Discover the Secrets of Coaching the Beach Game
Beach volleyball is NOT just indoor volleyball in the sand. It’s a unique sport with distinct rules, scoring, skills, and strategies where players must also contend with the environmental elements of sun, sand and weather.
Because of this, you simply can’t coach beach volleyball the same way you coach the indoor game.
In the Beach Coach Certification, you’ll get more than four hours of beach-specific training from beach coach Stein Metzger, a former Olympian and top AVP player who also happens to be one of today’s best collegiate beach coaches.
One of the early architects of the sand game, Stein has accumulated more than 30 years of knowledge in the sport … and he shares many of his invaluable tips. For starters, you’ll learn the top 11 rule differences, find out how to train beach-specific skills, and discover the basic structure for creating a beach program.
After taking this certification course, you’ll be able to:
- Teach athletes the skills needed in the sand
- Match up pairs and create teams that excel
- Follow the ABC’s to create a good learning environment
- Create a shared team language for quick, clear communication
- Improve outcomes by embracing the weather
- Use “gold nuggets” in practice for better comprehension
- Understand the critical role of the huddle
- …and much more!
Short on time? Not a problem! We know coaches are busy people, so we designed this certification to be self-paced. Simply work through it as your schedule allows—watch one video at a time or work through an entire section—it’s all up to you.
You also get exclusive 24/7 access to the “members only” online forum to ask questions and discuss the course content with fellow coaches.
Beach volleyball’s popularity is exploding, and it’s getting more competitive each year. If you want to gain an advantage, now is the time to elevate your coaching skills before the other programs catch up. Whether you’re brand-new to coaching or you’re a coach who’s transitioning from the indoor game, the Beach Coach Certification will deliver the tools you need to run an effective beach practice, prepare athletes for competition, and develop a winning program.
Ready to jump in?
Key Features
The Beach Toolbox
Dive in for valuable tips from one of the best coaches on the beach! From planning practices to creating perfect pairings, you’ll learn what it takes to develop a winning program.
Drills for the Sand
Hearing information is one thing, but watching it in action is even better. Watch over 70 minutes of beach drills specifically designed to improve skills, systems and communication.
“Members Only” Forum
Go one-on-one with Stein and fellow coaches as you work through the course. With exclusive 24/7 access, you can ask questions, share ideas and connect with peers anytime you want.
The Total Package
- 4+ hours of beach-specific volleyball instruction
- 8 core modules
- 27 video lessons
- “Test your knowledge” quizzes with each module
- “Members only” access to the Beach Certification online forum
- Status as a Certified Beach Coach
- A digital badge for use on your website, social media platforms and other communication vehicles
- A digital certificate you can print, frame and display in your home, office or gym
Topics Covered
Beach/Indoor Differences
Skill Development
Strategies & Systems
Full Curriculum – 4+ Hours of Beach-specific Instruction
Introduction
- Introduction to the Beach Coach Certification
- Differences in Beach from Indoor
- Top 11 Rules Differences
How to Run a Beach Practice
- Practice Plans
- Practice Culture
Building the Individual Player
- Building the Individual Player
- Mental Training
Skills Training
- Jump Serve
- Serve Receive
- Float Serve
- Setting Positioning Basics
- Hand Setting
- Bump Setting
- Transition Roll Up
- Attacking
- Blocking
Systems Coaching
- Systems Coaching
Wind Ball Basics
- Embracing the Wind
How to Develop a Program
- Building the Basic Program Structure
- How to Create Pairs & Teams
- Season Planning
Drills
- 4-6 Person Warm-up Drills
- 8-10 Person Warm-up Drills
- Practice Drills
- Speed Ball
- Scoop and Deliver
Pricing
About Your Instructor: Stein Metzger
With more than 30 years in the sand, few are more passionate—or more knowledgeable—about beach volleyball than Stein Metzger. A three-time All-American indoor player while at UCLA, he transitioned to beach volleyball post-college and became a major force on the AVP Tour. After winning 16 times and earning top player status twice, he decided to turn his attention toward training the next generation of beach volleyball players. At UCLA, he developed a national championship program that consistently ranks among the best on the beach. Now at Texas, he is transforming the Longhorns into one of the nation’s premier beach programs.
