From Dec. 16-21, volleyball coaches on the collegiate, high school and club levels will descend upon the snow-covered plains of Nebraska for the 2008 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention in Omaha.

AVP staff and players will be among the thousands in attendance, including 2008 Olympic gold medalist Todd "The Professor" Rogers.

The convention itself is an informative series of discussions and presentations aimed at enlightening volleyball coaches on everything from the most effective training techniques to injury prevention to enhancing coaches' mental approach to the game. Highlights of the weekend include NCAA Final Four matches and the High School All-American match-and-skills competition.

As the premier entity for beach volleyball in the U.S., the AVP sees AVCA as an invaluable tool to further spread the popularity of beach volleyball, while promoting it as a potential NCAA sport.

"The AVCA Convention is a great opportunity for us. We get to spend four days with coaches from around the country who may not be exposed to the sport of beach volleyball and now will have the chance to learn beach techniques first-hand from top AVP pros, including Todd Rogers, an AVP MVP and reigning world champion and Olympic Gold medalist," said Leonard Armato, AVP CEO and commissioner, who has attended the convention on several occasions. "By attending this year's convention, we continue to increase our fan base, and [coaches] will have gained some knowledge that will benefit their teams and athletes."

To this end, other AVP pros also in attendance include: Jeff Nygaard (three time Olympian, UCLA NCAA champion and All-American), Chrissie Zartman (UCLA alum and All-American), Ashley Ivy (Stanford alum, NCAA champion and All-American) and John Mayer (Pepperdine alum and All-American). All have experienced distinguished indoor careers and have now made the successful transition as competitors on the AVP Tour.

And then of course there is The Professor himself, Todd Rogers.

Rogers will teach several clinics and courses on the benefits of training for beach volleyball, as well as strategies and techniques of the game.

"In order to play beach volleyball, you have to be good at all aspects of the game," Rogers said. "Indoor is more specialized. You may be a good setter or passer, and that's OK, but in beach you have to excel at everything from setting to passing to blocking and spiking."

The way Rogers sees it, training for the beach game will enhance anyone's skill level.

"It'll strengthen your legs, and help you move better. You'll feel like you're flying when you play indoors again."

Following the AVCA convention, Rogers will begin preparation for his participation in the 2009 AVP Johnsonville Hot Winter Nights Tour.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "Last year I only got a chance to play in Vegas, but it'll be nice to see some cities I haven't been to and bring the game to more fans."

Rogers, along with partner and fellow Olympic gold medalist Phil Dalhausser and 2008 Olympians Sean Rosenthal, Jake Gibb, Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh will participate at various Hot Winter Nights Tour stops along with other AVP stars.

For a complete schedule of Hot Winter Nights, click here.

For more information on the AVCA convention please visit http://avca.org/.