D1 VolleyBlog

Improve Your Game Tip #5 - Tooling the Block

2011-01-14T00:09:00.003-06:00

Tooling the block – This is a great weapon for the savvy player. There are a lot of situations where you can use this weapon. Being able to control the ball and execute this is a key ingredient in being a great outside or opposite hitter. Here is a list of some situations and ways to get out of them:

1) A tight outside set – Learning to swipe the outside hand or blasting the ball at a opponents outside arm. You can also grab the ball with one hand and power through the block by pushing hard.

2) An off the net high ball – keep your feet behind the ball and driving the ball through the tops of the hands and arm of the block. These are the weaker areas of the block. Swinging high hands – the ball should have upward motion.

3) A tight inside set – there are two options here: attacking the ball in a controlled manner off the block so you can cover it and attack again; or driving the ball off the middle blocker's outside hand away from the block

4) A quick set were the block is late - you attack the floating block vs. giving a defender the chance to dig it

5) Tooling off a good set - there are many opportunities for this, aiming for hands that are in bad positions, a blocker that is flying by, or a blocker that doesn't penetrate the net.

Improve Your Game Tip # 4 - Aggressive but still bettering the ball

2011-01-13T23:15:00.005-06:00

Bettering the ball - Coaches use this phrase often. But what it means and how to implement it can be challenging to understand. The type of player who "betters the ball" is one that can adjust when a situation is not perfect and still produce the desired outcome. For example, a perfect set off a bad pass, a great dig off of an imbalanced block, a kill off of an out of system set.

Aggressiveness is your ability stay swinging hard, serving tough, and going after balls in serve receive and defense in regular and tight situations.

Your ability to balance these two concepts is a critical part about your growth into a overall well-developed volleyball player. How to do this and when to implement both of these is crucial. At D1, we believe being aware of game situations and having a no fear of failure attitude is key in this development. Has my teammate missed a serve in front of me? If so I need to be aggressive yet smart so we can score. It's a high out of system set so let's attack the block and go for a tool vs. just rolling it in. Work to balance this every time out and you will be steps above you opponent.

Improve Your Game Tip #3 - Constant Communication

2010-12-01T13:08:00.004-06:00

Your ability to communicate every point whether you’re on the court or off is extremely important. Our coaches, Dan Friend and Shane Davis, both say that when they are considering recruiting two athletes with similar potentials, if one communicates better and is more engaged with his teammates and coaches, they will lean towards that player every time. Think about it-- there is always something you can be talking about before, during, and after each play. Talk about passing, attacking, blocking, or what is being done on the other side. Even when you are on the bench you can and should continue to communicate with positive feedback to your teammates, especially since you can see things they can't from their perspective on the court.

Here is an excellent quote from Coach Dan Friend on this topic: "I believe young male players often hesitate to speak up or be assertive in this area. Perhaps because we are not sure we are saying the right thing, maybe we are afraid to let go a little, or even worried what a teammate might think. But if we error on the side of over-communication it will never hurt."

Take Coach Friend's advice and try being more vocal at your next practice or tournament. It will keep you and your teammates engaged and just might give you the edge over a tough opponent in a close match.

Go D1!

Improve Your Game Tip #2 - Serving in Crunch Times

2010-12-01T12:53:00.007-06:00

Serving in crunch times can be a real challenge, especially if a teammate has just missed before you. You want to put a good serve in without being overaggressive or too easy. This is always a fine line. The main thing to focus on is the area you would like to serve. Coach Dan Friend recommends splitting the court in half and aiming at either one side or the other. This allows you to narrow your focus just enough to be a little more consistent then say “just getting it in.” By narrowing your focus on where you are aiming at you allow yourself to clear your head of outside thoughts.

Remember, "It’s just you and the ball,” (Olympic Men's Volleyball Gold Medalist, Riley Salmon).

Good luck, D1!

Improve Your Game Tip #1 - Be a Positive Player

2010-12-01T12:20:00.008-06:00

How you carry yourself on and off the court is a huge part of your overall athletic development. Make it a conscious point to stay upbeat and positive, bringing good energy to your team during great plays and bad plays. Be careful about the looks you give to teammates and officials. If you feel you are getting down on yourself or another teammate, focus on the next play and try to find something positive a teammate does and praise him for it. Positive energy is contagious (and it makes the whole game much more fun).

