Volleyball Lessons

I lead my students through high-level volleyball exercises, focusing on excellent technique across key skills. My training emphasizes passing, hitting, setting, and serving (including jump serves, ground serves, and float serves), as well as proper hand and foot positioning, jump height, and speed improvement. Each session begins with a warm-up that includes running and stretching. Next, players warm up with a ball, practicing basic ball-handling skills with a partner. We then move into specific drills designed to improve technique, including passing, setting, blocking, and serving drills. I demonstrate each exercise myself to ensure clarity. Throughout each drill, I closely monitor every participant, providing feedback to ensure they maintain correct form, with proper positioning of their feet and hands.

Master's in Sport Coaching and Fitness Testing Bachelor's in Sports Science 11 years of experience as a volleyball coach 14 years of experience as a volleyball player Recipient of a full-ride college volleyball scholarship

Private Lesson: $300 per hour Package Deals: 5 hours: $1,450 10 hours: $2,900

I bring a wealth of experience to the volleyball world, having played for a club team in Montenegro for a decade and proudly representing the Montenegrin National Team. My dedication and talent earned me full-ride scholarships at Mineral Area College and Rockhurst University, earning All-Region honors in 2008 at Mineral Area College and competing in NCAA Division II at Rockhurst University. Transitioning to coaching, I began my journey with the Rockhurst Volleyball team in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2012. Since then, I've had the privilege of coaching college athletes and working with a diverse range of age groups. During my Master's studies in Finland, I served as the head coach for the Jyle volleyball team and as an assistant coach for the Huki volleyball team, mentoring athletes aged 10 to 20. Upon relocating to New York, I continued to make an impact in the volleyball community. As an assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I organized practices and games, providing high-level drills and strength and conditioning exercises. I further expanded my coaching portfolio as Assistant Men’s Volleyball Coach at Baruch College, where I demonstrated high-level skills and conditioning techniques. My coaching journey also includes successful stints at Avenues The World School, Computer School, and Bank Street School, where I led teams to championships and fostered a love for learning among young athletes. In 2016, I was appointed as the head women's volleyball coach at CCNY, where I continued to shape the next generation of volleyball stars. From 2019 to 2021, I had the honor of serving as the head volleyball coach for the International Volleyball Club in New York, further solidifying my reputation as a leader in the volleyball community.

I have worked with students ranging from ages 10 to 50. Volleyball players come from diverse backgrounds, and each group may require different types of coaching or support. Here are a few examples: Beginners: These players are new to the sport and need guidance on the fundamentals, including proper form, rules, and basic skills such as serving, passing, and setting. Intermediate Players: These players have a solid understanding of the game and can perform the basic skills, but need to refine their technique. They often focus on consistency, improving footwork and timing, and learning game strategies. Advanced Players: These athletes are highly skilled and possess a strong technical grasp of the game. Their training focuses on fine-tuning individual skills, such as powerful serving or precise setting, while also improving their strategic understanding of team dynamics, rotations, and situational play. Highly Competitive Players: These players are aiming for elite levels, such as high school varsity, club teams, or college volleyball. They require intense focus on physical conditioning, mental toughness, and advanced strategies. The emphasis is on performing under pressure and making effective decisions in high-stakes situations. Specialized Positions: Some players focus on specific roles, such as setters, liberos, outside hitters, or middle blockers. Training for each position often requires targeted drills and tactics, and these athletes need coaching tailored to their specific responsibilities on the court.

One of my proudest moments as a coach came when my players made the varsity and junior varsity teams. This year was a highly successful one, not just in terms of wins, but in how the athletes grew and developed. Watching the players earn their spots on the respective teams was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and progress throughout the season. It was rewarding to see their individual growth, especially as they learned to push themselves and support each other, regardless of which team they were on. The commitment and improvement from everyone involved made this season unforgettable

If a student is looking to hire a coach or teacher in the area of volleyball, here’s some advice I’d offer: Look for Experience and Expertise: Seek out a coach who has substantial experience in volleyball, ideally someone who has played at a high level or coached for several years. A coach who understands the nuances of the game, including technique, strategy, and team dynamics, will be more effective at helping you progress. Consider Specialization: If you're looking for coaching in a specific position (like setting, serving, or defense), consider finding someone who specializes in that area. Specialized coaches can offer targeted drills and insights tailored to improving your skills in that position. Check for Strong Communication Skills: A good coach must be able to explain complex concepts in an understandable way. Look for someone who is patient, clear in their explanations, and who adapts their teaching style to your learning needs. Look for Compatibility and Coaching Philosophy: The best coach for you isn’t just the most skilled or experienced, but also someone whose coaching style and philosophy match your needs. Do you prefer a coach who focuses on fundamentals and technique, or one who emphasizes strategy and game analysis? Make sure their approach aligns with what you're hoping to achieve. Evaluate Teaching Style and Approach: Some students thrive in a more structured, disciplined environment, while others prefer a creative, flexible approach. If possible, try to observe a session or speak to the coach about their methods before committing. A good coach will tailor their approach to your learning style and goals. Assess Their Availability and Commitment: Ensure the coach has the time and commitment to work with you regularly. Consistency is key in improving, so it’s important that the coach is reliable and available to meet your schedule. Consider Your Goals: Be clear about what you want to achieve, whether it’s mastering the basics, advancing to a competitive level, or refining specific skills. A coach who understands your goals will be able to create a customized plan to help you reach them. Watch for Professionalism: Professionalism in terms of punctuality, preparation, and demeanor can make a big difference in your overall experience. A coach who is reliable, organized, and dedicated to your development will likely help you progress more effectively. By carefully evaluating a potential coach with these factors in mind, you’ll be better positioned to find someone who can truly help you improve and reach your goals in volleyball.

1. What are my specific goals? 2.What is my current skill level? 3 .What is my availability and commitment level? 4.Am I looking for general coaching or specialized guidance? 5.What type of coaching style do I respond well to?