united by volleyball: a classroom without border

For his fourth visit to Vietnam, VSSC's Technical Director Fabio Menta brought not only his deep expertise in volleyball but also his contagious passion for the sport. This time, he had the privilege of sharing his knowledge with the dedicated coaches of the Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Team, in a classroom unlike any other — one filled with both aspiring young coaches from VSSC and seasoned professionals from the Ho Chi Minh City Boys & Girls Youth Teams.

Despite differences in age and experience, what united everyone in the room was a shared love for volleyball and a mutual respect for learning. It was a special moment, as generations of coaches came together with open minds and eager hearts. At VSSC, we are truly honored and grateful for opportunities like this — where young coaches can learn directly from one of the best.

A Scientific Approach to Coaching

Coach Fabio’s methodology is rooted in science, structure, and safety. His clinics don’t just focus on drills or tactics; they emphasize how to think like a coach. He teaches how to design smart programs, how to train athletes safely and effectively, and how to adapt coaching styles to modern challenges.

From the beginning of each session, Coach Fabio challenges participants with simple yet profound questions:

"What is a coach?"
"What is the role of a coach?"

These questions spark reflection and discussion — and they’re far from rhetorical. Throughout his teaching, he reminds us that:

"The role of the coach is to serve."

Serve the athlete. Serve the game. Serve the community.

More Than Just Skills — It’s About Purpose

Coach Fabio’s sessions are more than lectures — they are conversations. He encourages critical thinking, invites curiosity, and welcomes discussion. The room came alive with energy, ideas, and, most importantly, passion. Eyes lit up as he spoke about the evolution of volleyball, and how today’s coaches must adapt while still honoring the values that make the sport so special.

Whether you were a new coach taking your first steps or a veteran refining your craft, the message was the same: Never stop learning. Never lose your love for the game.

Putting Theory into Practice: Coach Fabio Menta’s Work with Players

After an insightful and engaging clinic with the coaches, it was time to put the knowledge into action with the players. Coach Fabio Menta divided the participants into two groups: coaches and players — and that’s where the real magic happened.

Coach Fabio’s approach focuses heavily on the safety and well-being of the athletes, with a keen emphasis on game application. His goal is simple: train smarter, not harder. He shared the importance of avoiding overworking athletes, which can lead to injuries. His philosophy is clear: train less but achieve more, ensuring athletes remain healthy and perform at their peak. By focusing on practical drills and real-game scenarios, Coach Fabio makes sure every drill has a clear connection to the realities of competition.

Empowering Players to Be Their Own Coaches

One of the most impactful aspects of Coach Fabio’s teaching is his focus on empowering the players themselves. His message is straightforward, yet powerful: "Become your own coach."

Throughout the session, Coach Fabio encouraged players to become more self-aware. He always took time at the end of each drill to explain how they could identify their own mistakes and, more importantly, correct them independently. The aim is to reduce their reliance on the coach and cultivate an environment where players observe, reflect, and most importantly, question why they perform certain actions on the court.

This approach helps players grow not only as athletes but as critical thinkers. They learn how to analyze their movements, understand their decisions, and improve continuously without always waiting for external guidance.

Discipline and Teamwork: The Core of Volleyball

As the clinic came to a close, Coach Fabio left the players with an essential reminder — one that every volleyball player should internalize. The secret to success isn’t in individual glory or star power, but in the discipline and teamwork that drive the sport forward.

In volleyball, one superstar cannot win the game. The true strength of a team comes from the collective effort, from working together, and from being disciplined both on and off the court. It was a fitting note to end on, reminding everyone that volleyball is as much about the team as it is about the individual, and together, they can accomplish so much more.

Coach Fabio’s clinic was a reminder that great coaching goes beyond teaching technical skills. It’s about creating self-aware athletes, building strong teamwork, and always prioritizing safety in the pursuit of excellence.

Moving Forward Together

As VSSC continues to grow, it’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. To build a strong volleyball community, we must invest not only in athletes — but in coaches. And having a mentor like Coach Fabio Menta guiding that journey is an incredible privilege.

We thank Coach Fabio for his continued commitment to Vietnam’s volleyball scene and look forward to many more inspiring sessions ahead. Here's to serving the game — together.