Send us Fan Mail

In this Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast episode, Frank, Marc, and Makani discuss the two-libero system: its origins from the late-1990s libero rule, adoption in men’s NCAA (2012), later adoption in women’s NCAA, and newer rule changes allowing more flexibility between sets. They outline club and higher-level strategy uses, including splitting duties between serve-receive and defense specialists, using a libero jersey for a high-impact server to save substitutions, and using two liberos to give DS players reps while letting pins play six rotations. They note potential downsides such as disrupting rhythm, defensive cohesion, and second-ball setting consistency. From a recruiting perspective, they advise clear communication about role-sharing, emphasize that liberos are hard to evaluate live, and stress intangibles (“libero vibe,” movement, communication, effort) that keep coaches watching.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

Makani, Marc, and Frank discuss how volleyball clubs can prevent injuries and support athletes through rehab, emphasizing that overuse injuries are rising due to longer seasons, more reps, and hard playing surfaces. They argue clubs should prioritize athlete wellbeing through practical prevention systems: consistent, progressive warmups that end with athletes sweating, and standardized cooldowns. They stress athlete responsibility (arrive early, focus during warmup, listen to early soreness) and the need for tournament-day plans to manage play/ref/off cycles, including shifting reffing tasks to coaches/parents so athletes can recover and prepare. Post-match priorities include hydration, electrolytes, protein, stretching, and switching to slides. They recommend simple shoulder prehab with resistance bands and inexpensive “rehab bags” (bands, lacrosse balls, foam rollers, massage guns), noting that accessible information makes lack of knowledge an unacceptable excuse.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

In this Triple Block Heads volleyball podcast episode, Makani, Frank, and Marc begin a role-specific series focused on training middle blockers offensively and defensively from youth through elite levels. They identify four foundational motor skills for young middles—reaction, balance, timing/rhythm, and motor/work ethic—emphasizing early development for taller athletes and injury prevention. Offensively, they stress the mindset of “how do I get set,” training tempo clarity (zero, first tempo), variety of attacks (including one-foot options), audibles using natural gaps, efficient transition footwork, early communication, tracking the ball, and compact arm preparation. Defensively, they frame middle defense around blocking with four components: read, react, power movement, and punch/press-and-hold, plus hand-angle mastery and vision training. They close with desired middle traits: motor, selflessness, IQ, and swagger, and discuss recognizing middle impact and using role models to keep the position appealing.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

In this episode of the Triple Block Heads Podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc delve into the complexities of the NCAA transfer portal and its impact on collegiate volleyball. They discuss the portal's emergence and its role in empowering student-athletes to take control of their careers. Key points include the operational windows for entering the portal, the potential for institutions to cut financial support once an athlete enters, and the balance between institutional needs and athlete motivations. The hosts highlight the high number of transfers, noting a staggering 20% yearly turnover among Division I volleyball players. They discuss the trends causing these transfers, such as playing time and cultural fit issues, and the financial incentives driving some athletes to move to higher divisions. Additionally, they explore how the transfer portal has influenced club-level recruiting timelines and speculate on potential future impacts, including financial remuneration for club athletes. The discussion concludes with reflections on the transfer portal's permanence and possible improvements, such as instituting loyalty incentives and more structured transfer limits.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

In this episode of the Triple Block Heads podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc delve into offensive strategies in volleyball, contrasting it with previously discussed defensive techniques. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creativity in offense, tailoring strategies to a team's specific strengths and weaknesses. Key topics include selecting appropriate offensive strategies based on team skills and structure, and maximizing various scenarios in both mid and out-of-system contexts. They explore approaches for leveraging different player roles and systems, including handling small pins, utilizing a dominant scorer, capitalizing on a strong middle attacker, and managing a lefty setter. The conversation highlights the critical relationship between setters and coaches and the need for teams to adjust strategies based on specific match situations while maintaining adaptability and creativity.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

This episode of the 'Block Triple Blockheads' podcast dives into preparing for National Qualifiers. The hosts, Makani, Frank, and Marc, discuss various aspects such as the definition of qualifiers, the challenges teams, players, and parents face, and how to set expectations and prepare effectively. Key points include understanding national qualifiers, dealing with the financial costs, setting the right mindset for young and regional teams, and balancing player development with competitive goals. The episode also offers practical advice for parents on managing the logistics of these events and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a team-first attitude and preparing rigorously for the challenges ahead.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

In this New Year's episode, the hosts of the Triple Block Heads podcast reflect on their journey over the past year in producing content about volleyball. They discuss the challenges and successes they've experienced in starting and maintaining the podcast, particularly in improving their public speaking and engaging with the volleyball community. They share their personal and professional resolutions for 2026, which include enhancing work-life balance, improving productivity, and focusing on specific volleyball coaching techniques. The hosts delve into broader aspirations for the sport, including increasing TV coverage, improving production quality, and resolving issues with officiating. They emphasize the need for volleyball to gain more mainstream exposure to grow its fan base and inspire young athletes. With appreciation for their listeners' support, they vow to continue their podcasting journey into the new year.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads

Send a text

In this episode of the 'Triple Block Head' podcast, hosts Makani, Frank, and Marc discuss the upcoming collegiate volleyball convention at the end of the fall season. They cover the logistics of attending the event, including accommodation tips and session planning. Frank shares his excitement about presenting on small rosters and their positive impact on his club. Marc emphasizes the importance of attending conventions for open, low-stakes peer conversations. They also talk about the benefits of watching live matches and balancing the need for socializing, networking, and professional development. The episode ends with a plan to potentially produce a reality show tracking various presenters and attendees at next year's convention.

Instagram - @tripleblockheads
X - @tripleblockhead
Threads - tripleblockheads
Facebook - Triple Block Heads
Youtube - @TripleBlockHeads