August 4 2025 Academy Newsletter
it is more than just the score.
How is Beach Volleyball Different from Indoor Volleyball?These two variations of our sport share the same core, but they're distinct challenges that require different approaches:
Here are some key ways we keep the lines of communication open for both players and coaches, broken down into phases of our year-long journey:
Want to know what is going on at the Academy here is the newsletter
For our dedicated team managers, your role is vital in making sure our team runs smoothly behind the scenes. You're the conductor, making sure all the parts fit together, freeing up our players and coaches to focus on the game.
Here’s how you, as a manager, can set us up for off-court success:
To truly "Strive to be better tomorrow than you are today," it's vital that we're all on the same page about what it means to be part of this elite team. This isn't just about what happens on the court; it's about the values we live by, the effort we put in when no one's watching, and how we elevate each other. A strong team, a positive environment, and genuine growth are built on clear expectations.Here are the key aspects to consider when creating our team's Code of Conduct, ensuring every athlete embraces their pivotal role in their own journey and the collective success of our Academy:
As your coach, I'm excited to talk about your crucial role in our shared volleyball journey. Our core philosophy at Canadian Elite Academy is "Strive to be better tomorrow than you are today." This isn't just a motto; it's the foundation of how we develop champions, both on and off the court. Being an elite athlete means taking ownership of your personal growth. It’s about the work you put in when coaches aren't watching, when it's just you and your aspirations. We provide the guidance, but you are the one driving your progress. Your commitment, effort, and eagerness to learn are what truly set you apart.
Here’s what your "Role of the Parent" document should highlight for our CEA families: Role of the Parent: Preparing for the Journey Before the season kicks off, setting the right foundation is key.
• Understand Your Role:
• Align Expectations:
.• Support Holistic Development:
• Open Communication with Coaching Staff:
• Emphasize "Earning It":
Role of the Parent: Embracing the Process
• Be a Positive Voice:
.• Respect the Coach's Authority:
.• Focus on Effort & Growth:
.• Encourage Athlete Responsibility:
• Address Concerns Privately and Respectfully: .
• Model Sportsmanship:
.Role of the Parent: Reflecting and Growing After the season, your guidance helps solidify lessons learned and prepares them for what’s next.
• Process Disappointment Constructively:
• Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Wins:
.• Support Off-Season Development:
• Reinforce Life Skills:
Homework for Parents (Making Champions at Home!):
Here are a few actionable suggestions for you to implement and support your athlete's journey:
1. The "Two-Minute Rule" Challenge:
2. Process-Oriented Goal Setting:
3. Positive Observation Practice:
4. Coach Communication Role-Play:
5. "Encouragement Pin" Initiative (Adaptable!):
Remember this powerful truth as you guide your athlete:"The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." — Bobby Knight.
Your dedication to preparing them, supporting them, and nurturing their growth, on and off the court, is what truly makes them champions. Let's continue to build incredible athletes and even better people, together!
Achieving success in volleyball, much like in life, is deeply intertwined with your mindset, the effort you put in, and your resilience in the face of challenges. The sources consistently highlight these three pillars as essential for peak performance and ultimately, triumph.
Mindset: The Foundation of Success
A winning mindset is paramount, often described as the differentiating factor between average individuals and the truly great.
It involves:
•Belief in oneself and purpose:
•Taking ownership and control:
•Vision and confidence:
•Embracing discomfort and challenges:
•Overcoming fear and self-betrayal:
Effort: The Engine of Achievement
•Relentless work ethic and grind:
•Discipline over feelings:
•Consistency and daily action:
•Sacrifice and paying the price:
•Creating opportunities:
•Resilience: The Power to Endure
•Refusal to quit:
•Learning from pain and failure:
•Pushing through discomfort:
•Transforming adversity:
•Unstoppable declaration:
Open Beach Sessions, Private Lessons, Royalty of the Beach Tourney, Making the Cut Camps, Summer League, Ask Penny F.A.Q
When we look at the highest levels of competition, like the North American Challenge you mentioned, it's not just about who shows up; it's about the depth of preparation, the competitive mindset, and the relentless pursuit of individual and team excellence
While the sources don't directly compare NCAA and U Sports, they give us a lot of insight into what separates the best from the rest in any high-level volleyball program. Let's break down some of the factors that contribute to elite performance, because at the end of the day, Canadian Elite Academy Volleyball players strive to be better tomorrow than they are today!
Here are some key factors that contribute to the level of play you see:
Why Elite Performance Differs
Alright team, listen up! When we talk about setters, we're talking about the engine of the offense, the playmakers
At the Canadian Elite Academy, we always say you need to be better tomorrow than you are today and for setters, that means constantly sharpening your mind as much as your hands!
