Volleyball stars Lisinac and Petric take valuable lessons from attending FIVB Level 2 Coaches Course in Cyprus

The FIVB Level 2 Coaches Course held earlier this week in Limassol, Cyprus, welcomed as many as 25 participants from around the world, including two of Europe’s most decorated champions and outstanding global stars: Srećko Lisinac and Nemanja Petric. While both Serbian athletes continue their professional playing careers, they are already preparing for a future in coaching at the highest level. The Cyprus Volleyball Federation, represented by its President Dr Costas Constantinou, honoured them for their outstanding contributions to the global Volleyball movement. 

The course was led by Professor Dr George Giatsis, a leading expert in kinesiology whose science-based approach has influenced Volleyball and Beach Volleyball techniques, performance, and research worldwide.

Srećko Lisinac said about the course: “I have been injured for two seasons and am still working on my recovery to play again. In the moments I cannot play, I am trying to learn about coaching and see Volleyball through the eyes of a coach. That’s why I decided to attend this course. We were welcomed so warmly in Cyprus, and I want to thank the Volleyball Federation and Mr George Stefanidis for their kind hospitality. The conditions and environment here are excellent for learning. Dr Giatsis’ presentation was really valuable for me. I believe Volleyball needs more science integrated into it. The lecture on biomechanics, motor control, and motor learning, and on how to adjust and improve certain elements of the game, was outstanding. He also provided very modern solutions to resolve practical challenges in Volleyball. I truly thank him.”

Nemanja Petric shared his perspective as well: “Although I am still an active player, I want to prepare myself and use this time to learn skills that will be useful in my coaching career. I aim to see Volleyball from a different perspective and prepare as best as possible for new challenges. I would like to sincerely thank the organisers and the Cyprus Federation, who supported us in every way. The organisation, facilities, and people were fantastic. For the first time, I had the opportunity to attend Dr Giatsis’ lectures. I was truly impressed by the insights, information, and data he shared. His contribution to high-level Volleyball and science is immense. I would really like to see him more involved in the education of coaches and players worldwide. His research in biomechanics is incredible and will be very useful for the progress of players and teams. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Dr Giatsis.”

Professor Giatsis said on the participants: “Engaging with world’s top Volleyball players, who are eager to transition into coaching, is always rewarding and inspiring. Srećko and Nemanja offered unique insights from their top-level skills. Their high-performance experience, combined with their willingness to integrate scientific knowledge, highlights how the game of Volleyball benefits when athletes of this level are involved. I am certain they will reach the highest level in coaching when they choose to pursue this career.”