The VBSC Podcast
The VBSC Podcast
Greg Herceg
The only podcast dedicated specifically to strength and conditioning training for volleyball players
Olympic Lifting vs. Alternatives for Volleyball Athletes: Pros, Cons, and Practical Insights: VBSC Podcast Episode 6
Unlock the truth about Olympic lifting in volleyball training—and discover why most athletes don’t need to master it to jump higher or move better. Whether you're a coach or a player, this episode challenges the conventional wisdom and offers practical strategies to maximize your athletic potential without unnecessary complexity. You’ll hear from coaches with firsthand experience in Olympic lifting, power development, and innovative training methods, as they share their insights on when to incorporate Olympic lifts, alternative exercises that yield the same results, and the importance of foundational strength. From trap bar high pulls and landmine exercises to velocity-based training (VBT), we break down the tools that can supercharge your training, regardless of your experience level or mobility limitations. We explore key topics including: Why unoptimized Olympic lifting can be a liability for many athletes, especially those with shoulder issues or limited mobility How building raw strength often provides bigger jumps in vertical than complex lifts The benefits of alternative movements like trap bar jumps, landmine exercises, and VBT for measuring and maximizing power The role of proper technique, training age, and injury prevention in designing effective programs How to incorporate these insights into your training plan to get faster, stronger, and more agile Ignoring this nuanced approach could mean missing out on effortless gains and risking injury by overcomplicating your training. Instead, embracing a straightforward, strength-first mindset allows you to jump higher, move better, and avoid the pitfalls of unnecessary Olympic lifting complexity. Perfect for volleyball athletes, coaches, and strength enthusiasts alike—this episode will change how you think about training for athletic excellence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your program, you'll leave with practical, actionable advice to elevate your game today.
Mar 4
25 min
How a Six-Week Volleyball Transformation Challenge Fueled Results and Community Engagement: VBSC Podcast Episode 5
In this episode, Greg Herceg and his coaching team reveal the behind-the-scenes of their first six-week client transformation, exploring what worked, what didn’t, and how they plan to take these lessons forward. From harnessing competitive spirit to enhancing accountability, learn the strategies that helped clients lose pounds, build discipline, and stay engaged—often handing them a newfound confidence that lasts beyond the challenge. You'll discover: The power of community and friendly competition in driving results How consistency in nutrition leads to game-changing fat loss, even without extreme calorie cuts Practical ways to keep motivation high mid-challenge—pointers you can use today The importance of aligning coaching protocols with goals for sustainable success Insights on transitioning clients from short-term wins to long-term habits Whether you're a coach looking to run your own challenges or someone seeking a proven blueprint to ignite your progress, this episode is packed with actionable tactics to accelerate results. If you’ve ever wondered how a focused, community-driven approach could unlock your or your clients’ potential, this is your blueprint. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming paid challenge, designed to motivate, energize, and deliver results for anyone serious about transformation. Perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and coaches alike. Tap into the secret ingredients that made this experiment a success and learn how to foster real change that sticks. Ready to level up your coaching game or kickstart your personal transformation? Hit play now—this episode is your shortcut to sustainable progress and motivation that keeps going long after the challenge ends. [Note: The episode features insights from Greg Herceg and his coaching team, who share real client results and actionable strategies for running effective, engaging challenges that produce lasting change.]
Feb 26
18 min
How Simple Isometric Exercises Can Revolutionize Volleyball Knee Pain Relief—And Prevent Injury: VBSC Podcast Episode 4
Most adult volleyball players face knee pain at some point — and most are told to rest or avoid movement altogether. But what if the key to pain relief isn’t just about rest, but about strengthening the tissue in a way that pushes through the pain safely? In this eye-opening episode, Greg Herceg, aka the Volleyball Strength Coach, shares his own 16-year journey from debilitating knee pain to pain-free movement — and how he’s helped over a thousand athletes do the same. Discover the real science behind knee pain and injury, and learn why traditional approaches often miss the mark. You'll hear about breakthrough techniques like isometric holds, slow reps, and strategic resistance training that increase tissue capacity and resilience. Greg breaks down how to use simple tools like backwards treadmill work, Peterson step ISOs, and gentle eccentric movements to build strength without aggravating pain. Plus, insights from coaches Sarah and Dion on prevention strategies for young athletes, so you don't just treat injuries — you prevent them from happening in the first place. This episode is essential listening for volleyball players, coaches, or anyone tired of ineffective pain management that leaves you helpless. If you’re ready to understand the deeper mechanics of knee health and learn practical, science-backed methods to keep athletes on the court, this episode is your game-changer. Don’t let knee pain limit your performance — take control, build resilience, and get back to winning. Hit play now.
