Coach Development

Whether you're new to coaching or looking to refine your skills, the Volleyball Coach Development Programme is designed to support coaches at every stage of their journey. With a structured pathway that combines formal accreditation, informal learning opportunities, and practical workshops, our programme fosters continual growth and long-term development.

Our mission is to build confident, knowledgeable coaches who create positive, athlete-centred environments that support both performance and personal growth.

Learn your craft. Lead with passion. Inspire the next generation.

How can VBOP help you?

  • Coaches Survey

    Coaches – We Want to Hear From You
    Whether you're coaching school teams, club volleyball, beginners or reps, we’d love your input. Help us better support coaches at every level by filling out our short VBOP Coaches Survey.

    Your feedback will help shape future programmes, resources, and opportunities across the Bay of Plenty.
    It only takes a few minutes.

    Survey to close Aug 15, 2025

    Complete Survey

  • Schools Survey

    Schools – Help Us Support Volleyball in Your Community
    VBOP is working to grow and strengthen volleyball across the Bay of Plenty, and we want to hear from your school. Whether you have a long-standing programme or are just getting started, your input will help us understand how we can best support your teams, coaches, and students.

    Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. Your responses will help shape future support, resources, and opportunities for schools in the region.

    Survey to close Aug 15, 2025

    Complete Survey

Coach Development Programme

Foundation coaching workshops

Coming Soon! Foundational Coach Workshops

New to coaching volleyball at the intermediate or primary school level? We’re here to help!

Launching in Term 4, our Foundational Coach Workshops are designed specifically for new and aspiring coaches working with younger players. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or volunteer stepping in to help a school team, these workshops will give you the tools and confidence to get started.

✔️ Easy-to-follow drills and session ideas
✔️ Practical tips for coaching younger players
✔️ Guidance on building a fun, positive team environment
✔️ Support from experienced coaches who’ve been there

No previous coaching experience needed — just a passion for helping kids enjoy the game and grow their skills.

Workshop details coming soon — stay tuned!

mentoring programme

Coming Soon! VBOP Coaching Mentorship Programme

Great coaches don’t just happen — they’re supported, encouraged, and developed over time. That’s why we’re launching the VBOP Coaching Mentorship Programme — a new initiative to connect developing coaches with experienced mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and practical support.

Whether you're just starting out or want to grow your confidence on the court, this programme will offer a supportive space to learn, reflect, and improve.

We're currently building the programme and would love your help!

We’re looking for:

  • Experienced coaches keen to mentor and support others

  • New or developing coaches looking for a mentor to grow their skills

  • Community partners who want to be part of supporting local coaching development

If you're keen to be a mentor — or would love to have one — send us a quick message and we’ll be in touch as the programme comes together.

Let’s build stronger coaches, together.

observation/ feedback

Looking to grow your skills and confidence as a coach? VBOP is offering the chance for coaches to be observed during a training or game and receive personalised, constructive feedback.

Is there a specific challenge you’re facing, or would you like general feedback on your coaching approach? Either way, this is a great opportunity to reflect, gain new ideas, and develop your skills—whether you’re just starting out or building on your experience.

Spaces are limited, so sign up early to request a session. We’ll be in touch to arrange a time that works for you.

Let’s keep learning and growing — together.

Coaches Corner, guest speakers and community

At VBOP, we’re excited to develop a vibrant coaching community designed to support and inspire coaches at every level. Our programmes will include:

  • Coaches’ Corners: Regular meet-ups to share ideas, challenges, and successes

  • Guest Speakers: Insights and inspiration from volleyball experts and industry leaders

  • Catch-Up Sessions: Informal gatherings to connect, learn, and grow together

Whether you’re new to coaching or have years of experience, these events are a fantastic way to stay connected and keep improving.

Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events — and get involved!

high performance programme

At VBOP, we’re passionate about developing a comprehensive High Performance Coaching Programme that covers everything athletes and coaches need — both on the court and off. From advanced tactics and skills development to mental performance, nutrition, fitness, and wellbeing, we want to create a programme that truly supports excellence.

