10 Things You should Say to Your Child as Volleyball Parents Before a Match

Champions keep playing until they get it right.

Billie Jean King(

Source: Set up for Volleyball.

What are the things you should say to your child as volleyball parents before a match?

How each positive statement that you say to your child will impact their confidence and performance on the court?

If you want answers for these questions, keep reading!

The time before a volleyball match is pretty important for both parents and players alike. The things you say to your child has the power to influence them in many ways.

Positive statements surely helps your child to keep an open mind before heading into the match.

In this post, I’ll tell you all about the 10 things you should say to your child as volleyball parents before a match.

Let’s get started!

Did you know? Pre-game preparation reduces unnecessary stress for volleyball players. According to top players like Karch Kiraly, thorough preparation before a match (both mental and physical) can significantly reduce unnecessary stress and allow athletes to perform more freely, focusing on enjoying the game rather than fearing failure.

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Things You should Say to Your Child as Volleyball Parents

Have Fun and Enjoy the Match

Before the match starts, remind your child that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience of playing in a team. Volleyball is a game meant to be enjoyed, and when players focus on having fun, they tend to play more relaxed and confident.

This helps reduce any pressure or anxiety they might be feeling. Encourage your child to embrace the moment, appreciate the time spent with teammates and enjoy the challenge that each match brings.

By focusing on the joy of playing, they’re likely to perform better and feel more connected to the sport. Remind them that win or lose, the experience is what counts and the memories they create on the court will last a lifetime.

Give Your Best Effort, No Matter the Outcome

Encourage your child to give their best effort in every match, regardless of the outcome. Remind them that success in volleyball isn’t always about winning but about putting forth their best possible performance on the day.

When they focus on effort, they stay motivated and can handle tough situations with resilience. Let them know that giving their all, both physically and mentally, is something to be proud of no matter the score at the end of the match.

A strong work ethic will help them grow as a player and as a person. Whether they win or lose, their dedication to giving their best effort is what truly matters.

Celebrate their hard work, perseverance and commitment to improving with each game.

Focus on What You Can Control During the Match

One of the best ways to help your child stay focused is by reminding them to concentrate on what they can control during the match. Emphasize that they cannot control the actions of the referees, their teammates, or the other team, but they can control their own attitude, effort and reactions.

By focusing on their own performance (how they communicate, how hard they try and how they handle mistakes,) they’ll be able to stay calm and centered, even in challenging moments. Encouraging this mindset helps them avoid frustration and empowers them to take ownership of their game.

Let them know that by staying in control of their own actions, they give themselves the best chance to perform well and enjoy the match.

Remember to Communicate with Your Teammates

Good communication is key to having a successful volleyball game as a player. Remind your child that volleyball is a team sport, and staying in constant communication with their teammates will help them work together more effectively as a group.

Whether it’s calling for the ball, offering encouragement, or alerting teammates to an opponent’s move, communication can make a huge difference on the court. Encourage them to speak clearly and stay positive, even when things get tough.

A team that communicates well can overcome challenges and play more cohesively. Let them know that by being vocal and supportive, they’re not only helping the team but also building trust with their teammates, which strengthens their overall performance as a collective unit.

Stay Positive and Supportive on the Court

Remind your child that maintaining a positive attitude on the court can have a huge impact on their performance and the team’s overall morale throughout the match. Staying positive, even when things don’t go as planned, helps them stay focused and keeps their energy high.

Encourage them to be supportive of their teammates, offering words of encouragement during both successful and challenging moments. A positive attitude helps lift others up, and when the entire team feels supported, they’re more likely to play with confidence and determination.

Let your child know that how they respond to challenging times of a match speaks volumes, and by staying upbeat and encouraging, they help foster a strong team spirit that can push everyone toward success/positive end result.

Keep a Strong Mental Attitude Throughout the Match

Volleyball is as much a mental game as it is physical. Encourage your child to keep a strong mental attitude throughout the match, even when facing tough situations.

