Volleyball is a competitive sport, with players earning chances to compete at the middle school, high school and collegiate levels. Post-college, there are professional opportunities at beach volleyball, while indoor volleyball continues at the recreation league and intramural levels. All players want to perform at their best during the tryout process, regardless of ability. Most school teams select their rosters through the tryout process. Performing your best during this period will go a long way toward ensuring a roster spot.
Step 1
Contact the coach well in advance of the tryout. Ask for advice on making the team, any planned drills or activities, and for his overall mission and goals for the program.
Step 2
Refine your skills in the months and weeks leading up to the tryout. Grab a partner and practice the fundamental volleyball skills -- setting, passing, digging, bumping and spiking. You will have only three to five days to impress the coaches, so you must make every drill count.
Step 3
Glean information from other players, alumni and even online to ease the tryout process and familiarize yourself with the potential drills.
Step 4
Sleep fully -- at least seven hours per night is recommended for volleyball athletes -- for the week leading up to the tryout. You want to perform at your fullest.
Step 5
Drink plenty of water and juice during the week leading up to the tryout, and lay off the pop, alcohol and other drinks that might make you feel lethargic and adversely affect your performance.
Step 6
Arrive early to the tryout for extra stretching and proper warm-up time. Extra running and jumping is highly recommended for this sport.
Step 7
Complete each drill to the best of your ability. The coaches should be able to see your natural talent and hard work.
Step 8
Solicit feedback from the head coach and assistant coaches after the tryout is complete. Ask for tips to identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve for next time, if necessary.
Step 9
Check the roster list -- usually posted outside the coaches' office -- for final cuts and roster positions.
Tips and Warnings
- Prior preparation always prevents poor performance. Being prepared ahead of time goes a long way toward ensuring your spot on the team. Wear athletic shoes and a volleyball shirt and shorts, and bring knee pads and a bottle of water to ensure you are prepared for the tryout.
- Never draw attention to your game by being overly flamboyant or arrogant. Coaches have an eye for talent, and your game will shine through on its own.
Things You'll Need
- Knee pads
- Water
- Volleyball shirt
- Volleyball shorts
- Athletic shoes
Member Comments