Ep 19: 13U Expectations and Advice with JK3

In episode 19, Chuck and Brian ventured to the new TNT Armory facility scheduled to open in January to meet up with 13U Coach John Kutsuzawa, a.k.a. JK3.

John will be coaching the National TNT 13 Roadrunner team this season and has played volleyball for over 30 years. JK3 has coached CYO, high school, adults, and beach players. He has previous club stops at East Coast Power and GPS Crush prior to coming to TNT. 

Ever wonder what to expect from 13 year old players and how much you can challenge them?  JK3 shares shares his thoughts on what to focus on in practice, and what to expect as a player develops in the critical 13U year of volleyball.

Timeline: 

1:22 Meet Coach JK3

2:52 Highlighting Some of JK3's Experiences in Volleyball (and in life) Prior to TNT

5:30 Coaching Philosophy

8:00 JK's Other Interests

9:53 Why 13U is His Preferred Age Group

10:59 Favorite Memories at TNT

14:26 JK3's Leadership Role at TNT: Coordinating Required Coaching Certifications

16:50 History of 13U at TNT, Why Participation Doubles at 13U Compared to 12U, and TNT Philosophy on Getting Younger Players Involved

20:30 Variance in Players at 13U and What Coaches Want From Younger Players

24:08 Reasonable Expectations / What Not to Focus on at 13U

32:14 What About Those Who Want to Play at Higher Levels?

36:10 What Coaches Look for Specifically During Open Gyms and Tryouts

39:19 JK3's Thoughts on "You Can't Teach Height" When Forming a Team

41:23 The Growth that Occurs in Younger Players from Year-to-Year

43:56 13U Transitioning to High School

45:02 Playing Time, Balancing Teaching and Learning vs. Winning at 13U

50:24 Volleyball Moms Questions for Chuck and JK3

60:00 Bonus Question from Coaching Volleyball Group

63:00 Current Happenings and Holiday Season Programming at TNT 

65:50 Wrap-Up