court, etc.
After stations/master training, teams are given the flexibility to focus on the needs of their team with the other team they are paired with on a court (if you schedule two teams on one court). Master coach is available to answer any questions and to provide feedback while assisting teams as needed.
Practice before tournament weekends ends with competitive ladders.  Teams that have won move up a court, and teams that lose move down.
Illini Elite Volleyball (Bloomington, IL) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players, and fans.