Trying out for a volleyball team can be both exciting and nerve-wracking—for players eager to show their skills and for parents hoping to see their child succeed. Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or aiming for a more competitive team, these 10 skill-focused tips will help you stand out and make a strong impression during tryouts.
- Can you show how hard you can hit the ball? This is the easiest way to get coaches’ attention. Whether it’s attacking or serving, do you have the ability to hit the ball hard?
- Can you be a well-rounded player with no weak skills? That is, if you are a MB or RS, can you set, serve, and defend? Do you extend rallies with heady play, or do rallies often end with your ball-handling errors?
- Can you pass a full speed serve? Most players can pass a coach’s down ball, but you can separate yourself with your ability to pass a high-speed float serve.
- Can you dig heat? That is, do you stay calm when the ball is moving fast, or does it “blow you up”?
- Can you block someone? That is, can you use your eyework, footwork, and handwork to shut down a live attacker?
- When attacking, can you manipulate the ball with your hand? More specifically, can you hit line from the left? For the more advanced, can you hit cross-body line? (face crosscourt but hit line)
- Can you hit a slide? Most players jump off of two feet when attacking. Few are adept at attacking both off two feet and one foot.
- Can you read tips and roll shots? Can you read cues and know when attackers will not hit the ball hard? This measures volleyball IQ.
- Do you follow instructions? Are you the one telling people where to go, or are you the one who never knows?
- Can you do a demo that supports the coach? Once again, this is a great volleyball IQ test.
Here is a list of 10 intangibles that can help you ace your volleyball tryout:
- Do you “Git it!” That is, does your motor run fast, and do you make a move for every ball?
- How do you deal with adversity? When you make an error, do you hang your head and lose energy, or do you quickly shake it off and stay aggressive?
- Do you habitually communicate? This is a great separator when there are a bunch of players with similar skill sets.
- How would you describe your “off ball” movement? That is, are you a “cruiser” or do you habitually cover and transition with intent?
- How do you take instruction? Do you maintain solid eye contact, acknowledge that you understand, and exaggerate the intent of the message?
- Do you ask questions? Does the coach know you are curious and hungry to get better?
- Do you have the courage to be first in line in a new activity? That is, will you fail fast, so you learn fast, or will you fearfully sneak to the end of the line?
- Will you play multiple positions? Once again, do you have the courage to take risks and be uncomfortable, or do you play it safe because you are afraid of errors?
- Do you compete? Do you always know the score?
- Do you celebrate others’ success? Or do you only celebrate your own?
The Volleyball Journey, is jam packed with valuable information for volleyball players and their parents. The 120 easy-reading lists, many written by topcoaches, will help families successfully navigate their volleyball experiences. Contributors include such volleyball luminaries as: Karch Kiraly, Kevin Hambly, Dave Rubio, Christy Johnson-Lynch, John Mayer, Ruth Nelson, and Terry Liskevych.
Check out the Amazon link and grab a copy today.
About the Author
Tod Mattox started his coaching journey in 1981, and he’s been working with high school and club teams for the past 44 years. Tod is a frequent contributor to The Art of Coaching Volleyball, and he’s presented several workshops at AVCA Conventions. Currently, he and his coaching pal, Davis Ransom, create a weekly podcast, The VolleyPod, where they share ideas on coaching kids’ volleyball. He continues to explore ways to improve his coaching at The Bishop’s School, COAST Volleyball Club (a JVA member club), and Catalyst Volleyball Club.
