In the world of junior beach volleyball, small clubs often face the challenge of standing out among larger, more established programs. Yet with a clear vision, intentional development, and a strong community focus, smaller clubs can not only compete—but thrive. This article outlines the key strategies that have helped our program grow from a modest local effort into a respected presence on the sand. From defining core values and developing individualized player pathways to expanding tournament experiences and fostering a culture of personal growth, these principles are designed to help any small club build lasting success and impact both on and off the court.

1. Define a Clear Vision for Your Beach Program

Why It’s Important:

Establishing a clear vision creates a consistent culture that attracts like-minded athletes and families. Our core values—Commitment, Teamwork, Positive Mindset, and Respect—guide every decision, from recruitment to training sessions, and set the foundation for a thriving club environment.

Action Steps:

  • Identify values that align with your club’s mission and vision.
  • Clearly communicate these values to coaches, players, and parents.
  • Integrate values into training, team activities, and clear communication.

2. Create a Personalized Player Development Framework

Our Approach:

We focus on individualized training that builds each player’s strengths, confidence, and volleyball IQ. Our athletes have defined growth pathways, from beginners to college-bound players, and a system for tracking ongoing progress and growth.

Action Steps:

  • Customized Training Levels: Organize programs for different skill levels to provide tailored challenges at every stage.
  • Player Profiles: Share monthly technical progress reports with players, highlighting achievements and setting goals for a clear technical growth path.
  • Emphasize Core Skills for Beach Volleyball: Focus on essential skills like bump and hand setting, attacking from both sides and at various speeds, and controlling the ball for team success.
  • Foster a Winning Mindset: Build game strategy IQ, teamwork with diverse personalities, and resilience in handling external factors such as wind, weather, and officiating.

3. Ongoing Self-Education and Adaptation to Changes in Our Sport

Staying Updated in a Rapidly Evolving Sport:

Consistent learning and adapting to new trends, coaching methods, and player development strategies have kept us competitive. Keeping up with changes in techniques, training approaches, and recruitment expectations prepares our athletes for the future.

Action Steps:

  • Attend Coaching Clinics and Conferences: Gain insights from industry leaders to bring fresh ideas back to your club.
  • Stay Current with National and Local Trends: Attend college and professional beach tournaments to observe new techniques and rule changes.
  • Network with Other Coaches: Collaborate with coaches from other regions to share insights and learn about different approaches, training styles, and strategies.

4. Travel to Out-of-State Tournaments

Expanding Experience Beyond Local Competition:

By participating in tournaments outside our area, we expose athletes to diverse competition styles and a higher level of play. These experiences boost confidence, refine skills, and showcase our club on a larger stage.

Action Steps:

  • Target Key Tournaments: Choose out-of-state tournaments with high visibility and competitive brackets for maximum experience and exposure.
  • Use Travel as a Team Bonding Opportunity: Traveling and staying together strengthens team connections, making athletes feel part of a larger family.
  • Support Athletes in Recruiting Showcases: Select tournaments that attract college recruiters, enhancing exposure for players with college aspirations. Have players record their games and send footage to schools of interest.

5. Offer Beach Volleyball Opportunities for Younger Players

Creating Pathways from a Young Age:

Starting players in beach volleyball early fosters excitement, builds foundational skills, and supports long-term interest in the sport. Younger athletes are often more eager to try new things, making this an ideal time to introduce them to beach volleyball.

Action Steps:

  • Introduce Beach Clinics for Youth Players: Offer accessible, fun clinics that introduce beach volleyball in a supportive environment.
  • Promote Beach as a Supplement to Indoor Training: Position beach volleyball as a skill-enhancing, complementary option for younger and older indoor players.
  • Emphasize Enjoyment and Discovery: Design drills that balance learning with fun, sparking curiosity and interest. Avoid using indoor drills on the sand, as it can lead to boredom.

6. Promote Player Success and Support College Recruitment

Highlighting Your Athletes’ Achievements:

With over 41 recruited college players, our club’s reputation for producing college-ready athletes is a significant attraction. We emphasize player growth, and our recruiting support draws competitive players.

Action Steps:

  • Build Relationships with College Coaches: Stay connected to the college recruitment network by attending showcases and maintaining communication with coaches.
  • Showcase Opportunities: Support players attending camps or clinics, like college-sponsored beach camps, to build their profiles and network.
  • Develop Athlete Profiles: Create highlight reels, skills videos, and comprehensive player profiles for each athlete, showcasing their skills, awards, and growth.

7. Create a Unique Club Culture Focused on Personal Growth

We Are More Than Just a Volleyball Club:

We believe in shaping not only athletes but resilient, confident young adults, on and off the court. Our focus on leadership, teamwork, and a growth mindset has made our club more than just a training center. By training holistically, we offer more than just technical development.

Action Steps:

  • Integrate Life Skills Training: Offer sessions on resilience, mental toughness, teamwork, and responsibility, and show short videos on each topic.
  • Fueling the Body, Nutrition and Hydration: Educate your athletes on balanced nutrition. Balanced diet and proper hydration enhances performance and recovery.
  • Celebrate Individual Journeys: Recognize personal growth and improvement as much as competitive wins. This builds player confidence and loyalty to the club.
  • Team Bonding Activities: Encourage team-building exercises, off-court events, and community service initiatives to foster a supportive, cohesive team environment. Make the club feel like a second family.

8. Manage Resources Wisely as a Smaller Club

Navigating Limitations:

As a smaller club, we’ve learned to prioritize initiatives that directly impact players. Strategic investments make it possible to offer high-value programs without a large budget.

Action Steps:

  • Focus on High-Impact Activities: Direct resources toward quality tournaments, training sessions/tools, and passionate coaches who will support program growth.
  • Utilize Volunteer and Intern Support: Engage parents, local college students, or former players for administrative tasks, event setup, or media support.
  • Invest in Portable, Versatile Equipment: Use portable nets, pop-up tents, and durable sand training gear for flexibility and to keep costs down.

Our growth from a small club to a recognized name in beach volleyball has been a result of sustained commitment, a clear mission, and focused community involvement. With these strategies, any smaller club can make meaningful strides in the beach volleyball world.

View more business education for beach volleyball directors.

About the Author

Taye Im has been guiding Team One Volleyball (Chicago, IL), a JVA member club, for the past 14 years, serving as both owner and club director. Nestled in between Naperville and Aurora, IL, Team One Volleyball operates out of a new 20,000 sq ft facility, boasting three sport courts and two indoor sand courts.

Their approach is refreshingly straightforward: providing a hybrid program that caters to both indoor and beach players, all year round. With a focus on inclusivity and opportunity, Team One Volleyball aims to support volleyball athletes in pursuing their dreams, whether it be in the indoor arena or on the sandy shores of collegiate beach volleyball.

Under Taye’s guidance, Team One Volleyball has had the privilege of aiding over 40 athletes in securing spots on collegiate beach volleyball teams across the country. Taye attributes their success to cultivating a supportive and nurturing environment, empowering athletes to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Taye Im’s journey with Team One Volleyball is a humble testament to the power of passion, dedication, and community in shaping the dreams of aspiring athletes.