What truly separates the "great" setters from the "best" at the highest levels isn't just their incredible touch; it's their ability to be the "master conductor" leveraging their intellect, vision, and relentless preparation to orchestrate the offense, even under immense pressure. It's a match of wits, not just brawn!
Before you even step on the court or touch a ball, get your head in the game!
Before: Preparation & Mindset
Before you even step on the court or touch a ball, get your head in the game!
During: Practice & Execution
When you're on the court, focus on these key strategies to outsmart your opponents:
After: Reflection & Continued Growth
The work doesn't stop when practice ends. This is where champions are made!
Homework Suggestions (3-5 to level up!)A Quote to Inspire
"I have had to change the game to one that is a match of wits rather than brawn to give myself a fighting chance." — Todd Rogers
You've got this, future All-Stars! Keep working smart, stay dedicated, and remember, every ounce of effort you put in contributes to being better tomorrow than you are today!
Here's how you can make these next 5 minutes count, building on that Canadian Elite Academy mindset to be better today than you were yesterday:
Before the Whistle (The Next 5 Minutes!)
•Breathe Deep & Center: Take a few slow, deep breaths. This helps calm your nervous system and brings you into the present moment. Clear your head of any distractions
Visualize Success: Close your eyes for a moment. See yourself making that perfect pass, delivering a powerful serve, or executing a game-winning block. Imagine the ball doing exactly what you want it to, and yourself reacting quickly and confidently. Mental rehearsal is a huge part of your game.
•Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself of your strengths. Say things like, "I am confident in my abilities," or "I am focused and determined". Replace any negative thoughts with affirmations
•Review Your controllable SMART Goals: Think about those process-oriented goals you set for yourself. Maybe it's "I will communicate on every play," or "I will hustle for every ball". Focus on what you can control in this game, not the outcome. During the Warm-Up (Once the Whistle Blows!)
•Engage in Dynamic Stretching: Get your body ready. Focus on arm circles, shoulder rolls, and leg swings to increase blood flow and warm up your muscles.
•Focused Ball Touches: Once the balls are out, make every touch count. Concentrate on the feel of the ball, your hand placement for setting, and your platform for passing. Consistency starts with your first contact.
After the Game (Reflection & Recharge)
•Self-Assess Honestly: Win or lose, take a moment to reflect. What went well? What challenged you? What's one thing you learned from the game?
•Seek Specific Feedback: If you can, ask your coach for targeted feedback on an area you're working on26....•Rest & Rehydrate: Your body needs time to recover and rebuild to get stronger. Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.
•Set New SMART Goals: Based on your reflections, set clear, measurable goals for your next practice or individual training session
.Your Elite Homework (Work When No One's Watching!)
This is where Canadian Elite Academy players truly excel – putting in the work consistently, even when there's no coach around.
Get Your Own Ball & Embrace Reps: Seriously, it's a game-changer. You need to touch a volleyball every day. Commit to solo drills like wall setting (aim for 150 times a night to soften those hands!), wall passing, and targeted serving practice.
Cross-Train for Explosiveness & Agility: Volleyball is a dynamic sport. Incorporate jump training, plyometrics (like box jumps onto a low step), and agility drills (using tape for an imaginary ladder) into your routine. This builds the athleticism crucial for hitting, blocking, and defense.
Deep Dive into Video Analysis: The internet is your friend here. Don't just watch highlight reels! Study elite players in your position. Analyze their footwork, arm swing, and decision-making. Even better, record yourself during solo drills and analyze your own technique.
Journal Your Journey: Keep a simple log of your at-home workouts. Note what you did, how it felt, and any breakthroughs or challenges. Seeing your progress over time is incredibly motivating and reinforces your dedication.
Consistent Mental Practice: Just like physical reps, mental reps are vital. Continue with visualization, positive self-talk, and mindfulness exercises daily. This strengthens your mental game, helping you stay focused and resilient under pressure.
You've got this! Keep putting in that consistent effort, and you'll keep reaching new heights.
Hey Canadian Elite Academy Players,
It's completely normal to feel a bit anxious before a game; it shows how much you care about your performance\! We want to make sure that energy works *for* you, not against you. Just like perfecting your arm swing, fueling your body with the right nutrition is essential for peak performance and dominating on the court. Proper nutrition isn't just about today's game; it's a vital part of your long-term growth and development, embodying that "will to prepare to win.
