From The First Chair Podcast

In this short PSA, Thierry & Frank discuss the COVID-19 impact on FTFC.

In this guestless episode, Frank & Thierry share their top 10 tips for championship season.   (0:48) - How is Frank feeling about his 18U boys team's upcoming championship season?   (1:57) - #10 - Keep some room in your practice planning for block training.   (4:06) - #9 - Watch next level playoff volleyball online. OVA YouTube Channel OUA TV   (7:30) - #8 - Focusing more or monitoring more closely off court factors like sleep, nutrition, hydration, etc.   (9:11) - #7 - Organize a team building activity.   (12:04) - #6 - Watch more game videos and use the freeze frame method.   (15:48) - #5 - Level up the mental preparation segment of your program.   (18:01) - #4 - More is not necessarily better.   (19:54) - #3 - Have individual meetings right at the beginning of championship season.   (24:49) - #2 - Get creative with practice planning.   (34:34) - #1 - Run primarily championship season drills.

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Maverick Volleyball Coach Paul Rainville to discuss the benefits of unorganized sports, the value and challenges with a centre approach, the Can Am Holiday Volleyball Showcase and much more.   (1:21) - Was Paul a two sport athlete at Laurentian University?   (2:20) - What lead Paul to choose volleyball over many other sports and become a coach?   (4:39) - Why does coach Rainville believe unorganized sports played a huge role in his upbringing?   (6:00) - Is unorganized play less frequent nowadays?   (7:33) - Was being a gym teacher or a coach always Paul's long term plan?   (8:43) - Why does coach Rainville particularly enjoy working with younger age groups?   (10:40) - How is the season going so far with the 14U boys Bandits and Renegades?   (11:39) - What is the most enjoyable part of coaching at that age group?   (12:36) - Having been involved with various centre approach, what are some of coach Rainville thoughts on the concept?   (15:01) - What is the key to

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Maverick Volleyball Coach John Salem to discuss the rewards and challenges of coaching younger female athletes, the technical and tactical development of his teams, the application of LTAD and much more.   (0:39) - How is the season going so far for the 14U Outlaws?   (1:02) - After being an assistant coach during his daughter's club career, why did coach Salem decide to work with the younger teams?   (3:11) - Why does John believe 13U girls is better suited for his personality?   (5:42) - Why does coach Salem remain at the younger age groups?   (6:58) - Is coaching at 13U girls simpler?   (8:09) - What are some of the typical issues a 13U coach will face?   (10:01) - How do you develop the attitude to go for the ball aggressively at a very young age?   (12:12) - What is John's approach with athletes that perhaps lack the physical strength to execute a skill properly?   (14:14) - Does Thierry share the same vision with his grade 8 school team?   (15:00) - What are

In this guestless episode, Frank & Thierry discuss recent club highlights, some international successes, how to help school and club ball athletes and much more.    (0:40) - Check out recent episodes Episode 45 - Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation with Melissa Healy Episode 46 - Broaden Your Horizon with John Spack Episode 48 - Growing the Maverick Volleyball Club, Being a Builder and Financial Literacy with Greg Skotnicki Episode 49 - Injury Prevention Through Proper Athlete Development with Jason McCullagh and Nick Haince Épisode 47 (FR) - Les leçons de vie d'une carrière légendaire avec Paul Gratton Épisode 51 (FR) - L'optimisation de la relation entraîneur-athlète et la préparation tactique défensive avec Gino Brousseau   (0:55) - What are some recent volleyball highlights that need to be mentioned? @mavsvball & @kw_predators_volleyball training together MVC donating to Diabeties Canada Passin Dimes Podcast Northern Ontario Sport Summit CanAm Volleyball Holiday Showcase   (6:30) - What are some

Dans cet épisode, Frank et Thierry accueillent Gino Brousseau, olympien, entraîneur adjoint de l'équipe nationale masculine, entraîneur adjoint à l'Université de Laval et membre du Temple de la  Renommée de Volleyball Québec et Volleyball Canada, pour discuter de sa carrière légendaire de volleyball, sa transition d'athlète à entraîneur, l'optimisation de la relation entraîneur-athlète et la préparation tactique défensive.   (0:54) - Comment vont les préparatifs pour le tournoi de qualification olympique?   (2:18) - Comment est-ce possible de préparer un plan de match contre une équipe inactive dernièrement étant donné que les joueurs sont avec leur équipe professionnelle respective?   (3:04) - Quels sont les objectifs pour un camp d'entraînement de courte durée?   (4:10) - Comment les joueurs de l'équipe arrivent à maintenir ou même améliorer la forme compte tenu d'un calendrier si chargé?   (7:05) - Étant un olympien qui a participé à trois tournois de qualification, quels sont les souvenirs qui ont par

