Make Your School's Volleyball Team
Volleyball can be a fun but confusing sport. This article will help you get and stay on the team.
Contents
[hide]Steps
Knowing How to Play Volleyball
- Learn the rules. Obviously, the coach isn't going to pick someone who always double touches and runs into the net. Search for the "rules of volleyball" online to see if any good websites that have the rules listed come up. Focus on sites that have rules relevant to your part of the world; variations may exist elsewhere.
Getting Prepared for Tryouts
- Start practicing about two months or so before tryouts. Practice about 60 minutes daily.Practice all the basic volleyball moves before the try-outs. Practice setting, spiking, bumping, blocking, and Serve a Volleyball.
- Practice by yourself as well as with others. Set/bump against the wall, practice your serves, and jump rope. Jog daily, but not for too long, because long distance running damages your vertical jump.[citation needed]
- Do arm strengthening exercises like push-ups. These will help your serves and hits. If you are strong, the coach will probably accept you on the team.
- Consider attending a volleyball summer camp the summer before trying out. This will give you a lot skills without the pressured level of expectation. Plus, you'll have a ton of fun.
- Get to know the coach's expectations. If the coach is expecting everyone to get their serves over, you had better work on serving. Almost all coaches will want to see how good you are at the fundamental skills. Try to show the coach these fundamentals in try-outs.
Tryouts
- Arrive 20 minutes before the tryouts. This will give you time to check out the atmosphere, watch players and feel relaxed.
- Try out and think positive. If you think you can hit it, you are more likely to follow through on your internal confidence.
- Always go for the ball in try-outs, otherwise, how will the coach know how good you are at passing? Also, remember to call the ball.
- Overhand serves are more preferred, but if you have the right fundamentals the coach might work with you.
- Don't talk about how bad you are at hitting, etc. Such negativity is a total downer and a coach will likely avoid someone who shows such a lack of confidence from the outset.
- Get noticed during tryouts. Volunteer when the coach asks for volunteers, wear brightly colored clothes. Act overall peppy and the coach will definitely notice you.
- Be sure to ask questions. This will show your coach you want to get better and care if you are doing something wrong.
- When the coach calls for you to shag up the balls, be the first to be out on the court running and shag the balls.
- When the ball is coming toward you yell "Mine!" or "Got it!" to let other members know that you have the ball and they won't go after it. Your coach might even be impressed.
- Don't be disappointed if you don't make it. Just remember, there's always next year, and practice makes perfect!
Staying on the Team
- If there's a problem, be open with your coach. Coaches like to know what's going on and they'll appreciate your honesty. If you have a minor injury but are still going to play, then tell them before tryouts start so that she'll understand if you need to take a break instead of thinking that you're not trying your hardest.
- Maintain a good attitude. Coaches look for upbeat and can-do attitudes in sport. And listen to what the coach says. They appreciate it when you listen. If the coach says to change something the next time you do it, your main focus should be on changing what the coach told you. It shows the coaches that you are willing to listen and learn.
- Be team-spirited. Encourage others around you to do their best. Be prepared to talk to your teammates. It's very important in volleyball to communicate with your team and the sooner you are known as someone willing to do this, the sooner people will rely on you. A team player who is reliable and relied upon is valuable and will be kept as part of the team. You may even make team captain if you keep the good attitude!
Tips
- Wear the right volleyball clothes, such as kneepads, shorts (possibly spandex), volleyball shoes, and a comfortable shirt.
- Hustle! Be confident in what you do and cheer on your team.
- If you have friends who are experienced volleyball players, ask them for tips and for practice time with you.
- Let the coach know you're not afraid of the ball. This is vital when playing volleyball.
- Have good sportsmanship. Don't be mean to the others on your team just because they're better at volleyball, and don't be mean to a rival team.
- Don't judge the ball if it's coming near you. Run up and hit it.
- Remember that it's not the end of the world if you don't make it. There are other places that you can play that will make you better. Try out next year and spend this year preparing for it.
- If you don't make the school team, try out for a local club team but be prepared to put in a lot of time.
- Volleyball is probably the sport that requires the most teamwork. Every player has value to the team, even if it's not playing. Remember, failure is an opportunity to show your coach that you can get back up again and keep trying.
- Make sure to in shape before the season starts.
- Try your best and think positive, try to play in co-ordination, because in group games, co-ordination between teammates.
- Don't talk trash about other players on your team. If you say mean or hurtful things behind someone else's back, and the coach finds out, you may be kicked off the team or worse, you may never be able to try out again.
- Coaches love it when they find a kid that will listen. Many children roll their eyes, mumble under their breath, or curse! When they find you will listen attentively, they will really want you on their team, even if you don't have the most skill.
- A really big thing is to call for the ball, and always go for it. Many people don't think that diving after a ball is a great idea but it just shows your coach how much you want to make the play. Don't fall or dive when its unnecessary though as it can be annoying and obnoxious.
- Don't just call "Mine" if you are ready for a set call you position so "Outside!", "Middle!", and "Right Side!" are what you would say. It helps the setter out and makes you look like you have more experience.
- Make sure to give it your all. Coaches look for a player who is determined to keep trying to play the ball no matter how hard the ball may be to play, it's important to make effort. And if you mess up shake it off and focus on the next play.
Warnings
- Not everyone is athletic, if you are just doing this to be 'in' you aren't doing it for the right reasons and may not get on the team.
- Set and forearm pass the right way. Forearm passing the wrong way can hurt your knuckles and setting the wrong way can jam a finger easily.
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