#CEVCoachesConvention 2024: Mol, Katoh, Rajovic inspiring 160+ participants in Sofia
The fifth edition of the CEV Coaches Convention officially kicked off on Saturday morning in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Attendees from 37 countries took part in the activities, planned for the first day of the event.
In the morning theoretical sessions, the participants gained important insights, listening to the talks delivered by speakers Mr. Kare Mol of Norway, Mr. Atsushi Andre Katoh and Mr. Ranko Rajovic (with assistant speaker Mr. Rok Tomazic).
Dr. Rajovic, who opened the day, gained the attendees’ attention by explaining more about the importance of neuroscience in sports, by stimulating the brain at an early age.
Rajovic highlighted the importance of the environment we are doing things, and training, in particular.
Dr. Ranko Rajovic“We must change the way we educate, since our environment has changed. Kids brains’ are very different than ours.”
Rok Tomazic“We have to be careful how we speak to them, they interpret things differently, and we don’t even know it.”
In the second theoretical session, Atsushi Andre Katoh gave the PE teachers and coaches tips on how to become better development coaches.
Atsushi Andre Katoh“Keep things playful on the court. Believe in the kids, try to foresee their potential before they even show it.”
The CEV Beach Volleyball Coach of the Year (2019 and 2021), Kare Mol highlighted that coaches must be able to see kids in a playful environment, as they also need “serious fun”.
Kåre Mol“Volleyball is a product. We need to know it. You have to create learning solutions on the court.”
“We need to show things to the kids, not to just talk to them. The most important skill in Volleyball is not serving, passing, or attacking, but being able to read the game. Don’t focus on winning or losing, but on what it takes to win. Try again after mistakes,” Mol concluded.
The day at Levski Sofia Sports Hall continued with practical sessions, delivered by the three speakers with the participation of kids who train at the Levski Sofia club.
In each one of the sessions, the attendees had the chance to observe different drills, approaches and methodologies, with the aim of finding that one strategy (or by combining them) that would work in their day-to-day work with the kids they are coaching. Furthermore, the coaches could take part in Q&A sessions with the speakers, addressing challenges that they might be facing in their work.
The Saturday agenda finished with a network event, where the participants could meet Volleyball colleagues from different countries, exchanging experiences and knowledge.
On the second day of the Convention, the attendees will take part in Working Group Sessions where the three speakers will be giving feedback, based on how the young coaches and physical education teachers can look together for a solution to real Volleyball cases.