Apply AI to Improve Our Coaching

Human performance expert Dr. Fergus Connolly argues that all coaching and training should impact winning.

Ergo, ask how to apply new or enhanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

For example, suggest ways to improve:

• Defending the outside hitter
• Blocking 
• Digging 

or whatever other areas translate to winning games against high level competition. This is consistent with the structure of improved skill, strategy, physicality, and psychology/resilience. 

Yes, this poses 'rhetorical' questions, yet AI gives dispassionate answers independent from the 'White Whale' framework. 

Here's an AI (ChatGPT) answer: 

Improving defense against outside attacks in volleyball requires a combination of individual skills, teamwork, and strategic positioning. Here are some ways you can enhance your defense against outside attacks:

1. Anticipate the attack: Encourage your defenders to read the opposing team's hitters by observing their approach, body position, and arm swing. Anticipation allows defenders to react more quickly and be in a better position to make a play.

2. Quick reaction and footwork: Emphasize the importance of quick reactions and agile footwork. Defenders should be able to move laterally and forward/backward rapidly to reach the ball effectively. Practice drills that focus on agility, such as ladder drills and cone exercises.

3. Proper positioning: Teach your defenders to position themselves in the right spot on the court to maximize their defensive coverage. Generally, defenders should align themselves with the attacker, a few steps away from the net, and be ready to react in any direction.

4. Communication and teamwork: Effective communication among teammates is crucial for successful defense. Encourage constant communication between players to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities and can coordinate defensive efforts.

5. Train defensive techniques: Work on specific defensive techniques, such as digging, rolling, and sprawling, to improve your ability to keep the ball off the ground. Focus on developing good body control, balance, and a solid platform when digging or passing the ball.

6. Increase reaction time: Incorporate reaction drills into your training sessions. Use tools like reaction balls or random ball machines to challenge your defenders' reaction time and improve their reflexes.

7. Video analysis: Review game footage to identify defensive weaknesses and areas for improvement. Analyze the positioning and movement of defenders to identify patterns and opportunities to adjust defensive strategies.

8. Scrimmage against strong attackers: Arrange practice sessions or friendly matches against teams or players with powerful outside hitters. Challenging your defenders with high-intensity attacks will help them improve their ability to read and defend against strong outside attacks.

9. Mental focus and discipline: Remind your defenders to stay mentally focused throughout the game. Encourage discipline and remind them to maintain proper defensive positioning even during intense rallies.

10. Conditioning and physical fitness: Good physical conditioning is crucial for effective defense. Improve your overall fitness, agility, and endurance through regular conditioning drills, such as interval training, plyometrics, and strength exercises.

Remember, consistent practice, communication, and teamwork are key to improving your defense against outside attacks in volleyball. Encourage your players to work together and support each other to achieve the best results.

Lagniappe. It's about the physics.