This College Coaches Only Webinar featured Alfee Reft, Associate Head Coach at University of San Diego.

Alfee was an NCAA All-American and USA National Team libero as a player. Once he transitioned to a coach, he became known as one of the top trainers of passers and defenders. In this webinar, he shared his approach to training defense.

We broke down video from Alfee’s time at Illinois, as well as FIVB and CEV Champions League- looking at the top defenders there. What are the similarities? What are the differences? And most importantly: how do we train all of this? Alfee has a wide training background that includes a lot of time working with juniors players. He’s somebody who has performed the skills at the highest level, but knows how to make it relatable to less experienced players.

We discussed eye sequence and training the ability to read the play, base positioning and efficient movements from base, necessary digging moves, and how to train the “shape” of the platform for improved ball control. Alfee also shared what players can do from home or without a court to improve these skills.