If you want to crack the roster of a competitive volleyball team, it's important to know what to expect when it comes to the tryout. Coaches assess volleyball players in three areas: athleticism, volleyball skills and attitude. Preparation and execution will only get you so far. It's important to know what drills to expect, what skills to practice, and how to make a good impression on the coach.
What to Expect
Volleyball tryouts are usually divided into two parts: strength and condition assessment and skills assessment. Players will be put through a variety of running and jumping drills to assess their quickness, vertical leap, and overall conditioning and athletic ability. Then players will be put through a series of drills to assess specific volleyball skills, such as passing, serving, setting, digging, hitting and blocking.
How to Prepare
To give yourself the best chance of making the team, it's important to show up to the tryout in good shape. This means eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly leading up to the tryout. Also, buy a volleyball and practice your skills well in advance. Find a partner and practice passing and setting. Get as many contacts with a volleyball as possible leading up to the tryout. This will help with performance and confidence.
Drills and Skills
The 2011 U.S. National Women's Team begins the skills portion of their tryouts with a serve receive drill, and this is likely what you will see with any volleyball tryout. Some players will serve while others will set up in a service reception formation, and coaches will assess players' serving and passing skills. There will also likely be a hitting and blocking drill that involves a setter, and then tryouts often end with game-like scenarios or scrimmages.
Making an Impression
Apart from performing well in the drills and the strength and conditioning assessments, there are certain attributes that coaches look for in potential players. USA Volleyball looks for several attributes when it assesses players: teamwork: positive attitude, versatility, maturity, and the ability to take direction from the coach. In addition to these qualities, it's important to be confident. Coaches want to see players who want the ball, so be vocal and call for the ball. And don't forget to hustle. When the coach blows the whistle to stop the drill and call the players into a huddle, run to the huddle.
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