Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT cover art

Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT

Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT

Written by: Chuck Dougherty
Listen for free

The Bump, Set, Mic podcast guides you through the world of junior club volleyball through the perspective of the TNT Volleyball Club located in the Philadelphia area. Join Club Director Chuck Dougherty and his cohost Brian Mooney as they interview coaches, parents and players to get behind the scenes insight into all things important in the world of club volleyball.2024 Volleyball
Episodes
  • Ep 48: More Than Kills: The Complete Outside Hitter

    Ep 48: More Than Kills: The Complete Outside Hitter
    Oct 12 2026
    Outside hitters are asked to do it all: pass, defend, lead, and take big swings—often when the play is out of system. In the Season 2 finale of Bump, Set, Mic, Brian and Chuck welcome back Sam Moyerman for a deep dive into one of volleyball's most demanding positions. From what coaches look for in a young hitter to how the role changes with age and level, the conversation explores the skills, mindset, and adaptability it takes to succeed on the outside. Whether you're a player preparing for tryouts, a parent trying to understand a coach's decisions, or an athlete thinking about playing in college, this episode offers practical guidance on developing a more complete game—and finding the right fit as you progress. Segment 1 – The Outside Hitter: Role, Responsibilities, and Evolution (0:00 – 25:34) Brian and Chuck introduce the Season 2 finale and returning guest Sam Moyerman, whose coaching experience spans club, high school, and college volleyballChuck describes the outside hitter as the team's "workhorse": a frequent attacker who is also expected to pass, defend, and contribute from the back rowWhy outside hitters often get the most swings—including difficult, out-of-system balls—and why they need to be ready for another touch after passingHow players may move between positions as they grow: younger athletes should learn the whole game rather than get attached to a position too earlyHow the game's shift above the net can change opportunities for shorter outside hitters as players get olderWhy passing ability becomes increasingly important, and how outside hitters who can pass and attack may stay on the court for all six rotationsThe confidence and resilience coaches value: wanting the ball, accepting mistakes, recovering quickly, and leading through positive body languageWhy an outside hitter's influence goes beyond kills: they can steady a team, set its tone, and help teammates share the work and credit Segment 2 – Evaluating and Developing Outside Hitters (26:25 – 58:39) What coaches notice when evaluating a hitter: size and athleticism, but also movement, transition footwork, response to teammates, and decision-makingHeight can help open doors at higher levels, but jumping ability, skill, and technique also matter; the coaches discuss how players may find opportunities across NCAA divisionsWhy young outside hitters should prioritize serve receive and passing—not just power hitting—and work on finishing the pass before transitioning to attackThe importance of approach mechanics and avoiding a "goofy-footed" approach on the left sideBuilding a varied hitting "toolbox": line and cross-court swings, rolls, tips, cut shots, and using the blockReading the defense and making the shot decision in the air, rather than deciding before the set arrivesHow outside hitters can contribute on imperfect sets by putting pressure on the other team, even when a kill isn't availableBlocking as part of team defense: tracking the hitter, protecting the sideline, staying balanced, and using a soft block to keep the ball playableHow coaches can develop aggression without recklessness, and why leadership means supporting teammates rather than blaming themManaging frustration and body language: take concerns to the coach at the right time, but stay engaged and composed on the court Segment 3 – Tryouts, Playing Time, and the Road Ahead (59:25 – 1:24:43) What parents may miss when focusing only on kills: serve-receive performance, defensive positioning, transition, teamwork, and body language all affect a player's impactWhy coaches may accept some attacking errors from an aggressive hitter—and why a player who avoids mistakes but doesn't put pressure on the opponent may not be as effectiveTryout advice: show potential, athleticism, effort, and what you do between contacts; don't simply play it safe to avoid making a mistakeHow to think about an offer at a different position: stay open-minded, ask what will support development, and consider playing time and growth—not only team or position labelsWhat can earn or cost playing time, including serve-receive consistency, effective swings, effort on defense, positive energy, and willingness to do the team's workHow to stay valuable when you're not getting many sets: pass, cover, move into position, encourage teammates, and make the most of your opportunitiesWhat college coaches may project beyond current performance, including jump touch, athletic potential, and a player's ability to contribute in multiple skillsRecruiting-video guidance: include serve receive and a range of attacks, sets, tempos, and shot choices—not repeated clips of the same swingSeek realistic feedback from multiple coaches and consider the range of programs within each college divisionWhy beach volleyball and doubles can help outside hitters improve passing, transition, ball control, and all-around playClosing advice: don't decide what to do with the ball too early—and don't pass ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Ep 47: Visible, Not Vulnerable: Social Media & Volleyball Recruiting