Collegiate Coaching Career
- Head Beach Coach, Texas, 2024-present
- Head Beach Coach, UCLA, 2013-2023
- 329-86 overall record
- 3-time AVCA Coach of the Year
- Set NCAA record with 40 wins in 2019 (and tied it in 2023)
- 2-time NCAA Champion
- 3-time Pac-12 Conference Champion
Collegiate Playing Career
- Played for UCLA men’s indoor volleyball team, 1993-1996
- 3-time NCAA Champion
- Twice named to NCAA All-Tournament Team, 1995-1996
- ASICS/Volleyball Magazine All-American, 1995-1996
- AVCA Co-Player of the Year, 1996
- UCLA Men’s Team Captain, 1996
- 1996 William G. Morgan Award winner
- 3-time All-American
- 3-time All-Conference player
- Inducted into UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, 2009
Post-Collegiate Playing Career
- 16-time winner on the professional AVP Tour
- 2-time AVP Team of the Year, 2005-2006
- Ranked as AVP’s top tour player two consecutive years, 2005-2006
- Captured Crocs Cup title, 2006
- Two-time FIVB Champion
- Earned 5th place at 2004 Olympics
- Bronze medal winner at Goodwill Games, 2001
FAQ
Who should get certified?
The Beach Coach Certification is for anyone who wants to learn about beach volleyball. This includes coaches looking to build or grow a beach program, players making the transition from indoor to beach, athletic directors who want to educate their coaches, parents who want to understand the game better, and avid enthusiasts who want in-depth insight about the game from one of today’s best beach coaches.
Why should I get certified?
While there are currently no certification requirements for beach volleyball coaches, having this badge will set you apart from other coaches. You’ll discover proven coaching techniques that allow you to develop your players’ skills quicker and more effectively. You’ll learn the latest tactics for winning matches along with systems and strategies other coaches simply don’t know. You’ll also get invaluable insights about team organization, practice development, on-court instruction, and match strategies—taught by one of today’s most experienced and knowledgeable beach coaches. Plus, you’ll get a badge and certificate when you complete the program as proof of your coaching prowess. It all adds up to making you a better and more successful beach volleyball coach.
How long will it take me to get through the certification?
That’s entirely up to you. We designed the Beach Coach Certification to be self-paced, so you can decide when, where and how quickly to work through it. It’s possible to complete the program in just a few hours. Or it might take a few days, a week or longer, depending on how much time you’re able to devote to it. One important thing to remember: To receive your certification, you must complete the course within 6 months of enrollment.
How do I get the premium price?
Get 50% off the certification fee when you enroll as a Premium member of The Art of Coaching Volleyball. Click here to learn how.
Do I have lifetime access to the content?
Absolutely! You’ll be able to view the course as many times as you like for as long as you like. That includes all updates and any bonus materials we may add at a later date. Again, just remember that you must complete the course within 6 months from your date of enrollment to become certified. You’ll still have access to the content if you miss the deadline, but you won’t be able to receive the certification.
Where can I use my certification?
Upon course completion, you’ll receive a badge to use in your marketing. This includes your website, LinkedIn profile, email signature, and any other communication vehicles you use to display your credentials. You’ll also get a digital certificate that you can print, frame and display in your gym, home or office.
Will I be able to view the videos in any order?
In this certification, each lesson builds upon the previous one. As such, it’s important to follow the course in the order it’s presented. Once you complete it, however, you’ll be able to jump around to any section or lesson you choose.
What happens if I fail a quiz?
Don’t worry! You’ll be able to take each test as many times as you need. They’re simply meant to reinforce what you’ve learned, not prevent you from earning your certification.