Global Volleyball Updates - June 2024

Volleyball updates from the VNL, Coach Tips, Community Highlights and more!

What's happening in the world of volleyball right now? This article covers everything from Global Rankings to the VNL to useful tips for aspiring volleyball players!

Table of Contents

Global Team Rankings

Women’s International Ranking

Rank

Team

Score

1

ITALY 🇮🇹

398.18

2

BRAZIL 🇧🇷

385.49

3

TÜRKIYE 🇹🇷

368.56

4

POLAND 🇵🇱

365.39

5

USA 🇺🇸

349.10

Want to see which teams are Olympics-qualified? Check out the full rankings here: The Official FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Ranking

Men’s International Ranking

Rank

Team

Score

1

POLAND 🇵🇱

424.50

2

JAPAN 🇯🇵

354.75

3

SLOVENIA 🇸🇮

354.46

4

ITALY 🇮🇹

352.33

5

USA 🇺🇸

325.89

Want to see which teams are Olympics-qualified? Check out the full rankings here: The Official FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Ranking

International Volleyball News

Italy Defeats Japan in the VNL Women’s Final!

In an exhilarating finale of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024, Italy claimed their second VNL title by defeating Japan in a gripping four-set match held in Bangkok. Led by the formidable Paola Egonu, who scored a match-high 27 points, Italy showcased their dominance with powerful spikes and blocks.

Despite Japan's spirited performance and historic silver medal win, Italy's prowess was unmatched. In the bronze medal match, Poland edged out Brazil in a thrilling five-setter, securing their second consecutive third-place finish. This VNL season highlighted exceptional volleyball talent and fierce competition, check out the article below for more info on these marches.

The Battle for the VNL Men’s Semi-Finals Starts Thursday

The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals are set to take place in Łódź, Poland, from June 27-30, bringing together the top eight men's national teams for an intense showdown. The quarterfinals will kick off the event, with thrilling matchups including:

  • Japan vs. Canada on June 27th

  • Defending champions Poland vs. Brazil on June 27

  • Italy vs. France on June 28

  • Slovenia vs. Argentina on June 28

The semifinals and medal matches will follow on June 29 and 30. Additionally, Łódź will host the Drawing of Lots for the Paris Olympics on June 26. Check out the article below for more info!

North American Volleyball Team Updates

U.S. Men’s National Team Looses to Japan & is Eliminated from the VNL

The U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team concluded their play in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a tough match against Japan, falling 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-19) in Manila, Philippines.

Despite their best efforts, the team ended the tournament with a 5-7 record. Kyle Ensing led the U.S. with 14 points, including 13 kills, while Taylor Averill contributed eight points and four blocks. The team now shifts its focus to preparing for the Summer Olympics in Paris, aiming to build on their experiences from the VNL.

Canada's Beach Volleyball Teams Secure Spots for Paris 2024

Canada's beach volleyball teams have triumphed at the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Tlaxcala, Mexico, securing their spots for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The dynamic duo of Heather Bansley and Sophie Bukovec claimed the women’s gold, marking Bansley’s third Olympic appearance and Bukovec’s debut.

On the men’s side, Samuel Schachter and Daniel Dearing dominated, also clinching gold. This achievement adds to the growing list of Canadian beach volleyball talent set to compete in Paris, including Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, who previously qualified through the World Rankings.

Stay tuned for official team announcements by the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Volleyball Tip of the Week

Perfecting Your Serve Receive Passing in Beach Volleyball

Mastering the serve-receive pass is crucial for success in beach volleyball, as it sets the tone for effective play. Here are three key tips to enhance your passing skills:

  1. Go-To Platform Pass: Create a flat platform by extending your arms and placing your hands together, allowing the ball to land between your wrists and elbows. This helps maintain control and precision.

  2. Body Positioning: Practice midline passing by positioning your body behind the ball and using quick footwork. For advanced players, practice angling your arms to direct passes accurately.

  3. Determining Force: Adapt your pass based on the serve type. For top-spin serves, focus on creating a solid platform. For floating serves, pay close attention to the ball's unpredictable movements.

Continuous practice of these fundamentals can significantly improve your passing consistency and overall gameplay. Check out the article below for more info!

The Perfect Drill for First Ball Kills

This 6 v 6 drill, called "I swing, 2 times, 3 chances," is a rotational chase game presented by Diane Flick-Williams. Two teams compete to rotate through all six positions first by getting first-ball kills (FBK) quickly. The drill emphasizes aggressive hitting and effective serve receive, and simulates match-like urgency, requiring focus, teamwork, and resilience.

Community Corner

The Setter Got Them Good 😂