In this episode, Frank welcomes Team Canada Assistant Coach Dan Lewis to discuss the National Excellence Program, his illustrious career, the requirements to being a great libero, drill design and much more.   (1:35) - How is training going with the National Excellence Program?   (3:17) - What could school, club and provincial team coaches do to help athletes better develop structural tolerance?   (5:20) - What is the make up of the athletes at the NEP this year?   (9:33) - What type of sports did Dan play growing up? Finland Prevails at WJC, Continuing Tradition of Punching Above Weight La finlande prouve que la compétence est plus forte que le nombre (French article)   (12:30) - How did Dan's early success in University impact his athletic development?   (15:30) - Why is competition with your teammates a very good thing?   (18:44) - How did Dan turn pro early and how did it go early on?   (22:53) - What kind of beach experience did Dan accumulate over the years and how did it help him be a better volleyball

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Strength Coaches Jason McCullagh and Nick Haince to discuss the rise in volleyball injuries, LTAD, sport specialization, athlete wellness and much more.   (0:50) - Why is another strength and conditioning topic discussed on a volleyball podcast? Volleyball Faces an Epidemic That is Hurting the Sport   (1:40) - Nick's bio  Episode 5 - Physical Preparation with Nick Haince   (2:10) - What was the impact of producing the initial podcast on physical preparation? @capital_strength_ts   (3:45) - Jason's bio @coachmccullagh   (4:05) - Why is coach McCullagh still providing some services to the Maverick Volleyball Club while now residing in the GTA?   (5:00) - As Jason is the instigator of the MVC off season strength conditioning program, how does he view its evolution over time?   (7:55) - What is Jason's and Nick's connection?   (8:50) - How does coach McCullagh perceive the growth of the SC program with MVC up to this point?   (11:14) - How many athletes are now trainin

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome MVC VP of Finance & Development Programs Greg Skotnicki to discuss the growth of an organization, how to become a builder, the importance of financial literacy and much more.   (0:25) - Why should a coach develop his administrative competencies?   (1:07) - Greg's bio   (1:27) - How is Greg a Maverick original?   (2:55) - When did coach Skotnicki start his coaching career?   (4:52) - What inspired Greg to pursue a military career?   (6:00) - How did Greg discover his passion for entrepreneurship?   (7:29) - How was Greg part of the club's tremendous growth early on?   (8:55) - What were the critical steps that made a difference in the club's growth?   (11:14) - How were the development programs expanded?   (14:55) - How did the expansion of the development side of the club impact the competitive side?   (16:46) - Why is it critical to have personnel exclusive to development programs?   (18:10) - How is growing organizations in Greg's DNA?   (21:43) - Why did Gre

Dans cet épisode, Frank et Thierry accueillent Paul Gratton, capitaine de l'équipe olympique de 1984, ex-agent de joueur professionnel au Canada et membre du Temple de la  Renommée de Volleyball Canada, pour discuter de sa carrière légendaire de volleyball, de ses diverses contributions considérables et des apprentissages qui découlent.   (1:45) - Comment est-ce que Paul a débuté sa carrière de volleyeur?   (4:05) - Quel a été l'impact de l'entraîneur de l'équipe nationale Ken Maeda?   (5:22) - En quoi constituait l'entraînement à temps plein avec l'équipe nationale à cette époque?   (9:50) - À quel moment est-ce que le rêve olympique s'est véritablement formé?   (11:18) - Comment est-ce que Paul a passé de recrue d'une équipe moyenne à joueur pilier d'une équipe mondialement réputée?   (14:05) - Étant donné la qualité du groupe d'athlètes et d'entraîneurs, quelle type de culture et de fonctionnement définissaient cette équipe?   (16:22) - Comment est-ce que plusieurs joueurs de l'équipe olympique ont dév

