Volleyball coaches seek players with lean, muscular bodies, a strong core, a good vertical leap, quick reaction speed and a positive attitude. Top players from around the world exude a variety of these qualities, including Ivan Miljkovic of Serbia and American Gabriel Reece.
Lean Muscle
Top volleyball players are typically strong with lean muscle mass and minimal body fat. This body type has the power and strength to leap high and spike the volleyball without unnecessary weight or bulk. Such well-known players as Karch Kiraly and Kerri Walsh are physical examples of how lean muscle mass can be a benefit.
Core Strength
Core strength is essential to nearly any volleyball skill. This includes your abdominals, lower back and hips. These central muscles give the body balance, allow for twisting, turning and pivoting, and assist in providing power for jump serves and spikes.
Vertical Leap
The ability to leap high to perform jump serves, spikes and blocks can be a tremendous benefit to any volleyball player. Jumping high requires a strong lower body and core. Some volleyball players have some of the highest vertical leaps in sports. Cuban National volleyball player Leonel Marshall reportedly had a 50-inch vertical leap. By comparison, basketball legend Michael Jordan had a 48-inch vertical jump.
Reaction Speed
Volleyball is a rapid-paced game with little predictability. Experienced volleyball players develop greater reaction speeds, learning to better anticipate cues of where a ball will land and how to make a play on it. Reaction speed can also be developed through training techniques.
Attitude and Leadership
Volleyball coaches are looking for players who understand the importance of teamwork, a particularly important concept in volleyball. Teams must work in unison to set up shots and assist each other when necessary. Leadership is a desired personality trait among volleyball players because leaders are needed to set positive examples and to make good decisions on the court.
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