In the world of professional sports, the transition from active player to strategic leader is a path trodden by many, yet mastered by few. For two of Europe`s most decorated volleyball stars, Srećko Lisinac and Nemanja Petric, that journey has officially begun, not on a court, but in a classroom. The sun-kissed shores of Limassol, Cyprus, recently played host to the FIVB Level 2 Coaches Course, an event that saw these Serbian titans, alongside 23 other ambitious participants, delving deep into the scientific intricacies of modern volleyball coaching.
Serbian stars Srećko Lisinac and Nemanja Petric with lecturer George Giatsis (left) and Mr George Stefanidis (Cyprus Volleyball Federation Technical Director).
A Strategic Pause, A Future Vision
For athletes accustomed to the roar of the crowd and the immediate gratification of a perfectly executed spike, stepping into the analytical realm of coaching represents a significant shift. Lisinac, a formidable middle blocker, revealed his motivation was partly pragmatic: “I have been injured for two seasons and am still working on my recovery to play again. In the moments I cannot play, I am trying to learn about coaching and see Volleyball through the eyes of a coach.” It`s a testament to his dedication that even rehabilitation time is repurposed for professional growth, turning a setback into a strategic advantage.
Petric, an equally influential outside hitter, shares this forward-thinking approach. “Although I am still an active player, I want to prepare myself and use this time to learn skills that will be useful in my coaching career,” he stated. This proactive pursuit of knowledge, while still at the pinnacle of their playing careers, underscores a generational shift in athlete mentality – one that values long-term contribution over transient glory. The days of simply `knowing the game` are giving way to `understanding the science of the game.`
The Science of Victory: Professor Giatsis`s Masterclass
The course was led by Professor Dr George Giatsis, a name synonymous with innovation in sports science. His expertise in kinesiology and biomechanics has not only shaped global volleyball and beach volleyball techniques but also fundamentally altered how performance is measured and improved. For Lisinac and Petric, Giatsis`s lectures were a revelation.
“I believe Volleyball needs more science integrated into it. The lecture on biomechanics, motor control, and motor learning, and on how to adjust and improve certain elements of the game, was outstanding. He also provided very modern solutions to resolve practical challenges in Volleyball,” Lisinac observed, highlighting the tangible benefits of a science-based approach.
Petric echoed this sentiment, expressing profound admiration for Professor Giatsis`s ability to fuse high-level volleyball with cutting-edge scientific data. “His research in biomechanics is incredible and will be very useful for the progress of players and teams,” Petric affirmed. It`s a fascinating paradox: these athletes have spent decades intuitively applying these principles on the court, and now they are learning the underlying scientific formulas that govern their very movements.
A group picture captured at the end of the course held in Limassol.
Cyprus: A Conducive Classroom
Beyond the academic rigor, the success of such a course also hinges on its environment. The Cyprus Volleyball Federation, led by President Dr Costas Constantinou and Technical Director Mr George Stefanidis, earned high praise for its impeccable hospitality and organization. “The conditions and environment here are excellent for learning,” Lisinac noted. This welcoming atmosphere allowed participants to fully immerse themselves in the demanding curriculum, proving that even for global stars, a supportive learning environment is paramount.
The participants proudly showing the certificates they received upon completion of the course.
The Dawn of a New Coaching Era
Professor Giatsis, a seasoned educator, found the experience equally rewarding. “Engaging with world’s top Volleyball players, who are eager to transition into coaching, is always rewarding and inspiring,” he stated. He lauded Lisinac and Petric for their “unique insights from their top-level skills” and their “willingness to integrate scientific knowledge.”
The two star players were personally awarded by the President of the Cyprus Volleyball Federation, Costas Constantinou.
Indeed, the future of volleyball coaching is likely to be shaped by individuals who can bridge the gap between elite playing experience and rigorous scientific understanding. Lisinac and Petric, already icons on the court, are now poised to become pioneers on the sidelines, armed not just with intuition but with quantifiable data and analytical frameworks. Their presence at such courses signals a sophisticated evolution in the sport, ensuring that future generations of players will benefit from a coaching philosophy that is both deeply experienced and scientifically informed. While the thrill of a match-winning block or an unreturnable spike might one day be a cherished memory, the strategic battles from the coach`s bench promise a different, yet equally compelling, challenge.
Torin Vale 
Gideon Holt