"Here’s how to make sure your engine is ready for game time:**Fueling Up for Game Day: What to Eat Before a Game**Your main pre-game meal is crucial for sustained energy. Aim to have this 2 to 3 hours before your game or event. This allows your body enough time to digest and absorb vital nutrients, so you feel energized, not sluggish, on the court.* **Carbohydrates are Your Main Fuel:** These are your primary energy source for intense activity like volleyball\! Focus on complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady, sustained release of energy.* *Examples:* Whole grains (like quinoa or brown rice), fruits, vegetables, or whole wheat pasta.* **Protein for Muscle Power:** Include a moderate amount of lean protein sources. This supports muscle repair and growth and helps prevent muscle breakdown during prolonged physical activity.* *Examples:* Lean chicken breast, fish like salmon, lean ground turkey, tofu, legumes, or Greek yogurt.* **Healthy Fats for Lasting Energy:** Include a small portion of healthy fats. They provide a concentrated energy source and contribute to overall fullness.* *Examples:* Nuts, seeds, avocados, or olive oil.Some great pre-game meal combinations include:* Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted vegetables.* Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce and lean ground turkey.* Salmon with sweet potato and steamed asparagus.* Veggie stir-fry with tofu and brown rice.* Turkey or chicken wrap with a whole wheat tortilla, mixed greens, and avocado.Remember to choose easily digestible foods to avoid discomfort during the game.**In-Between Fuel & Hydration**Sometimes you need a quick boost, or you're in a tournament with multiple games.* **Strategic Snacks:** These help maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue during prolonged events or between matches. If there's limited time before a game, a smaller snack 30-60 minutes beforehand can provide a quick energy source.* *Examples:* Fruit with nut butter, yogurt with granola, trail mix, or a protein bar.* Always listen to your body and adjust portion sizes based on your personal tolerance.* **Hydration is NON-NEGOTIABLE:** Staying hydrated is vital for optimal athletic performance, regulating your body temperature, and keeping your mind sharp for decision-making on the court.* Drink water regularly before, during, and after your game.* Bring your own water bottle, making sure it's clean and the right volume for your activity's duration.As Bobby Knight said, "The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important." Proper nutrition is a huge part of that preparation\!You're earning it, Canadian Elite Academy players\! Every good choice you make, including what you eat, contributes to being better tomorrow than you are today. Now go get fueled up and dominate that court
Hello,
It's fantastic that you're reaching out and showing that incredible drive to get better, even when you're not in front of a coach. That's the mindset that truly sets elite athletes apart, because real improvement is earned through consistent effort and dedication, not instant gratification. Dealing with pre-game jitters is totally normal, even for the pros\! The key is to focus on what you can control and turn that nervous energy into a powerful force for your game.
Let's break down how you can get that overhand serve consistently over the net and put some serious pressure on the other side!
Before you even step on the court or grab a ball, let's get your head in the game:
•Set SMART Goals: Don't just say "I want my serve to go over." Get specific!
Make it Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For example: "I will do 20 quality overhand serves focusing on my toss every other day," or "I will hit 10 serves into Zone 2 during each practice".
These goals are totally within your control, and you earn them through your dedication.
•Visualize Success: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and see yourself executing that perfect serve. Imagine the ball clearing the net and landing exactly where you want it. Mental rehearsal is a huge part of your game.
•Study the Pros: The internet is a powerful tool when used correctly. Find videos of elite servers online. Watch their footwork, arm swing, body position, and how they make contact. Analyze what they do, then try to mimic it in your shadow practice.
•Warm Up Right: Before any physical activity, make sure you're doing dynamic stretches that get your body ready, especially your shoulders and core, like arm swings and torso rotations. This helps prevent injuries and gets your muscles ready to fire!
During: Practice & Execution
When you're practicing, focus on these key technique points for that overhand serve:
•Consistent Toss: This is HUGE. You need the same toss height and the same toss location every single time. Without a consistent toss, it's tough to get consistent contact.
•Powerful Arm Swing & Contact: Focus on a firm, clean contact with the ball, ideally with the middle of your hand hitting the middle of the ball. Generate power from your legs and use a smooth, forceful arm swing.
•Contact at Highest Point: For an overhand serve, especially a jump serve, aim to contact the ball at the highest point of your jump, before you start to land. This gives you the best angle to get the ball over
.•Target Practice: Use drills like target serving. Set up cones or markers in different zones on the court and aim for them. This builds accuracy and consistency.
•Serve Progression: If you're struggling, don't be afraid to go back to basics. You can start with an underhand serve to build control, then progress to the overhand float serve, focusing on hitting the ball without spin so it floats unpredictably.
•Mental Focus: Stay calm and composed. Visualize your serve going over the net and landing where you want it to, right before you serve.
After: Reflection & Next Steps
The work doesn't stop when practice ends!•Reflect & Learn: After a session, think about what went well and what you can improve. If a serve went into the net, don't get down on yourself – reframe that mistake as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from that for next time?".
•Seek Feedback: If you have access, ask your coach for specific feedback on your serve. What do they see that you can adjust?
•Set New Goals:
Based on your reflection, set new SMART goals for your next practice or individual training session.
For the Future: Continuing to Level Up at Home
What do the Canadian Elite Academy have to offer...check it out,
