More on AI - A Valuable Teacher if Used the Right Way

The goals of technology should be improving the quality and productivity of our work and to do so while lowering friction and cost. Use AI to add value to your development. 

Because blocking outside attackers is a priority, let's have an AI conversation with ChatGPT: (note - I do not hold myself as an expert...rely on your coaches who are experts.) 

Because volleyball blocking of outside hitters is a priority, let's start there. “Act as a Socratic coach for blocking the pin hitters. Do not give me answers. Only ask smart questions that lead me to the answer. Start by asking what I already know and where I’m confused. After each reply, ask the next best question. At the end, summarize what I discovered in 5 bullets.” - The "bold, italicized" print is a created prompt to start a Socratic conversation. This could be used to discuss volleyball topics or the Periodic table. 

Great—let’s start there.

First questions:

1. What do you currently believe are the 3–5 most important factors in successfully blocking a pin (outside) hitter?
2. Where do you feel least certain or most inconsistent when teaching or evaluating pin blocking?

Performance starts with attitude. "Get to" starts with "want to." 1) Anticipation -Reading the play comes first. 2) Don't ball watch. Get to the spot. Having crossover footwork is critical. 3) Timing. Late becomes "not at all." 4) Penetrate the airspace over the net. I'm not confident about teaching how best to read the setter.

Good—there’s a lot there.

Let’s focus where you’re least certain.

First question:

When a setter is about to set to the outside, what information is available before the ball leaves their hands that could help a blocker anticipate where the set is going?

See the setter's body position. If there's "lean," especially backwards, the set is likely going 'right side'. What is the opponent's strength? "Cheat" to the likely target. Does she "habitually" and statistically target the pins or the middle? Does she set high giving blockers more time to position themselves?

Good—now we’re getting somewhere.

You’ve identified setter body lean, tendencies, and arc/tempo.

Let’s sharpen it.

Next question:

When the pass is off the net vs. perfect, how does that change what the setter can do—and how should that change what the blocker expects on the pin?

It's an imperative that to succeed against "the best" that we react to tendencies and reality. Off the net, does that mean their OH likely goes roll or tip? Does the hitter more often hit cross court or do they use line and cut shots?

Good—now stay with that.

You’re connecting setter reality → hitter options → blocker expectation.

Let’s tighten it further.

Next question:

When the set goes outside and is off the net, what specific visual cues from the hitter’s approach and arm tell you whether it will be:

• a full swing
• a roll shot
• a tip

What are you looking for before contact?

Does the hitter's arm go back into "archer position" or is it more vertical suggesting a tip? Do their feet come up with an arched body, looking to generate more power? Do they seldom attack "off the net" balls, suggest a roll shot?

Good—now you’re reading the hitter.

Let’s connect that to the blocker’s action.

Next question:

If you recognize—before contact—that the hitter is likely to roll or tip on an off-the-net set, how should that change:

• your penetration over the net
• your hand positioning
• and your relationship with the back-row defense?

We should communicate (talk) ASAP if we have a clean read on intent. Aggressive penetration will fail versus roll or tip. Getting more height may combat that some. Make the hitter's life hard.

Good—now you’re adjusting behavior based on the read.

Let’s sharpen the trade-offs.

Next question:

If aggressive penetration is no longer optimal against a likely roll/tip, what is the risk of staying too vertical or passive—and how do you avoid giving the hitter an easy, uncontested swing if your read is wrong?

"The enemy gets a vote." Sometimes we 'read wrong" but we don't want too soft a block that ends up dribbling down over our side off our hands.

Excellent—now you’re balancing read vs. risk.

Let’s tighten it to decision-making.

Next question:

In that moment—when you’re not 100% certain—what is your default block behavior on an off-the-net outside set that:

• protects against the hard swing
• doesn’t overcommit to the tip/roll
• and still works with your defense behind you?

What does that look like in terms of hands, press, and positioning?

I think that 'max effort' and maintaining "stiffness of the block" against the attack are the best options. Can you summarize the conversation now?

Here’s what you discovered—not told, but built:

Your Key Takeaways (5)

• Blocking starts before the set
  You emphasized reading the setter—body lean, tendencies, and pass quality—to anticipate where the ball is going before it leaves the hands.
• Reality (pass quality) shapes options
  Off-the-net sets reduce the hitter’s choices and often shift them toward rolls, tips, or predictable swings—which should change blocker expectations.
• The hitter tells the truth early
  Arm path, approach, and body shape give clues:
  • “Archer” → full swing
  • More vertical/controlled → tip/roll
    You can read this before contact.
• Blocking is a decision under uncertainty
  You recognized the balance:
  • Over-penetrate → vulnerable to tip/roll
  • Too soft/passive → give up easy swings or deflections
    “The enemy gets a vote.”
• Default = disciplined, max-effort, firm hands
  When unsure:
  • Maintain strong, stable hands (“stiffness”)
  • Avoid being soft or late
  • Stay connected to team defense
  • Communicate early if you have a read

Bottom Line

Read early.
Adjust to reality.
Trust your eyes—but respect uncertainty.
And when in doubt, be strong and decisive at the net.

Lagniappe. Work mind and body to improve. 

Volleyball Off-Season Workout

Acceleration Emphasis

LIFT (TOTAL BODY)

1) Cleans
2) Back Squats
3) Incline Bench
4) Cosshack Squat

Being strong plays such a huge role in performance & injury reduction

Lift heavy weights year long pic.twitter.com/9u4lSGADZ8

— Keith Ferrara (@keithjferrara) April 19, 2026