For the past 3 days, I have been waking up at 6am to take the 30 min train to Odense to take part in a KidsVolley Camp. For school age children on this island it is winter holiday and they have the week off school (kinda like march break in Canada). I was invited by Thomas Lüthi, a fellow coach in Denmark, whom I met back in October when I was a guest at his KidsVolley Camp. We met up again at the Pokal festival when I was coaching one of my girls teams and asked me if I would like to be a part of the camp. I jumped at the opportunity. Partly for any chance to coach, meet people and do something different, but primarily to learn from Thomas. He is quite young and already has been coaching volleyball for 12 years as well as has a vast knowledge in pretty much everything!!!
KidsVolley is apparently a Dutch inspiration that has 5 levels depending on the childs skill level. It begins by throwing and catch the ball over the net on a badminton court and progesses all the way to actual volleyball on a badminton court. This camp was split into two categories level 3 and level 4. Level three is played just like regular volleyball except 3 players on the court and the second contact is caught and thrown. The first and the third contacts must be volleyball contacts. Level 4 has all the same rules as real volleyball except it is played with 3 players.
Much of the time we were split into two groups, where I had the level 4's. Mostly because they were a bit older and could understand my english a little better. This was a very different kind of camp. Alot of these players play within the local clubs and spend much of the time working on the basics. Serving and passing (which are very very important) but we tried to expose them to something different. The focus of the camp was offence and defence. Day 1 we taught the 'smash', teaching the 3 step approach and proper technique. Day 2 our focus was on diving and sprawling. And Day 3 was tourniment day and BT from Marienlyst came in to talk to the players as well. Keep in mind these kids are learning these skills at the ae of 9-12. I didn't even start playing anything organized until I was 12!!!
I really enjoyed coaching these children. It re-enforces my idea that I want to be a coach as a profession. To see these kids progress in such a short time is very rewarding. At the end of the camp, we asked the players what they liked and disliked about the camp. Almost all the comments were positive because it was very different than what they have been used to. Parents seemed to be pleased as well! I hope I get more chances to coach while i'm in Denmark! It's always fun signing autographs!
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