We can’t do it alone.

We’re seeking enthusiastic coaches, specialists, and community members to help shape the programme’s content and assist with delivery. If you have expertise or a passion for high performance coaching, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested in contributing or learning more? Contact us today and be part of something great.

Player to coach transition Opportunities

Ready to turn your volleyball experience into coaching success? Our Player to Coach Transition Programme is designed to support players moving from the court to the coach’s role.

Through mentoring, training, and hands-on opportunities, we’ll help you develop the skills and confidence needed to become an effective coach and leader.

Whether you’re interested in mentoring, assisting with training sessions, or learning how to guide others, this programme provides the tools and support you need to make the leap.

Interested? Contact VBOP today to learn more and get started!

Formal coaching pathways from vnz

Take your coaching to the next level with the Volleyball New Zealand Formal Coaching Development Pathway. Designed to grow confident, capable coaches at all levels, this nationally recognised framework offers structured learning through accredited courses, practical workshops, and ongoing support.

Build your skills. Earn your credentials. Grow the game.

Start your journey today.

Choose your pathway with vnz

  • Level 1: Engage

    Who: This award is typically for coaches of junior volleyball players (those who coach Intermediate & Junior Secondary School aged players). If you coach beach or indoorvolleyball, have a couple of years’ experience, and want to continue to grow your coaching knowledge, this award is for you.

    What: In this programme, coaches dive deeper into some of the content that was presented in the Level I course. Coaches gain a good understanding of the role of the coach and get a chance to see/experience the principles of effective coaching in practice. We also talk about developing a positive team culture and how we can create a climate of development. For the volleyball component, we endeavour to demonstrate to coaches, the techniques to each skill of the game. Following that, coaches are challenged to design an activity that teaches the skill in a meaningful, game-relevant task.

    Find out More

  • Level 2: Grow

    Who: This award is typically for coaches of junior volleyball players (those who coach Intermediate & Junior Secondary School aged players). If you coach beach or indoorvolleyball, have a couple of years’ experience, and want to continue to grow your coaching knowledge, this award is for you.

    What: In this programme, coaches dive deeper into some of the content that was presented in the Level I course. Coaches gain a good understanding of the role of the coach and get a chance to see/experience the principles of effective coaching in practice.We also talk about developing a positive team culture and how we can create a climate of development. For the volleyball component, we endeavour to demonstrate to coaches, the techniques to each skill of the game. Following that, coaches are challenged to design an activity that teaches the skill in a meaningful, game-relevant task.

    Next available courses will be posted soon.

  • Level 3: Develop

    Who: Te Whanake (Develop) is the ideal course for the aspiring beach/indoor coach of competitive players (club, senior secondary school, and IPC level coaches).

    What: Coaches will learn about attacking, transition, defending, and advanced volleyball techniques (beach or indoor), as well as generic coaching material such as leadership of self and others, developing decision makers, game analysis, and understanding the people we coach. Note: for the volleyball components of the course, the group will split into two groups – beach and indoor. So that coaches can discuss and reflect on the technical and tactical components specific to their discipline.

    Next available course will be posted soon.

  • Level 4: Excel

    Who: Excel is the ideal opportunity for elite level coaches. Note: this award is invitation only.

    What: The aim of this initiative is to identify areas of development, provide material, technology, tools, relevant to the coach, and challenge/support them to embed something new and innovative within their coaching practice. It is entirely bespoke and personalised to their development.

Coaching Resources

From beginner to advanced levels, our Volleyball Coaching Resources are designed to support coaches at every stage. Access ready-made session plans, skill breakdowns, tactical guides, video demos, and planning templates — all in one easy-to-use hub.

Whether you're coaching at school, club, or rep level, our tools wiåll help you save time, build better sessions, and grow confident, motivated athletes.

Coach smarter. Train better. Get started today.

Coaching help or questions?

Want to grow your coaching game—whether as an individual, for your school, or your club? We’re here to help!

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your skills, fill out the form below to connect with our coaching development team. We'll guide you to the right support, resources, and opportunities.