My girl’s volleyball counterpart, Coach Mo, at Neenah uses 3 ring binders to teach organization, self-discipline, and accountability to his players. I like the idea and I think a lot more coaches would see positive benefits in using a system similar to it. Much like NFL teams use a playbook, he provides a binder to each player that includes things like team rules, practice and match schedules, plays, statistics, game plans, philosophies, quotes, workout plans, and other team traditions and information. Just about everything they need to know about their team, and how to be successful. It’s a very “college volleyball” thing to do and I think doing it in high school is preparing Coach Mo’s players for success in college and life.

Each player must carry this binder with them to all volleyball functions. Throughout the season, at random times, Coach Mo will say, “Binder Check!”. All the players then run to their bags and pull out their binder and show it. Those players that do not have their binder at that time have a small consequence. Every single time I see a player without it, they run. But the entire team eggs them on and supports the player by cheering. Coach Mo also smiles and encourages the player. This is not done to humiliate the player but rather, if done right, to build team cohesion and I’ve seen it work first hand. I am hoping to be organized enough to institute a player binder during the upcoming volleyball season.

Binder Items

There are a few things I want to add to the team binders and I think that many of you can probably think of other things too:

1. Calendar – This is easy. Probably the first thing you think of when you think “Organization” is time management. If every player has a calendar of practices, events, matches, and tournaments in their possession, then there is no “I forgot coach” excuse for missing, or being late to, anything. You can also encourage players to use the team binder calendar as their master calendar for school, work, etc.
2. Team Rules – Another no-brainer. If you want your players to understand the rules of your team, then providing them with a copy is the best way to attain your goal. It is up to you how thick this section should be, but to be honest, I think smaller and more general rulebooks are better. If you write up 100 specific rules,  some players will learn to break something you forgot to add.
3. Workout plans – Many trainers feel specific workout plans need to be done for each individual and you can tailor a regimen for each player if you are so inclined and educated in the ways of physical training. But there are also volleyball specific workouts that everyone can do to achieve certain goals. (Vertical Leap, Arm Strength, Core building, Stamina and Endurance, etc.) And speaking of goals…
4. Goals – I think a good way to set up this section is to ask your players what their team goals will be to be successful, and also set a few challenging team goals, whatever they may be. Then, write up a good synopsis for them and place it in the binders. Individual goals can be left blank and filled in by the players. In the beginning of the season, have a meeting with each player and discuss that player’s individual goals. Have them write them down and also complete a “I’m going to accomplish this goal by… (blank)” field. Now they will be held accountable for these goals in a much better way because they carry this binder everywhere they go with a volleyball.
5. Coaching Philosophy and information – I’m a firm believer in sharing your coaching philosophy with your players and their parents. It helps the players understand your methods and why you do what you do for them. If you haven’t written a philosophy down, please do so, for your own sanity. It really helps you stay focused on your mission and avoids hypocritical situations or the illusions of favoritism, etc. Place this philosophy towards the front of the binder with all of your contact information. Including assistant coaches, managers, and any other staff members and their philosophies.
6. Statistics – This is different for every coach. Some like to share statistics with the team, some feel it causes bitter feelings and/or jealousy that could affect team chemistry. I think some team statistics are great, but if you have individual ones, like hitting errors, I think it’s better to handle that one on one with the player in question. If you do like to share stats, then after each match, sit with your team and discuss the performance, good or bad. Come up with a plan to improve every time. Have them keep these stats in their binder so they can enjoy the team’s growth throughout the season. If you’re into Anson Dorrance‘s Competitive Cauldron philosophy, this could turn into a very large section of their binders.
7. Game Plans – These could be some things that you want to work on for the practice week and could follow the previous statistics section. Some plans could include; focusing on strong opposing outside hitters, or keeping your offense away from an upcoming opponent’s 7’2″ behemoth middle blocker.
8. Plays – Whether you coach at a high level and run an Olympic style offense/defense with approach lanes, tandems and elaborate defensive schemes or you coach middle school and want players to learn your offensive sets and what to do in a 5-1, 6-2, or 4-2 or whatever you want to use, this is a good idea. You can be as simple or involved as you like. Be mindful of your audience though. If you think your players can handle it, go for the good stuff. Don’t worry too much about someone stealing this, although you can plant the idea in the player’s heads as to how important it is for the binder not to fall into “enemy” hands. This can teach responsibility after all.
9. Communication Tree – This can be valuable for teams. If you set up a communication tree, put it in the binder. That way you only call two people if you need to cancel practice due to losing gym space or whatever reason; your team captain and your JV coach. Then, if you know how a Communication tree works, you get a call from one player and your JV coach to confirm that everyone heard the update. Having a copy of this, with teammate phone numbers can be very useful for everyone.
10. Award Nominations and other Paperwork- For example: At the end of season banquet, I give out 4 team tradition awards to varsity players that the booster club pays for; one each for leadership, work ethic, attitude, and most improved. I would like to put this in the binder so that it is there early for all players to see and work toward. The awards are nice plaques, and if the players see the nomination sheet, they can keep an eye on potential award winners and remember that their teammates are evaluating them as well.

Can you think of something else that you would like to share with your team? Let me know in the comments what you would put in your team binder. I also would like feedback from anyone that has used a team binder in the past and what they feel works and what doesn’t.

Binder Exterior

If your budget is small, you can go with simple binders at Office Max, Staples, or another office supply store. But if your program has the money and you feel that making your players feel special is important, I found some pretty cool binders with volleyball themes that you can purchase online and you can even design your own in full color, all at Zazzle.com.

Don’t Forget to Teach

Whatever you choose, make sure you use the binder to teach. Don’t make it a chore for them or something that players simply carry around, weighing down their already heavy bags, and never use. Figure out a way to engage them and show them how organization can improve their lives. Teach responsibility and hold them accountable for the goals that they decided to work towards. When student-athletes work hard on goals and accomplish them, they feel good. Help them feel good and you will ultimately be a successful coach and teacher.