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome MVC 17U girls Head Coach John Spack to discuss the impact of his very successful summer program, Broaden Your Horizon.    (0:50) - John's bio   (1:06) - What is senior club volleyball?   (2:05) - Why did John start coaching volleyball?   (4:08) - Why does coach Spack work primarily with girls?   (5:15) - Having worked with Frank, does John have a related funny coaching story?   (7:10) - Why is coach Spack still very passionate about the game after all these years?   (8:35) - What lessons would John like to share with his younger self?   (11:07) - How does coach Spack keep learning and developing as a coach?   (12:10) - What can be learned from watching the NCAA female game?   (15:40) - What is John's coaching philosophy?   (17:45) - How did the Broaden Your Horizon program begin?   (20:50) - How has BYH evolved through the years?   (23:30) - Why do the athletes find the program so beneficial?   (25:20) - How much time does coach Spack spend preparing the details of

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Team Canada Medical Coordinator and Athletic Therapist Melissa Healy to discuss the role of an athletic therapist, common injuries, prevention strategies and more.    (1:23) - Which teams from the national men's program was Melissa overseeing this past summer?   (3:10) - What were some of the major challenges Melissa had to deal with this past summer?   (4:31) - Is dealing with injured athletes a challenge or a stressful situation?   (5:45) - What are some differences between summer programs and the National Excellence Program in regards to athletic therapy?   (7:55) - Did Melissa play volleyball growing up?   (8:50) - How did Melissa's passion for athletic therapy develop?   (12:25) - What are some of the main differences between physiotherapy and athletic therapy?   (14:15) - How do an athletic therapist and a physiotherapist collaborate with national team athletes?   (16:00) - What are some of Melissa's guiding principles when it comes to treating a condition?  

In this guestless episode, Frank & Thierry discuss their various summer engagements and what they learned through these enriching experiences.   (1:14) - Have you listened to most of our episodes released this summer with stellar guests? Episode 37 with Kerry MacDonald Episodes 38 and 41 with Ian Eibbitt Episode 39 with James Sneddon Episode 42 with Shayne White Episode 43 with Matt Schnarr   (2:30) - What did Frank do this summer in terms of coaching?   (6:31) - What did Thierry do this summer in terms of coaching?   (10:08) - Why should all coaches participate in a summer program?   (11:37) - What are Thierry's main takeaways from the summer?   (12:20) - Why is planning so important?   (16:40) - Is physical preparation the biggest limiting factor with summer programs?   (20:40) - Why is connecting with coaches and athletes so critical?   (24:50) - What is the impact of open communication?   (26:48) - Is there a gap with serving and defending with our male provincial athletes and what can be done about i

Dans cet épisode sans invité, François et Thierry élaborent au sujet de leurs engagements estivaux et partagent quelques apprentissages pertinents.   (1:25) - Avez-vous écouté les épisodes publiés au courant de l'été avec des invités remarquables? Épisode 34 avec Vincent Pichette (épisode en anglais) Épisode 40 avec Éric Daniel  Épisode 37 with Kerry MacDonald Épisodes 38 and 41 with Ian Eibbitt Épisode 39 with James Sneddon Épisode 42 with Shayne White Épisode 43 with Matt Schnarr   (3:30) - Quelle est la structure des programmes estivaux de volleyball en Ontario?   (5:58) - Quels ont été les projets dans lesquels Frank s'est investi au courant de l'été?   (8:04) - Quels ont été les projets dans lesquels Thierry s'est investi au courant de l'été?   (10:00) - Pourquoi tous les entraîneurs devraient s'investir dans un programme estival?   (11:37) - Quels ont été les principaux apprentissages pour Thierry en participant à ces projets?   (12:30) - Pourquoi la planification est si importante?   (15:50) - La p

In this episode, Thierry welcomes Mohawk College women's Head Coach and Team Ontario Black women's Head Coach Matt Schnarr to discuss the value his involvement with the provincial program, multi-sport athletes, college recruitment and more.    (1:00) - How is Team Ontario Black doing so far with its summer training?   (1:55) - What is a typical training day for Team Ontario Black?   (3:42) - What are the main teaching points for coach Schnarr with this 10 day training camp?   (5:52) - What is Matt working on personally as a coach this summer with the provincial team?   (9:50) - Why is coach Schnarr always trying to recruit multi-sports athletes?   (11:17) - How did Matt successfully play 2 collegiate sports?   (13:03) - Why did coach Schnarr become an assistant coach so quickly after his collegiate career?   (14:09) - How did Matt become a head coach in his second year of coaching?   (15:55) - How did coach Schnarr manage athletes that were ex-teammates and really good friends?   (16:39) - What were some earl

