Volleyball enjoys widespread popularity globally, featuring prominently in international, professional, and domestic competitions. Despite its broad appeal, the double contact rule remains a topic of discussion without a definitive stance. Recently, Nebraska Huskers Head Coach John Cook made a clear statement on the matter.
Within the NCAA Division Volleyball, seasoned coaches bring diverse approaches and opinions to the table. A video shared by renowned volleyball analyst Emily Ehman on her official X account captured the perspectives of Big Ten Volleyball head coaches on the double contact rule.
The tweet posed the question, “Should they get rid of the double contact rule?” and garnered a variety of responses from coaches with differing views on maintaining or abolishing the rule.
In the midst of this discourse, John Cook’s contribution stood out. In a brief and decisive response, Cook simply stated, “No,” without elaborating on his opinion.
While other coaches presented nuanced reasoning behind their positions, Cook’s straightforward answer reflected his authoritative standing in the room, having accumulated the most national titles among his peers.
Aligned with Cook’s stance, coaches emphasized the importance of retaining the double contact rule. Maryland Terrapins Head Coach Adam Hughes, expressed his support, stating, “No. I think it’s in a great place. I think it allows everyone to be athletic right now.”
hio State HC Jen Flynn Oldenburg echoed this sentiment, asserting, “No. We need to have something clean in the game. And if you get rid of them, then that takes that skill away.” Coaches emphasized the role of the mechanic in maintaining the sport’s rhythm and skill level.
The international context was also highlighted, as double contacts are permitted at the international level. The consensus among coaches was that removing the double contact rule could adversely impact the game. The question lingers: Should double contacts remain an integral part of NCAA Volleyball?
