Preparing for Your First Club Volleyball Tryout

# Preparing for Your First Club Volleyball Tryout

For many families, club tryouts are their first real introduction to competitive volleyball.

They can also be one of the most nerve-racking experiences of the season.

Athletes worry about making a team.

Parents worry about choosing the right club.

Everyone hopes things go well.

The good news is that tryouts don't have to be overwhelming.

With the right expectations and preparation, they can be an exciting first step in your athlete's volleyball journey.

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What Is a Club Tryout?

A club tryout is an evaluation.

Coaches spend time watching athletes perform volleyball skills while also evaluating qualities that don't always show up on a stat sheet.

Tryouts help coaches determine which athletes are the best fit for each team within their club.

Remember, coaches aren't looking for perfect players.

They're looking for athletes they believe they can continue to develop.

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What Coaches Are Really Looking For

Many parents assume coaches only evaluate skill.

Skill is certainly important.

But coaches are often paying just as much attention to other qualities.

These include:

• Coachability
• Effort
• Positive attitude
• Communication
• Hustle
• Body language
• Competitive spirit
• Willingness to learn
• Being a good teammate

A player who works hard and responds well to coaching often stands out just as much as a player with great physical ability.

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How Athletes Can Prepare

Preparation starts well before tryout day.

Encourage your athlete to:

• Get a good night's sleep.
• Eat a healthy meal beforehand.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Arrive early.
• Bring all required paperwork and equipment.
• Warm up properly.
• Introduce themselves to coaches when appropriate.
• Encourage teammates throughout the session.

Confidence grows when athletes know they've prepared.

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What Should Parents Do?

Parents play an important role before and after tryouts.

The best thing you can do is reduce pressure.

Instead of saying:

*"You have to make this team."*

Try saying:

*"Go compete. Work hard. Have fun. Show the coaches who you are."*

Athletes usually perform their best when they aren't carrying the weight of unrealistic expectations.

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Don't Panic Over One Mistake

Every athlete makes mistakes during tryouts.

Missed serves.

Bad passes.

Mistimed attacks.

They happen.

Great coaches understand that one mistake doesn't define a player.

What matters more is how the athlete responds.

Do they recover?

Do they stay positive?

Do they continue competing?

Those responses often leave a lasting impression.

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Every Club Evaluates Differently

No two clubs run identical tryouts.

Some emphasize technical skills.

Others focus heavily on athleticism.

Some spend more time in drills.

Others use game play.

Don't compare one club's tryout to another.

Instead, focus on helping your athlete compete with confidence wherever they are.

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Coach Mike's Perspective

After running club tryouts for more than two decades, I can honestly say this:

The athletes who impress coaches the most aren't always the biggest or the most athletic.

They're the ones who compete every single rep.

They communicate.

They hustle.

They encourage teammates.

They respond positively when they're coached.

Those qualities tell us a lot about the kind of teammate they'll become over the course of a season.

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Common Mistakes Parents Make

• Adding unnecessary pressure before tryouts.
• Comparing their athlete to others.
• Assuming one bad drill ruined the entire tryout.
• Believing coaches only evaluate volleyball skills.
• Forgetting that attitude and effort matter.

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Key Takeaways

• Tryouts are evaluations, not final judgments.
• Coaches evaluate character as much as skill.
• Preparation builds confidence.
• One mistake rarely determines the outcome.
• Encourage effort rather than perfection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should my athlete bring to tryouts?

Athletic shoes, knee pads, water, any required paperwork, and a positive attitude.

What if my athlete has a bad tryout?

One difficult day doesn't define an athlete. Continue working, seek feedback when appropriate, and remember there are often many opportunities to keep improving.

Should parents talk to coaches immediately after tryouts?

Unless the club requests it, it's usually best to wait until results are announced or follow the club's communication process.

What if my athlete doesn't make the team they hoped for?

While disappointing, this can also become one of the greatest growth opportunities in an athlete's journey. Many successful players have used setbacks as motivation to continue improving.

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Continue Learning

Your athlete made the team. Now what?

**Next Article: What to Expect at Your First Club Volleyball Tournament**