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Waterloo Warriors Men's Head Coach and Junior National Team Assistant Coach Shayne White to discuss high performance coaching, data driven planning, athlete profiling and more.    (1:00) - How is training going with the Junior National Team that is preparing for the U21 World Championships?   (1:44) - What is Shayne working on personally to become a better coach?   (3:34) - What did coach White learn from coach Joao Bravo, given his extensive volleyball background? VNL Symposium 2019: Joao Bravo - Defence and Reception: Training Cue Reading and Technical Skills   (5:25) - Is trying to execute simply but very efficiently the present trend in volleyball?   (7:20) - Did Shayne value sound fundamentals as an athlete too?   (8:40) - Did footwork skills transfer well from soccer to volleyball?   (10:00) - Should the indoor club season start later?   (14:30) - How did Shayne start his coaching career?   (17:15) - When did coach White come to the Ontario Volleyball scene?

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome back McMaster University men's Assistant Coach and Youth National Team Assistant Coach Ian Eibbitt to discuss leadership.    (0:48) - Check out previous episode with Ian Eibbitt on team culture   (1:57) - How did being a captain and a platoon chief helped Ian define his definition of leadership?   (4:36) - What kind of leadership did coach Eibbitt foster as a platoon chief?   (5:55) - What is a broad definition of leadership and what does a good leader do?   (10:02) - Many good resources are available online to help with the definition of leadership Simon Sinek TED talks of leadership (part 1, part 2) Simon Sinek presentation on why leaders eat last The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle The Captain's Class by Sam Walker   (11:15) - What were some of the first lessons on leadership that Ian learned through his firefighter experiences?   (14:22) - How can a coach or an athlete develop core values that are conducive to being a good leader?   (17:32) - Why is the dominant l

Dans cet épisode, Frank et Thierry accueillent Éric Daniel, ex-entraîneur de l'équipe nationale française et entraîneur du Pôle Espoir de Languedoc-Roussillon à Montpellier pour discuter du développement technique du jeune volleyeur.   (0:33) - Épisode 29 avec Jocelyn Trillon   (1:50) - Bio d'Éric Daniel   (2:20) - Quel est le meilleur souvenir d'Éric en tant que joueur?   (4:54) - Pourquoi est-ce que M. Daniel a muté sa carrière de joueur en entraîneur à un si jeune âge?   (6:56) - Est-ce qu'Éric préfère entraîner des jeunes volleyeurs en développement ou des athlètes professionnels?   (8:22) - Comment est-ce que M. Daniel a ajusté son approche en fonction du niveau des athlètes?   (9:05) - Comment est-il possible de motiver un athlète qui ne maximise pas ses efforts et sa performance?   (13:43) - Quelles sont les priorités techniques du développement de l'athlète français?   (20:05) - Pourquoi est-ce que le volley français mise davantage sur le «sideout» et la relance?   (23:43) - Comment est-ce qu'Éri

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Volleyball Canada's Director for Athlete and Coach Pathways James Sneddon to discuss coaching certification, Smashball, Safe Sport, a club recognition program and Women's National Excellence Program.    (1:05) - James' bio   (1:20) - What pushed James to pursue volleyball at a very young age?   (2:45) - What position did James play?   (3:25) - How did James' education background help him progress in his volleyball endeavours?   (4:01) - At what stage in his playing career did coach Sneddon know he was eventually going to coach?   (5:20) - What are some lessons that coaching at Capilano College taught James?   (7:40) - What does his role at Volleyball Canada as a Manager of Sport Development entail?   (9:00) - Why was the change in the coaching certification pathway such a big undertaking?   (12:50) - How can the online information on coaching certification be more intuitive and perhaps only be on one website? https://coach.volleyball.ca/   (16:45) - What is Smashba

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome McMaster University men's Assistant Coach and Youth National Team Assistant Coach Ian Eibbitt to discuss culture and Team Ontario values.    (0:40) - Why will coach Eibbitt be on the podcast for two episodes?   (1:40) - What are some of Ian's takeaways from the International Coaching Symposium after two days?   (2:46) - What were Ian's playing days like as an athlete?   (5:00) - How did Ian's professional career impact his ability to interact with individuals within a group?   (6:20) - What are some life altering moments that Ian witnessed over his 30 year career?   (8:16) - When did coach Eibbitt begin his coaching career?   (10:59) - How did the Madawaska Camp gig originally start?   (14:08) - What is the culture like at Madawaska?   (15:35) - Why is culture so important for coach Eibbitt?   (16:50) - How do you set up team culture and facilitate it with your athletes?   (21:55) - Why is creating and maintaining a team culture so difficult?   (25:28) - How do you