Thinking Volleyball

To be a successful volleyball coach, you need to know more than just how to teach the basic skills and implement a plan. In such a fast-paced game, not only do you need to outperform your opponent, but you must outthink him as well. Thinking Volleyball has you covered!

Hall-of-fame coach Mike Hebert spent years learning the secrets to success—among the most important is that you should never stop learning. In Thinking Volleyball, he goes beyond the development of motor skills to provide a unique cerebral look at how athletes learn. Hebert also introduces the strategies behind his reading defense approach, which will give your team an advantage against any opponent. Regardless of how talented your players are, a positive environment that includes a solid mutual trust among everyone involved with the program is vital for your program both on and off the court.

To take your program to the next level, step inside the mind of a legendary coach and never stop learning. Thinking Volleyball is your resource to developing your program, your players, and yourself.

Mike Hebert began coaching in 1976. During his career, he coached the University of Pittsburgh men’s and women's teams, the University of New Mexico women's team, the University of Illinois women's team, and the University of Minnesota women's team. In 35 years of coaching, Mike earned a career record of 952-392 and led teams to the Division I Final Four on five occasions. He reached the semifinals of the EAIAW Championships all four of his years at Pittsburgh, winning two regional championships. He was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Coach of the Year in 1985 and served as the president of the AVCA from 1987 to 1990. Hebert was a part-time member of USA Volleyball’s coaching staff for over 30 years and was honored with their All-Time Great Volleyball Coaches Award.

Now retired from coaching, Mike continues to work with USA Volleyball and is a member of both the University of Minnesota and AVCA halls of fame.