In Episode 17, Chuck and Brian got together a few days after the recent tryouts for the remaining 15-18U teams to discuss TNT's approach to the tryout process. Tryouts are stressful for Players, Parents and Coaches alike.  This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the process that takes place from the time the tryout is completed until the teams are fomed. In segment one, Chuck and Brian talk about the steps that are taken by the club before, during and after a tryout. We learn how...

In Episode 16, TNT is pleased and honored to be able to present a volleyball dicussion with legendary Penn State Coach Russ Rose from a recent chat with TNT Director of Operations Leon Kasperski. The chat occurred in advance of Coach Rose's 11/10/24 visit to TNT to conduct both coach and player clinics. This special episode features numerous clips taken from that chat, each one followed by a discussion between Chuck and Brian about the topics just mentioned. In segment one, Russ shares his...

In Episode 15, Chuck invites Brian and TNT 15U Platinum Head Coach Rob Reifsteck and 15U National Head Coach LJ Brothers to his home to discuss volleyball from their perspectives as younger male coaches. They discuss their beginnings in volleyball, how they got started coaching teenage girls.  We hear their thoughts about the upcoming club season and goals for their 15U teams.  They discuss the differences in coaching boys vs. girls, and how they go about translating knowledge they gained as...

In Episode 14, Chuck and Brian met up with TNT 14U National Coach Sam Moyerman to discuss the value of statistics in volleyball and suggestions for proper use of them within the concept of a team. Given that there are many different opinions about stats, Sam presents a lot of valuable information about which are most important and how they should be valued by coaches, players, and parents. The need to balance the coach's “eye-test” with what statistics say was an interesting aspect of the...

In Episode 13, Chuck and Brian welcome 12U Coach Jamal Corbin to the podcast to discuss the expectations of players at that age group along with some of his experiences over the years coaching both girls’ and boys’ volleyball. Also debuting in this episode is Chuck’s first public singing performance (not really, but that sounds good).  For parents and players new to the club, wondering what the expectations are for players at that level, this episode is one we hope you find helpful. In...

In Episode 12 Brian and Chuck welcome Emily Neff to talk about the importance of strength training for young female athletes.  Emily is the founder of Relentless Athletics, a company that specializes in training girls and helping them succeed while also helping them prevent injuries.  If you are the parent or coach of a young female athlete, you don't want to miss this episode! Visit them at Relentless Athletics (relentlessathleticsllc.com) In Segment 1, we meet Emily and learn the science...

In Episode 11, Brian and Chuck talk about: 1) The value of managing your own facility and how it helps build a club. 2) Aftermath of High School Tryouts and whether "Politics" play a part in decisions. In Segment 1, we share our experience of how valuable controling a practice facility is for the growth of a club.  We discuss how to start the process of finding a space and the issues TNT faced when trying to convert a warehouse into a volleyball gym. In Segment 2, we answer the questions...

In Episode 10, Brian and Chuck welcome Doug Blystone to the Bump Set Mic studio (aka Doug's back patio) and talk about qualities of the ideal coach.  Doug has coached high school, club, and college volleyball and is a CAP Cadre specializing in coaching the coaches.  In addition, Doug recently travelled to the United World Games (UWG) in Austria and shares his experiences in Europe as well as ideas for taking a team to the UWG in 2025. In Segment 1, Doug talks about his volleyball journey and...

In Episode 9, Brian and Chuck welcome Coach Bob Quon as they discuss the role that young players play in building a club.   In Segment 1, we talk about the TNT Regional program which has introduced hundreds of young players to volleyball that may not have had the opportunity to join a club and receive quality coaching.  We discuss the challenges faced when starting a grassroots program and feedback received from the parents. In Segment 2,  we discuss the Community Outreach programs at TNT...

In Episode 8, Brian and Chuck talk about some important topics when trying out for a Club Volleyball team.  Special guests include 15U players Lea Ras and Ashlyn Kear, who provide inside from a player's perspective.  We test them with questions from the Volleyball Mom's Facebook page, including "What is the best volleyball shoe to wear?". In Segment 1, we answer the following questions: Do all clubs choose their teams early and use tryouts as a cash grab? Is it better to play on a 2nd or...

This abbreviated episide applies to the 2024 TNT Volleyball Club National team summer tryouts.  In Episode 7 Brian and Chuck talk about The TNT Summer tryouts for 15U-17U National teams. We discuss WHY are tryouts being held in July and what to do if you are NOT able to attend the tryout date.  We get it, summers are for family time, and we agree!      

In Episode 6 Brian and Chuck talk about Club Volleyball tryouts from an insider's perspective. In Segment 1 we share strategies about how to prepare for upcoming tryouts.  We discuss how to find the right clubs, how to not get overlooked in registration, and insider tips on how to gain a significant advantage by getting noticed before tryouts even start! In Segment 2 we share what coaches are actually looking for in tryouts.  Ever wonder why good players get overlooked?  We discuss things...

In Episode 5 we take you On Location to the 2024 AAU Girls Nationals in Orlando as Chuck sets up shop in the hotel lobby to interview players, parents and coaches.  Joining Chuck are players and parents from TNT 15U Venom as they share their experiences and advice from first time AAU Nationals participants.  Chuck then talks to 3 experienced TNT coaches to get ther perspective on why it is valuable for volleyball players and families to attend AAU Nationals, and some advice on how to make the...

In Episide 4, Brian and Chuck are On Location at AAU Nationals in Orlando, poolside at the Endless Summer Dockside Resort.  Joining them is the 3x self-proclaimed Coach of the Year, Andrew Lee as he explains how he was introduced to Volleyball as a player and coach and what keeps him coming back for more.   Andrew talks about his journey to becoming a college coach and High Performance Academy coach, and discusses what college coaches are looking for in players (and parents).  Andrew also...

In Eposide 3, we are On Location at AAU Nationals in Orlando.  Chuck and Brian talk to Leon Kasperski about his role in TNT and how he has helped grow a 4 team club to over 50 teams!  Chuck talks about the growth of the club and how AAU Nationals helped change the direction of TNT.  We also talk about some great online resources for players, parents and coaches and finish the episode with a huge shout out to our favorite Facebook Group...Volleyball Moms. Meet the Unicorn (Leon Kasperski) -...

In Episode 2, Philadelphia legendary Coach Jea Lee joins Chuck and Brian to talk about what players should be doing once the club season has ended.  We start by discussing the importance of offseason  strength training and explain the reasons why players should explore sand and grass options.  Bonus track includes Chuck ranting about his opinion on summer club tryouts! In Segment 2 the team talks about Private lessons as well as small group lessons.  Why they are valuable, and what they...

In Episode 1, Chuck and Brian talk with TNT Volleyball Co-Founder John Kunzier to reminisce about how TNT got started.  They disucss the club scene back in 2016, and explain the vision for TNT and the decision to take on the larger well established clubs. They outline the mission of TNT, and how that mission and vision have enabled the club to grow to over 50 teams in 2024. In Segment 2, John Kunzier explains his coaching philosophies and experience and how it all still applies to teams 25+...