Each year, club directors and coaches evaluate their tryout process and look for ways to improve athlete evaluation, communication, and team selection. While there are many different approaches to running tryouts, the goal remains the same: gather enough information about each athlete to make informed decisions and provide the best possible fit for the athlete, family, and club.

A well-organized tryout process creates a positive experience for athletes and families while allowing coaches to evaluate skills, athletic ability, competitiveness, and character.

Here are several steps to help your tryout process run smoothly and efficiently.

Tryout Preparation

Registration and Communication

Successful tryouts begin well before athletes enter the gym. Providing clear and timely information is essential.

Be specific and consistent with all tryout communication, including:

  • Tryout dates and times
  • Age divisions
  • Location information
  • Registration deadlines
  • What athletes should bring
  • What families can expect during the process

A detailed tryout flyer or webpage can serve as a valuable resource for families and reduce unnecessary questions.

Use an online registration system to collect important athlete information, such as:

  • Contact information
  • Playing history
  • Position experience
  • Previous club experience
  • Relevant athletic information

This information can be valuable throughout the evaluation process and during the club season.

Promote tryouts through your website, email communication, social media channels, and community partnerships. This helps keep returning families informed while also introducing your program to new athletes.

Prepare Your Coaching Staff

Your coaching staff plays a critical role in creating a successful tryout experience. Communicate expectations with coaches well in advance and make sure everyone understands their role.

Depending on your tryout structure, coaches may be responsible for:

  • Running skill drills
  • Evaluating athletes
  • Recording observations
  • Leading position-specific training
  • Monitoring competition drills
  • Supporting the overall tryout experience

Create a clear staffing plan and ensure coaches know:

  • When to arrive
  • Where to report
  • The tryout schedule
  • Evaluation criteria
  • Their specific responsibilities

Consider hosting a coach meeting or walkthrough before tryouts begin. This ensures all evaluators are aligned and evaluating athletes based on the same standards.

Consistency is important. If coaches are evaluating athletes for potential teams, everyone should understand the criteria being used to make decisions.

Before athletes arrive, prepare all evaluation materials, testing equipment, and communication resources. The first impression families have of your program begins the moment they walk through the doors.

Develop Your Tryout Structure

Every club will structure tryouts differently, but your process should allow enough time to evaluate every athlete thoroughly.

Consider what information you need to collect:

  • Technical skills
  • Position-specific abilities
  • Athletic measurements
  • Competitiveness
  • Decision-making
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Coachability

Avoid making decisions based on one drill, one skill, or one moment. The best evaluation process gives athletes multiple opportunities to demonstrate who they are as players and teammates.

Session One: Individual Evaluation

Many clubs begin with an evaluation focused on individual skills and athletic ability.

This portion may include:

Athletic Testing

Some clubs choose to collect measurable data such as:

  • Vertical jump or touch height
  • Speed testing
  • Agility testing
  • Strength or power measurements

If your club uses testing, establish clear benchmarks and use the information as one piece of the evaluation process—not the sole determining factor.

Position-Specific Training

Divide athletes into groups based on position and allow coaches to evaluate position-specific skills.

Coaches may evaluate:

  • Passing
  • Serving
  • Setting
  • Attacking
  • Blocking
  • Defensive movement
  • Ball control

Using a shared evaluation system allows coaches to compare athletes consistently.

Consider creating evaluation forms or digital spreadsheets where coaches can record feedback on:

  • Technical ability
  • Volleyball IQ
  • Effort and competitiveness
  • Coachability
  • Communication
  • Attitude

Session Two: Team and Competitive Evaluation

The second portion of tryouts should provide opportunities for athletes to compete.

Team-based drills allow coaches to evaluate:

  • How athletes respond in pressure situations
  • Communication with teammates
  • Decision-making
  • Competitiveness
  • Ability to contribute to a team environment

Move athletes through different groups when possible. Seeing athletes compete with different teammates and in different situations provides a more complete evaluation.

Communicate the Selection Process

Before tryouts begin, families should understand how and when decisions will be communicated.

Be clear about:

  • Whether offers will be made immediately or after additional evaluation
  • When athletes should expect communication
  • How offers will be delivered
  • The next steps after acceptance

Changing the process after tryouts begin can create confusion and frustration. A transparent process helps families feel informed and respected.

Making Difficult Decisions

Selecting teams is one of the most challenging responsibilities of a club director and coaching staff. When athletes have similar skill levels, decisions often come down to factors beyond physical ability.

Consider evaluating:

Coachability and Engagement

Athletes who listen, ask questions, make eye contact, respond positively, and demonstrate engagement often separate themselves during tryouts.

Team-First Mindset

Evaluate how athletes respond when things are going well and when they are struggling.

Consider:

  • Do they encourage teammates?
  • Do they handle mistakes positively?
  • Do they support the group?
  • Are they focused only on individual success?

Successful teams require athletes who understand that being part of a program means contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Athlete Ownership

The athlete should be an active participant in the decision-making process.

While parents play an important role in supporting their child, the athlete’s goals, commitment level, and vision for her volleyball future should be considered.

Encourage athletes to communicate their own goals and determine whether your club is the right environment for their development.

Continue Evaluating After Tryouts

The evaluation process should not end the moment teams are announced. Continue observing athletes throughout the beginning of the season to ensure they are placed in the environment where they can best develop.

Strong clubs understand that player development is a long-term process.

Create a Positive Tryout Experience

A successful tryout process is about more than selecting teams. It is an opportunity to showcase your club’s values, culture, and commitment to athletes and families.

Prepare thoroughly. Communicate clearly. Evaluate consistently. Make decisions based on the complete athlete—not just their performance during a few hours in the gym.

When clubs create an organized, thoughtful tryout experience, they build trust with families and set the foundation for a successful season.

View more tryout resources and education for volleyball Club Directors.

Revised 7.7.2026