    Ep 47: Visible, Not Vulnerable: Social Media & Volleyball Recruiting
    Sep 16 2026
    From recruiting DMs to viral highlight clips, today's volleyball players are building their futures in public—often without realizing what they're really sharing. In this episode of Bump, Set, Mic, Chuck takes over hosting duties while Brian and returning guest Leon Kasperski, TNT's Director of Operations, break down how athletes and families can use social media as a powerful recruiting tool without putting safety, privacy, or future opportunities at risk. Drawing on Brian's 30+ years as a middle school teacher, along with his experience as a high school and club coach, and Leon's hands-on work guiding TNT athletes through the college recruiting process, the conversation covers volleyball-specific accounts, digital citizenship, red flags in online contacts, and the long memory of your digital footprint. Whether you're a TNT family, a player hoping to play in college, or a parent trying to keep your child safe online, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on staying visible to the right people—and inaccessible to the wrong ones. Segment 1 – Social Media as a Recruiting Tool, Not a Toy (0:00 – 17:32) Chuck introduces Episode 47 and the role reversal: Chuck hosting, Brian as "color man," plus returning guest Leon KasperskiWhy TNT is "all in" on social media as a major recruiting tool for its athletesHow TNT leverages coaches' relationships and tournament exposure (e.g., AAU Nationals) to get players seenLeon's recommendation to create a separate volleyball/recruiting account (vs. mixing personal life and volleyball on one profile)What belongs on a volleyball recruiting profile: Name, position, graduation yearSimple, professional contact infoLinks to highlight video and recruiting platforms (e.g., YouTube, SportsRecruits) Brian's educator perspective on teaching teens to use technology safely and appropriately, including AI, and this episode as the club's effort towards a similar goal. Early reminder: college coaches are absolutely checking social media to learn who you are off the court, not just how you play on it Segment 2 – Legit Contacts, Scams, and Online Grooming Red Flags (17:32 – 30:20) Real-life scenarios: "Hi, I'm Coach Smith from State University; I've watched your film…""We want to pay you for your name, image, and likeness (NIL)…" Leon on how legitimate coaches actually reach out: Almost never via DMTypically via school email, through the club, or directly to coaches Verification-first approach when a player gets contacted: Look up the coach on the school's official websiteMove the conversation from DM to emailCC a parent, club coach, or recruiting coordinator Red flags to watch for: Personal email addresses (e.g., Gmail) instead of school domainsRequests to "keep this between us" or avoid involving parentsAttempts to move quickly into private chats, personal photos, or non-volleyball topics Brian's shares some research found regarding how often minors—especially teen girls—report being approached online by people trying to manipulate themA clear explanation of grooming behaviors and how they can target teenage volleyball players specificallyWhat to do if you've already shared "too much": Stop replyingTell a parent or trusted adult immediatelyIn serious cases, involve law enforcement and the club, as TNT did in a prior possible grooming situation Segment 3 – Digital Footprints, Emotional Posting, and Long-Term Consequences (31:02 – 53:00) Brian defines digital citizenship and why "private" at one point doesn't neccessary mean private long-termLeon: college coaches are not just "likely" but certain to do a deeper dive on a player's online presence once they're interestedHow posts about refs, coaches, teammates, politics, or partying can quietly knock a player off a coach's listThe permanence of a digital footprint: Screenshots, saved Snaps, and old posts can resurface years laterChanging friend groups or conflicts can turn "private" conversations into public problems Quick-hit "lightning round" on what's okay and what's risky: Cell numbers in structured recruiting systems: maybe—but with cautionHome address and always-on location sharing: noHighlight reels and volleyball clips: absolutely yes—that's what social is forEmotional venting after a loss: skip the post, cool off, and protect your future self For players: social media is step one in recruiting, not the finish line—and visibility should never come at the cost of safetyFor parents: Stay engaged with your athlete's accounts and communicationsHelp with filming, building profiles, and reviewing contactsRecognize that a complete absence of social media can also hurt recruiting in today's landscape Closing thoughts from Chuck, Brian, and Leon as both coaches and parents: They want TNT players to be seen by the right people, stay safe from the wrong ones, and carry a strong digital reputation from club to college and beyond.
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Ep 46: Still Playing, Now Coaching: Introducing Mike Carr

