Volleyball · Level 8: Expert · Sub-level 8.5
Planning a Season
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 25 October 2026 · markdown
Periodisation and its cycles, the preseason, the in-season week, peaking and tapering, load and recovery, common injuries and their prevention, physical testing, the off-season, the technical and tactical focus through the year, and the end-of-season review.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1PeriodisationTake a test
Periodisation organises training over time.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
The macrocycle is the largest planning unit.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Most coaches plan microcycles week by week.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Mesocycles group weeks with a common aim.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Hard and easier periods let the body adapt.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Training is built back from the most important matches.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Constant high load leads to fatigue and injury.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Season, block, week and session.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Prepare, compete and recover.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Bars by month show how load will rise and fall.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 2The preseasonTake a test
Preseason lays the base for the competition phase.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
A sudden jump in load raises injury risk.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
The physical base is built before matches start.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Friendlies show what is ready and what is not.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Options are tested first, then settled.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Baseline tests show where each player starts.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Preseason usually lasts some weeks.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Test, build, organise and try out.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Volume rises step by step.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Physical work like this builds the base before matches.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 3The in-season weekTake a test
In-season training maintains fitness and sharpens play.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Players should be rested for the match.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Hard work early leaves time to recover.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Without it, the preseason gains slowly disappear.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Two matches leave little room for hard training.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Opponent-specific work comes near the match.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Rest after a match helps the body recover.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Rest, work hard, taper the week and play.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Load falls as the match comes closer.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
The pre-match practice keeps players sharp but rested.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 4Peaking and taperingTake a test
Peaking times top form for the most important events.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
A taper reduces load so players arrive fresh.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Short, sharp work keeps players' speed.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Each peak needs preparation and recovery time.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Tapers are usually short.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Too long a taper loses some of the training effect.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Familiar play suits the last days before an event.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Build, taper, sharpen and play.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Volume falls as the event approaches.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Falling load before a big event is a taper.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 5Load and recoveryTake a test
Gains are made when the body recovers from work.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Sleep is a core part of recovery.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
RPE is the rating of perceived exertion.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Multiplying effort by duration gives a simple load figure.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Large week-to-week rises are linked with injuries.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Fatigue that does not lift is a warning sign.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Refuelling starts the recovery process.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Train, rate, calculate and adjust.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Cool down, refuel, sleep and check.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Easy sessions like this support recovery.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 6Injuries and preventionTake a test
Repeated jumping strains the tendon below the kneecap.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Landing on another player's foot often sprains the ankle.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Thousands of arm swings strain the shoulder.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Controlling jump volume protects the tendon.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Balance work strengthens ankle control.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Strong shoulder muscles handle repeated swings.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Persistent pain needs a proper assessment.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Recover, rebuild, test and return.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Middles jump most; liberos rarely jump.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Pain below the kneecap in jumpers points to jumper's knee.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 7Testing playersTake a test
Repeated tests show whether training works.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Jump height is key in volleyball.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
The approach jump is the one used in matches.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Same method, comparable numbers.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Agility tests time short changes of direction.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Testing at intervals shows changes over time.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Results show what each player needs.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Prepare, test, record and compare.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Tests are spread across the season.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Reach marks on the wall measure jump height.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 8The off-seasonTake a test
The transition phase lets players recharge.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Easy, different activities keep players moving without strain.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Different movements give volleyball joints a break.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
A light plan avoids a too-sudden return.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Without rest, fatigue builds up year after year.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Free time without matches suits focused technical work.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Sand reduces impact while players keep touching the ball.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Rest, stay active, prepare and build.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Activity builds back up toward preseason.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Sand play keeps players active while resting from indoor load.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 9Focus through the yearTake a test
Systems rest on reliable technique.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Tactics against named opponents come in-season.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Short refreshers keep technique sharp.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Plans and data together set the focus.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
A new system needs many practices to settle.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Late in the season teams polish their strengths.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Regular practice keeps serving reliable.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Base, structure, specifics and polish.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Spot, diagnose, practise and check.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Early-season blocks build sound technique.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Test 10The season reviewTake a test
A review turns the season's lessons into a plan.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Several sources give a fuller picture.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Individual meetings set personal goals for the next year.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Goals give the measure for the season.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Players' views add another angle.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Lessons matter only if they change the plan.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
The whole programme is reviewed, not only the players.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · recall
Collect, compare, discuss and plan.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Review, plan, prepare and compete.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
A video review is part of looking back on the season.
Source: FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references · applied
Sources
FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II) and general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered FIVB rules belong to the Rules category.
- FIVB Coaches Manual (Levels I-II), training theory and general coaching references100