Remind them that challenges are inevitable for sports players. Whether it’s a missed serve or an opponent’s strong play, having a positive and strong mindset will help them move on from that moment and focus on the next play.

The key is to stay mentally tough, not letting frustration or disappointment take over. Help them understand that a strong mindset means bouncing back from mistakes quickly and staying focused on the present.

When they maintain mental resilience, they can handle pressure better and make smarter decisions on the court. Reinforce that their mindset can inspire their teammates to stay positive and focused as well, making it easier to overcome any obstacles as a team.

It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, Learn from Them and Move On

Mistakes are a natural part of any sports player’s playing journey and it’s the same for being a volleyball player. It’s important for your child to understand that making errors doesn’t define their performance.

Make them understand that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow as a player. Encourage them not to dwell on what went wrong but to focus on what they can do next.

Remind them that every player, even professionals, make mistakes during matches, and what matters most is how they respond. By quickly moving on and staying focused on the game, they’ll avoid letting a single mistake affect their entire performance.

Reinforce that learning from mistakes is how they improve, and the key to success is to keep pushing forward with confidence.

Trust Your Training, Practice, the Effort you’ve Put in and Skills

Before the match, remind your child that they’ve worked hard to prepare for this moment. All the hours of practice, training, and effort they’ve put in have built their skills and strengthened their abilities.

Encourage them to trust in their preparation and to believe that they are ready to perform at their best. When they have confidence in their skills, they can play with greater ease and focus.

Emphasize to them that the work they’ve done leading up to the match will carry them through, and it’s that effort and dedication is what truly matters.

Ask your child to remember that their preparation has set them up for success. Reinforce that trusting their abilities will allow them to play more confidently and enjoy the game even more.

Respect the Referees, Coaches and Opponents

Make sure to teach to your child that respect is a cornerstone of good sportsmanship. Encourage them to show respect for the referees, coaches and opponents throughout the match.

Referees are there to ensure fair play, and while their calls may not always seem favorable, it’s important to accept decisions gracefully and move on. The coaches, both theirs and the opposing team’s, deserve respect for their guidance and efforts.

Similarly, opponents should be respected as fellow athletes who are working just as hard to compete. By treating everyone involved in the game with respect, your child can help create a positive environment on the court.

This attitude not only reflects well on them but also promotes teamwork, integrity and a love for the game.

We’re Proud of You, No Matter What the Result

Before the match, reassure your child that your pride in them is not tied to the outcome of the game. Make them understand that their effort, commitment and love for playing volleyball are what truly matter.

Win or lose, their growth as a player is something to be celebrated. Remind them that results don’t define their worth; it’s the hard work they’ve put in and the courage to compete that make you proud.

By expressing this unconditional support, you help reduce pressure and allow them to focus on enjoying the game. Knowing that you’re proud of them regardless of the score gives your child the confidence to play freely and embrace every moment on the court.

FAQs on Things You should Say to Your Child as Volleyball Parents

Why is it Important for Parents to Say Positive Things Before a Volleyball Match?

Positive reinforcement from parents can boost a child’s confidence, reduce pre-match anxiety and help them focus on enjoying the game rather than stressing about the outcome. Encouraging words can also enhance their performance by promoting a positive mindset and mental toughness on the court.

How can Parents Help their Child Overcome Nerves Before a Volleyball Match?

Parents can help by offering supportive, calming messages, such as reminding their child to focus on what they can control, enjoy the game, and learn from mistakes. These statements shift the focus away from the pressure to win and emphasize effort, teamwork and growth.

What should Parents Avoid Saying to their Child Before a Volleyball Match?

It’s important for parents to avoid putting pressure on their child by focusing too much on winning or criticizing past performances. Instead, the focus should be on effort, having fun and improving.

This helps create a stress-free environment where the child feels supported and motivated.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that volleyball is an intense and fast-paced sport, but your positive statements as parents will surely be a source of motivation for your child.

I am confidently hopeful that this post on 10 things you should say to your child as volleyball parents before a match will be helpful to you.

What are your thoughts about this list?

Would you like to add any other statement?

Share them in the comments section below!

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