Feb 18
14 min
The Surprising Truth About Training Style Flexibility in Volleyball Coaching: VBSC Podcast Episode 3
Unlock the secret to jumping higher and hitting harder — without complicated science or endless reps. Whether you're an aspiring volleyball player or a coach looking to elevate your training game, this episode reveals simple, proven strategies to boost power and speed fast. Greg Hersig, aka the Volleyball Strength Coach, shares his 23-year journey from playing ball at 12 to coaching athletes at the collegiate level. He breaks down the biggest lessons he's learned — like the importance of force production and power-to-weight ratio — in a way that's easy to grasp and apply. Discover how foundational exercises, proper technique, and a focus on strength and speed can turn you into a more explosive athlete in record time. You'll discover: The key elements that make up power in volleyball — force, speed, and technique — and how to train them effectively The truth about body weight, muscle strength, and how to optimize your power-to-weight ratio for maximum jump height Why pulling bits from different training styles can create a more versatile and effective approach Practical, science-backed tips for applying this knowledge to your own training, whether you want to dunk higher or smash harder The critical mindset shifts that help players and coaches avoid common pitfalls and see real progress Don’t risk stagnation by sticking to outdated methods. This episode equips you with the core principles needed to level up your explosive power — all in an accessible, straightforward way. Perfect for athletes, trainers, and coaches committed to making real gains fast. Plus, Greg dives into his personal story of making it from a late recruit to an all-conference college player, emphasizing that understanding and applying these fundamentals is a game-changer at any level. Tune in if you're ready to ditch guesswork and unlock your true jumping potential. Whether you're hitting the gym or on the court, these insights will revolutionize your approach to training and performance. Hit play now and start jumping higher today.
Feb 11
17 min
Programing Volleyball Training & Scheduling: Expert Insights from the VBSC Podcast Episode 2
Most volleyball players and coaches overlook one simple shift that can unlock consistent strength gains and peak performance—without overtraining. Discover how a flexible, science-backed training split can make your workouts more effective, easier to fit into any schedule, and keep your body fresh for every game. In this episode, Greg and the coaching team break down the most efficient training strategies tailored for volleyball athletes — whether you're in-season or off. You'll learn why three workouts per week can outperform traditional four-day splits, and how a strategic upper-lower-full approach maximizes results while preserving recovery. Get insider tips on scheduling workouts around your match days, the importance of in-season maintenance routines, and how to adapt your lifting to match your volleyball schedule. We also explore the common pitfalls of overtraining and the benefits of smarter programming, including how to keep your muscles fresh for explosive jumps and quick movements that dominate the court. Plus, discover the secret weapon of preseason and tournament prep days — low-intensity activation that primes your nervous system and improves performance without fatigue. This episode is perfect for volleyball players, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts who want a smarter approach to training. Whether you're struggling to balance workouts and match schedules or looking to break through a plateau, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to elevate your game. Don't miss this chance to optimize your training and start playing at your best — consistently.
Feb 3
20 min
VBSC Podcast Episode 1: Volleyball Vertical Gains with Triphasic Training
Unlock the training secrets that took a volleyball coach from plateau to peak performance — and how you can apply them today. Whether you're a competitive athlete or just love the game, discover the innovative strategies that are driving real results for volleyball players over 25. In this episode, Greg and his coaching team peel back the curtain on the game-changing system they've refined for adult volleyball athletes. They reveal how extending training phases, leveraging triphasic principles, and mastering tempo training can accelerate strength gains and reduce injury risk. Coach Dion shares how triphasic training helped him overcome tendinopathy and shatter his previous strength limits, while Coach Cece emphasizes the importance of customizing progressions for faster results. Coach Sarah dives into the fun and measurable elements of this approach—making gains exciting again. You'll discover: The core principles behind triphasic training and why the timing of each phase matters How tempo training creates new pathways for strength and injury prevention Why longer training phases lead to better, more consistent gains Practical tweaks, like overload eccentric exercises and fast eccentrics, that transfer directly onto the court How to adapt high-level athlete training strategies for everyday volleyball players Without these insights, you're risking stagnation, plateaus, and missed opportunities to elevate your game. This is your chance to unlock breakthrough results with proven methods that elevate both performance and longevity. Perfect for adult volleyball players, coaches, or fitness enthusiasts eager to push past limits—this episode provides no-nonsense tactics you can implement today. Whether you're stuck in a plateau or hungry for new gains, these ideas will reshape your training mindset—and your results. Join us for insider tips that bring high-level training down to earth, making the impossible possible for volleyball players of all levels. Hit play now and start your transformation.
Feb 2
18 min