    Ep 46: Still Playing, Now Coaching: Introducing Mike Carr
    Aug 27 2026

    From high school standout to D3 starter, VLA athlete, and now assistant coach at West Chester University and head coach of TNT's girls' 16 Thunder National, Coach Mike Carr brings grit, versatility, and high standards to every player he mentors. In this episode of Bump, Set, Mic, Chuck and Brian sit down with Mike to explore his coaching philosophy, his emphasis on strength and conditioning, and what players can expect when working with him.

    Discover Mike's practical insights on his experiences playing multiple positions, building resilience through adversity, navigating the demands of college and semi-pro volleyball, and helping players thrive at the club level. Whether you're a TNT family member, a current player, or someone curious about elite volleyball coaching, this episode offers a compelling look at Coach Mike's journey as a player, coach, and mentor—and what TNT families can expect as he leads his national team into an exciting season.

    Segment 1 – From Late HS Start to College and VLA Player (0:00 – 23:51)
    • Introduction of Coach Mike Carr
    • His high school volleyball journey, versatility from playing multiple positions, and thoughts on players being open to playing multiple roles
    • Mike's non-traditional path to college volleyball and his impressions from time spent at that level
    • Lessons learned from overcoming adversity as a player (incluuding an ACL injury) now aiding in his work as a coach
    • Mike's coaching journey from volunteering at his HS alma mater, the tremendous influence of Mike's coach on his own coaching career, and how Mike ended up connecting with TNT
    Segment 2 – Coaching at TNT, Philosophy, and Importance of Strength & Conditioning (24:01 - 50:40)
    • A recap of how Mike ended up at TNT
    • How first season success at 17U travel, plus positive feedback from parents and coaches, were stepping stones to Mike's appointment as a national-level 16s team head coach
    • Mike's thoughts on coaching girls vs. boys at the club level
    • His coaching philosophy, style, and the role of strength and conditioning in his approach with players
    • Strategies for helpling players develop resilience and mental toughness
    • Addressing the concern of younger coaches in prominent club roles, how Mike addresses that in his work, and the support provided by the club to coaches in similar circumstance at TNT
    Segment 3 – National Team Goals, What Gets Players Noticed, and How to Work with Coach Mike (50:49 – 69:33)
    • Individual and team goals for 16 Thunder National for the upcoming season
    • What Mike values most in players from the start of the season (tryouts) until the end
    • Positions, systems, and how he adapts to fit his team
    • Mike's reflections on the recent tryout experience at TNT as a national-level head coach
    • Helping players reach the college level, including using the club's connections to college coaches and other recruiting resources
    • Additional ways of working with Mike (lessons, academies, clinics) and his approach with athletes in those environments
    • TNT's expanded academy-style plans for the coming season
    • Final advice to ambitious young players
    • How to connect with Mike along with the club and its ongoing and upcoming programs
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet