Youth Coaching Courses conclude at Riga Volleyball School

From October 15 to 16, the “Action Volley” Youth Volleyball Coaching Courses took place in Riga, led by renowned Dutch coach Remko Kenter, who introduced the participants to the “Action Volley” and “Smashball” concepts. 

Among the 70 participants were both sports school coaches and several physical education teachers from general education schools. The courses were also attended by international specialists, including Daniele Mario Capriotti, head coach of the Latvian women’s national team, and Fiodor Majarov, a coach from Moldova.

On the first day, the focus was on the principles of “Action Volley” indoors, while the second day was dedicated to understanding the concept of “Smashball.” Participants also explored the role of the coach, discussing questions such as how a coach works, observes, and interacts with children. Each day began with theoretical sessions, followed by practical application in the afternoon, where participants worked with young volunteer players from Riga Volleyball School and Inguna Minusa’s Volleyball School. The courses concluded with a theoretical exam.

“It may be that Action Volley and Smashball are seen as “out of the box.” It’s true that they represent a different vision, but children have also changed,” Kenter said. “I hope the participants will remember Action Volley as Volleyball through the eyes of children, and that we should make more use of the net. I also hope they will remember Smashball as an accessible and inclusive game that allows children to participate easily. In this way, we can attract and engage more children in Volleyball,” he continued. 

“The participants I spoke with were enthusiastic about the new insights. Some ideas were truly out of the box. Participants don’t have to adopt everything, but they can certainly take elements from the methods we discussed. The children found it fun and challenging. There was joy - and that is important, because children who have fun learn more. In my view, it is essential to listen to children and to empathise with their world. The connection with them is the key to success,” Kenter emphasised.

“When we look at Volleyball, it’s important to make use of the net and simply let the children play the game. We should never forget that children are the true owners of the sport. Create beautiful memories with them, so that when they grow older, they will remember their time with you as a coach as a positive and valuable experience.”

Participants received a certificate of attendance provided by the CEV. The courses, held in English, were organised in cooperation with the CEV under the scope of the School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’.