By Nikolay Markov
If beach volleyball were a video game, the players would likely be the characters on screen. However, unlike indoor volleyball where the coach might be the `gamer`, in beach volleyball, the coach is more akin to the programmer who lays down all the code before the match begins. There`s a significant distinction between coaching indoor and beach volleyball. To offer fans deeper insight into the dedicated, often unseen work of these mentors in the sand, my series “Secrets of Coaching Success” highlights accomplished European beach volleyball coaches and delves into their perspectives on their craft.
Aigars Birzulis as an FIVB Development coach in Lithuania
Renowned Latvian beach volleyball coach Aigars Birzulis is featured in the sixth episode of this series. His teams have achieved considerable success, securing numerous medals at major international events across senior, junior, and youth levels, including a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics. More recently, he guided Anastasija Kravcenoka and Tina Graudina to claim the women`s continental title at EuroBeachVolley 2022. This is the conclusion of his interview.
Interview Highlights
There`s a growing trend towards introducing more team competitions like the Nations Cup, Continental Cup, World Beach Games 4×4, and national leagues. Do you think this trend will increase the importance of the beach volleyball coach`s role?
“I fully support this development. We need to work more on this aspect.”
Can you share something about the beach volleyball coaching profession that you believe the general public knows little about?
“It’s difficult to discuss this because there are always many things that remain internal to the team, and some are just theoretical or on paper. So, I don`t have much to elaborate on publicly.”
What do you consider the key to your coaching success so far?
“Having coached beach volleyball for many years, I think my key is the ability to identify opponents’ weaknesses and effectively mask our team’s own vulnerabilities. It’s not straightforward because everyone is trying to do the same, requiring significant effort. Furthermore, you must always remember that a player is like a diamond that needs continuous refinement throughout their career, even as they get older.”
Aigars Birzulis during time-out
When coaching a beach pair, do you primarily focus on improving the individual skills of each player, or on enhancing their interaction and teamwork? What is the most important thing you try to teach your players in general?
“I work on all aspects. There isn`t a single formula; no one approach is exclusively right or wrong. You have to discover the method that uniquely suits both the players individually and their dynamic as a team. I believe it`s not effective to simply `copy-paste` strategies. Every team needs to develop its own distinct style or signature.”
Is there a coach, from beach volleyball or another sport, whom you admire or consider a role model?
“There are many excellent coaches in beach volleyball, and their results clearly demonstrate their quality. For me, Jurgen Wagner is one of the very best. Rasmus Jonsson has also introduced completely new methodologies. While I could name many other great coaches, I’ll stick with these two.”
How do you relax and recover outside of your coaching work?
“I enjoy fishing, gathering berries and mushrooms, or simply spending time in nature. Interestingly, cranberries are shaped similarly to volleyballs, so they often bring positive thoughts about the sport – because no matter where I am, beach volleyball is always present in my mind and heart.”