Coaching Middle School

Question
I coach a middle school team of 18.  I am having trouble finding drills that use a lot of players.  I am also having trouble keeping them focused.  It seems like I am always telling them to be quiet. Help...Thanks

Answer
Coach,

18 players are way too many.  Next season do yourself a favor (even though it is hard to cut players) you have to cut at least 4.  This will give you 7 on 7 (with two players playing the libero position).

As far as drills go for this season, try to do as many wash drills as possible.  Drills where there is constant changing of sides.  Play 6 on 6, 7 point games then switch.  King (Queen) of the Court.....there are many variations of this drill but the basic idea is that you have a winners side and a side where the new team comes in.  Give a free ball to the winners side, if they win they stay put and the other side changes.  If they lose the new winners run to the winners side and the new team comes onto the old side.  Send a free ball over the net very fast so that the winners have to hustle under the net.  If they miss the free ball they are off and the new team takes their place.

I could type for an hour and you would have two hours worth of questions.  My number is 347-612-5881.  I am on EST and I am on my way home from practice every weekday at about 6:45 - 7:30.  Give me a call then and maybe I can explain a few drill to you.

Steve