Another important thing to remember going into each tournament weekend is that college coaches will be out watching as well as the parents and fans that speak with these coaches. Sometimes all it takes is one poor display of attitude for a college coach to take you off his/her radar.

Good luck D1!

Maniscalco and Podkowa (both of D1 18 Green) join the Loyola Chicago Men's Volleyball Team

2010-09-02T02:02:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Peter Maniscalco and Danny Podkowa on your commitment to the Loyola University Men's Volleyball Team! Both players enter their Division I collegiate careers after stellar high school and club performances, and now join their former D1 18 Green teammate, Matt Phillips, who is also a Rambler (see earlier post).

Best wishes to all of our D1 Alumni in your college careers!

D1 Coach Matt Martin Named 2010 AVCA Division I-II Men's National Assistant Coach of the Year

2010-09-02T01:20:00.000-05:00

This past May, D1 Coach Matt Martin was named the 2010 AVCA Division I-II Men's National Assistant Coach of the Year. This means while he was leading our D1 18 Green team to huge success both regionally and nationally, he was making huge strides coaching at Loyola as well. Click this link to read more about his accomplishment. Congratulations, Matt!

D1 18 Green Video Montage - 5th Place at Nationals 2010

2010-07-14T23:03:00.002-05:00

Check out this awesome video montage produced by some of our D1 18 Green players after their 5th place victory at the 2010 Junior National Championships in Austin, TX:

D1 18 Green Takes 5th Place Finish at Nationals

2010-07-11T12:20:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to D1 18 Green for an outstanding performance at the 2010 Junior National Championship in Austin, Texas. In the 18 Open Division, the team defeated several of the top teams in the country, including Santa Monica 18 Black and Riptides OC 18 Orange, before falling in a close 32-30, 25-17 loss against Outrigger in the quarterfinal match. D1 18 Green was the highest finishing team in the Midwest region (and the only Midwest team in the Top 10). Matt Phillips was chosen for the Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team. Congratulations, again, on an awesome finish to a truly memorable season.

The team members as pictured (top row, L-R) Coach Adam Beck, Patrick Barry, David Suwada, Danny Podkowa, Matt Phillips, Coach Matt Martin, (bottom row, L-R) Peter Maniscalco, Jon Ruprecht, Reis Foster, Kevin Maxwell, Pedro Calatayud, Tim Nance.

Reis Foster (D1 18 Green) Named to Chicago Sun Times 2010 All-Area Team

2010-06-22T16:47:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to D1 18 Green player, Reis Foster, for making the Chicago Sun-Times 2010 All-Area Team!

"A three-time all-Catholic League performer and the outstanding player of the 2010 league tournament, Loyola’s Reis Foster battled injuries to amass 205 kills with 141 assists, 25 blocks, 20 aces and 132 digs."

Congrats on a remarkable season and career, Reis!

The All-Area boys volleyball first team includes (seated, from left) Ryan Mabbott, Reis Foster, David Nelson; (standing, from left) Graham McIlvaine, Denny Falls, Buddy Steinhaus, Tyler Parks, Connor Wexter, Albert Klimek, Nick Baronti, Matt Butch, Eric Butch.
(Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times Media)

.....Continue reading full article at http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_volleyball/2352630,060310-boys-volleyball-all-area-team.article

(Article courtesy of YourSeason.com/Sun-Times Media).

Matt Phillips (D1 18 Green) Named to Volleyball Magazine's FAB 50

2010-05-14T12:17:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to D1 18 Green player, Matt Phillips, for being named to Volleyball Magazine/Sports Imports FAB 50! Each year, only 50 male volleyball athletes in the country get this special recognition, and we are proud to have a D1 player on this list. Way to go, Matt!
2010 VBM/Sports Imports FAB 50

Watch the USA Men's National Team in Action June 25-26th at Sears Centre

2010-05-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

Cheer on the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist team as they challenge Finland on June 25th and 26th at the Sears Centre Arena. See the flyer below for information on purchasing tickets at a special club discount:

USA vs. Finland at Sears Center 6/25-26

Jon Ruprecht (D1 18 Green) makes headlines with a successful return to the volleyball court

2010-05-13T12:46:00.000-05:00

York's Ruprecht beginning to breathe easier

While recovering from lung surgery that forced him to miss the beginning of the season, York senior Jon Ruprecht (pictured above, blocking) gained an even greater appreciation for his teammates.

"It was tough, senior season and being out for the first couple weeks," Ruprecht said. "The good thing is, I feel people really stepped up. We have juniors coming up from (junior varsity) playing like they've been playing (varsity) for a couple years. We're still missing a lot of guys, but so many guys are stepping up. It's nice to see."

Ruprecht helped the Dukes finished fifth at the Glenbrook North Tournament Friday and Saturday.

York beat Notre Dame 25-21, 25-21 in the fifth-place match after beating Lake Zurich 25-16, 25-15 and losing to Oak Park-River Forest 25-16, 25-20 earlier in the day. York also beat Carmel 25-20, 25-21 and lost to Vernon Hills 25-22, 26-24 Friday.

Ruprecht had 30 kills and 15 blocks in the tourney to pace a balanced attack by the Dukes.

"It's been tough," Ruprecht said. "I've been getting back. I'm still a little winded, but just being around these guys and being with a team that is so solid all around is really helping me."

.......Continue reading the full article at http://www.pioneerlocal.com/elmhurst/sports/highschools/2263222,elmhurst-ykbvbl-051310-s1.article

(Article courtesy of The Doings Elmhurst/Your Season.com)

D1 players in the news for high school season

2010-05-12T16:05:00.000-05:00

Ramblers' Asencio a one-man show at setter

Mario Asencio runs a high-powered offense, but sometimes Loyola is missing its turbo-charger.

The Ramblers' sophomore setter succeeded Pioneer Press North Stars Player of the Year Elias Aparcedo. Asencio began the season as part of a two-setter offense with junior Peter Sylvain, but now Asencio will have to go it alone after Sylvain broke his finger during practice April 28 and likely will miss the remainder of the season.

"I'm more comfortable getting assists," said Asencio, who set for the freshman A team last season. "The coaches have given me support, along with the players."

But Loyola's attack isn't quite the same without Reis Foster (pictured above in white jersey), a 5-foot-11 outside hitter. The senior could play in only the first of three matches Saturday at the 24-team Downers Grove South Invitational. He is battling tendinitis in his knees that have limited his play.

.......Continue reading full article at http://www.pioneerlocal.com/glencoe/sports/highschools/2233576,glencoe-loybvbl-050610-s1.article

(article courtesy of Glencoe News/YourSeason.com)

Register soon for summer collegiate camps

2010-05-12T12:50:00.000-05:00

Collegiate camps offer young players a taste of what volleyball at the next level is all about. I've uploaded brochures for several of the best camps in the midwest area below. Get your registrations in soon before these popular camps fill up!

Loyola Camp

Lewis Camp

Ball State Camp

CarthageCamp

OSUCamp

D1 offers great opportunities for new friendships

2010-04-24T13:50:00.001-05:00

One of the unique benefits of playing club volleyball is the opportunity to make connections with people outside of your high school or neighborhood who share a similar passion for volleyball. At D1, we are lucky to have membership of players from all over the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. This photo was taken after a recent high school match between Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius, and it features all the D1 players from each school together. Pictured standing from L to R are: Patrick Hardy, Rimas Grybauskas, Colin Rodnick, Reis Foster, Charlie Kuhn, Creighton Pyles, Pat Barry, and Mario Asencio. Below from L to R is Joe McIlhattan and Sean Barry. Special thanks to D1 parent, Kevin Kuhn, for organizing and sharing this special photo.

More D1 Players in the News for High School Season Success

2010-04-24T13:37:00.000-05:00

D1 players Emmett O'Keefe (#7 pictured left), Jack Preis, Landon Massel, and Jonny Bulwa were featured in an April 21st CSLinsider.com article. The players' high school team, Glenbrook North, defeated Highland Park in two sets, 25-18 and 25-17. Nice work, guys!

