Volleyball is a widely played sport across the world at both international, professional, as well as domestic level. Although the sport has a widespread footprint, the double contact game mechanic doesn’t have a fixed position anywhere. Recently, however, Nebraska Huskers HC John Cook made a decisive statement about it.
The NCAA Division Volleyball houses several experienced coaches who carry their approach and opinion about things. A recent social media upload showcased the Big Ten Volleyball coaches stating their views on the double contact rule. But, while every coach weaved staunch reasoning behind their answers, Cook put his foot down with a one-word answer.
Thus spoke John Cook of Nebraska Huskers
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Renowned volleyball analyst Emily Ehman tweeted a video to her official X account showcasing discussions with Big Ten Volleyball head coaches. The tweet carried the caption, “It’s a trending topic in circles, so @emilyehman asked our @B1GVolleyball coaches: Should they get rid of the double contact rule?”
It's a trending topic in 🏐 circles, so @emilyehman asked our @B1GVolleyball coaches:
Should they get rid of the double contact rule? pic.twitter.com/I9OQD4Una6
— Big Ten Volleyball (@B1GVolleyball) January 25, 2024
Ehman received a divided opinion on the matter with some coaches wanting to ditch the rule while others wanting it to stay. However, the discussion took an interesting turn when Nebraska Huskers HC John Cook sat across Ehman. Answering almost immediately, Cook said, “No” without any follow-up for his opinion.
While his colleagues offered more insight into the matter, Cook let his position speak for itself. After all, he was the man with the most national titles to his name in the room. Agreeing with the opinion of the Nebraska Huskers HC, coaches explained the role of the mechanic and why it should stay. They also held that removing double contact would kill the sport.
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Why should the double contact stay?
Maryland Terrapins head coach Adam Hughes voted in favor of double contacts to stay. He opined, “No. I think it’s in a great place. I think it allows everyone to be athletic right now. I feel like sometimes we want to make changes just to make changes.” This view was also shared by the Ohio State HC Jen Flynn Oldenburg who agreed with the Nebraska Huskers.
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She said, “No. We need to have something clean in the game. And if you get rid of them, then that takes that skill away.” Notably, double contacts are also allowed on the international level and help maintain the rhythm of the game. Do you think double contacts should stay in NCAA Volleyball?
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