By March and April, the club volleyball season has already demanded a great deal from players and Coaches. Long tournament weekends, travel, school responsibilities, and the pressure to perform can take a toll. Even highly motivated teams can experience a mid-season slump—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Clubs can take proactive steps to prevent burnout and help athletes stay energized through the final stretch of the season.
1. Make Mental Health a Priority
Providing access to a mental health Coach or sports psychology resource can make a meaningful difference for athletes managing pressure and expectations. Even simple strategies—such as brief guided conversations or mindset tools—can help players manage stress and maintain perspective during the demands of the season.
2. Start Practice with Player Check-Ins
A brief five- to ten-minute check-in at the start of practice gives Coaches valuable insight into how their players are doing. Asking simple questions about energy levels, school demands, or physical fatigue allows Coaches to adjust practice plans when necessary and reinforces that player well-being matters.
3. Build Stronger Connections Within the Club
Creating opportunities for players to interact across age groups can be refreshing. Pairing teams for “big sister/little sister” practices—for example, 16s working with 13s—helps older athletes reconnect with the enjoyment that first drew them to volleyball. It also provides younger players with role models and strengthens overall club culture.
4. Bring in Fresh Voices
A new perspective can reignite motivation. Invite guest Coaches to lead a practice or have a Coach from an older team run a session or clinic. Exposure to different teaching styles and insights can energize players and introduce new ideas. In some cases, it may also be valuable to bring in a Coach who could potentially work with the team the following season.
5. Encourage Team Bonding Without Phones
Tournament weekends provide opportunities for intentional team bonding. Plan short activities where players set their phones aside and focus on connecting with teammates—whether through a team meal, group game, or conversation. These moments strengthen relationships and help reduce the emotional fatigue that can accompany constant competition.
6. Make the Gym Fun Again
Not every event in the gym needs to be a practice. Hosting activities such as trivia nights, watch parties for professional or NCAA matches, music nights, or team games reminds athletes that volleyball should remain enjoyable.
7. Celebrate the Journey
Recognition helps sustain motivation. Programs such as “Player of the Month” or “Team of the Month” highlight effort, growth, and leadership—not just wins and losses.
8. Schedule Rest on Purpose
One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is to intentionally schedule time off. Planned breaks—particularly around periods such as spring break—allow players, Coaches, and families to recharge. Listening to feedback from families can also help clubs find the right balance between competition and recovery.
Strong clubs recognize that performance follows well-being. When athletes feel supported, connected, and energized, they are far more likely to avoid the mid-season slump and finish the season playing their best volleyball.
This article was created by Briana Schunzel, JVA Director of Education and Partner Development.
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