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.cslinsider.com/news/extradrillspayoffforgbnagainsthighlandpark.aspx

D1 18 North Player, Jack Preis, named to All-Tournament Team at WWS Tiger Classic

2010-04-24T13:34:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Jack Pries on being named to the All-Tournament Team at Wheaton-Warrenville South's Tiger Classic! Click the following link to read the full Northbrook Star news article:
Preis, Glenbrook North salvage 7th at Tiger Classic :: SPORTS :: PIONEER PRESS :: Northbrook Star

D1 Coach Shane Davis named MIVA Co-Coach of the Year

2010-04-22T15:59:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to D1 Coach Shane Davis for being named MIVA Co-Coach of the Year!

Davis earns Co-Coach of the Year honors after leading Loyola to an 18-5 overall record and a 10-2 mark in the MIVA, good for a second-place finish. He shares his third career award with Ohio State's Pete Hanson, who led OSU to a first-place finish, posting an 11-1 record in conference play. Davis also earned Coach of the Year accolades in 2005 and 2006 after leading the Ramblers to back-to-back regular-season titles.

To read more, check out the full article at: http://loyolaramblers.cstv.com/sports/m-volley/spec-rel/042210aaa.html

D1 coaches prepare for the MIVA conference playoffs kicking-off this Saturday , April 24th

2010-04-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

A whole slew of D1 coaches are busy preparing for the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) playoffs scheduled to kick off this Saturday. Quarterfinal matches will take place at Loyola, Lewis, and Ball State this Saturday, April 24th. Click the following link to view the full schedule and show your D1 support at an upcoming match: http://www.mivavolleyball.com/seasons/2009-10/releases/4-18-MIVA_Tourn_Pairings

Good luck to all of our D1 coaches!

D1 players in the news for high school season

2010-04-21T11:14:00.000-05:00

Ramblers get first look at Stanford recruit in CCL showdown :: High Schools :: YourSeason

Three D1 players-- Pat Barry, Reis Foster, and Mario Asencio-- were highlighted in an April 13th Pioneer Local article. Pat Barry is featured in photo at left. Click link to read more.

Five D1 players make commitments to play collegiate volleyball

2010-04-20T18:28:00.001-05:00

Five members of D1 Volleyball Club have made commitments to play volleyball in college. Here they are (and this list is growing...):

Matt Phillips (pictured above signing his National Letter of Intent) - Loyola
Peter Maniscalco - Loyola
Pat Barry - Carthage
Pedro Calatayud - Robert Morris
Kevin Maxwell - St. Xavier

Congratulations on this great accomplishment, guys!

D1 Players in the News for High School Season

2010-04-20T17:16:00.000-05:00

Veteran Notre Dame squad sets lofty goals :: High Schools :: YourSeason

Several D1 players made the news as their high school team was featured in an article on March 15, 2010. Click the above link to read more.

D1 18 Green Coach Matt Martin Highlighted in USAV High Performance Newsletter

2010-04-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

Coach Matt Martin was featured in the "Coach Spotlight" section of USA Volleyball's High-Performance Newsletter this March. It's exciting to see one of our D1 coaches recognized at the National level for their expertise. Congrats, Matt!

D1 17 Green Earns Bid to Junior Olympic Tournament

2010-04-20T16:50:00.001-05:00

IMG_2311, originally uploaded by D1 Volleyball Club.

This photo was taken after D1 17 Green clinched their bid to the 2010 Junior Olympic Volleyball Tournament to be held in Austin, TX this July. Good luck, guys!

Great New Pics of D1 15 North

2010-04-20T16:32:00.002-05:00

DSC_0138, originally uploaded by SMargolin.

Visit the D1 Volleyball Club Flickr page to view the full gallery of photos, compliments of D1 parent, Scott Margolin. Thanks, Scott! http://www.flickr.com/photos/smargolin/sets/72157623310980813/

So we're starting a blog....

2010-04-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

There's so much happening at D1 Volleyball Club, I figure a blog might be a fun, efficient way to share all of our news. I'm starting by posting some photos from the past several seasons, and I would like to continue with more photos, links to D1 players and coaches in the sports headlines, and more. Please send anything you think might be of interest to our members, and I'll be happy to include it!