10 Common Mistakes to Avoid as Beginner Volleyball Players During a Match
It’s important to just kind of get away from your sport until you miss it. It’s about taking time to enjoy other aspects of life or learn new things. It helps rejuvenate.
Misty May-Treanor
Source: Flow volleyball.
You are really passionate about volleyball. You just got started playing the sport. You want to be one of the best players of your team. Hats off for your thought process!
But here’s the thing.
Do you have any idea of the common mistakes to avoid as beginner volleyball players during a match?
No worries if you didn’t think about this.
We are going to discuss about them specifically today in detail, and let’s get started!
Did you know? A libero of a volleyball team must wear a different colored jersey than the other players. This is to differentiate him/her from other playing members of a team.
Common Mistakes to Avoid as Beginner Volleyball Players
Getting into a Negative Frame of Mind Before Performing a Serve During the Match
One of the very common mistakes beginner volleyball players make is getting into a negative frame of mind right before their turn to serve. Here are some things that’ll be running around in their head.
- I shouldn’t miss my serve.
- Don’t hit the ball out of play/outbound.
- Just get the ball over the net and into the opponent court.
- I want to impress the audience through my serve.
The main problem with these thoughts is that the exact opposite thing happens from what you are expecting. Let’s take one of the points above for example. I shouldn’t miss my serve.
You toss the ball up and you swing to hit it. Since you have the internal pressure that you shouldn’t miss your serve, it’s what precisely happens unfortunately. You miss to hit the ball.
In most situations, you miss the serve with a tame effort.
So how do you avoid getting into a negative frame of mind before serving?
Go to serve without having any thought in your mind. Forget about the audience, the external expectations and fully focus on performing your best serve. This isn’t easy, but like anything in your life, practice makes you better at it.
Not Backing up the Player Who is Going for the Ball
Just because some player in your team has the ball covered and going for it doesn’t mean that you can bail out and watch them make the play. You must either go behind or alongside the player for their backup.
What it means is that if they happen to miss the ball for any reason, you can retrieve it and make a play. This also creates trust among the players that you’ll be there as a backup for them and that makes them go for the ball with more confidence.
It won’t be applicable in all situations. Assess it and react accordingly.
Remember. Volleyball is a sport where you have to make quick decisions most of the times.
Not Communicating with Your Hitter Consistently If You are In a Coverage Position
The easiest thing you can do when you are in a coverage position for the hitter is to watch them hit the ball. This isn’t going to be helpful for anybody. In fact, you might lose focus momentarily and that can prove fatal for your team.
Your laps in concentration will result in giving a point to your opponents.
So instead of doing that, what you can do is to look for the uncovered/open area in the court and tell it to your hitter as they are about to swing/tip at the ball.
You can also look at the opponent block and that’ll aid you to respond to the blocked ball swiftly.
Letting the Pressure Off of an Opponent Player
This is very common among beginner volleyball players.
Let’s imagine this scenario.
You just served an ace targeting a particular player in the opponent team. When you perform the next serve, you target another player in their team. By doing that, you are letting the pressure off of a player that’s just been aced and giving them breathing space.
What you can do instead is to never let the pressure off of that player and serve the ball to them again.
You’ll never know what the outcome is. Who knows, you’d ace that player again!
Video on Common Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Volleyball Player During the match (Part 1)
Making Your Approach to the Ball Too Quickly
You are excited that you are playing the sport of your dream and you are all pumped about it. You’ll be exuberant throughout the match and at some point in time, you’ll approach the ball way too quickly than usual. What happens when you do that is you won’t be able to pass the ball effectively to another player in your team.
If you are playing in the team as a hitter, you won’t be able to hit the ball as cleanly as you want most of the times.
You may be slightly nervous and this increases the chances of you committing a mistake just because you approached too quickly to the ball.
To avoid this, the first thing you can do is to watch the game pretty carefully. Second, you have to consider at what speed the ball is coming from the opponent court. If the ball is moving quickly, then you have to get to it fast and make the play.
If the ball is moving slowly, then it makes sense to wait for few seconds and approach to the ball. This allows you to perform the hit harder and precise.
Being Too Relaxed When Receiving a Serve from Your Opponent Team
When I say too relaxed, having hands on your knees and standing in a relaxed position. It is a big mistake and let me explain why.
If you choose to stand in this position, it’ll be challenging to react to your opponent’s plays and move on the court quickly to thwart them.
It doesn’t mean that you should never relax during a volleyball match. Rather, selecting the appropriate moment to relax is the right way forward.
Instead of standing in the relaxed position during a serve receive, what you can do is to relax in-between points. This helps you to rejuvenate your energy, effectively receive and return the serve and move on the court swiftly.
Diving for the Ball Before Getting Closer to It
This is also one of the common mistakes beginner players make when they start playing volleyball. This mistake particularly happens when you try to dig a ball.
Often times, you dive for the ball before getting closer to it. This means that the ball falls just short of your hand and that results in a point to your opponents.
Hence, it’s important that you decide when to dive for the ball after actually getting closer to it.
If the ball is quickly landing on the side of your court, then there is no chance but run to the ball and dive for it.
Practicing regular digging drills will make you a better digger overtime.
Not Communicating with Your Teammates
This is the most important thing you need in order to be a good volleyball player. Most of the time, beginner players doesn’t communicate among their teammates. The major reasons for this is that one, they don’t know the value of communicating among players during a match or they don’t even know that it’s essential to communicate on the court.
It has been proven again and again that communication on the volleyball court is pretty important for the success of the team. You won’t be able to do a good job if you neglect communicating with your teammates.
You won’t be able to communicate super effective from the get go as a beginner volleyball player. Watch several levels of volleyball matches, understand how others communicate with their teammates, talk to your coach about it and improve the overall communication step-by-step.
Using Your Palm to Set the Ball
This particular mistake is prominent with beginner players who are playing as setters in their team. They usually set the ball with their palm. It won’t be an ideal setting method as it sometimes go straight up in the air or wobble around before reaching to the hitter.
When you set the ball with your fingers, what happens is that you have more chances of controlling it accurately and setting it to the right hitter.
One thing you can do to avoid the ball from slipping through your hand when setting is to keep your fingers of both your hands nicely folded and stiff. Also try to keep your elbows wide apart from each other. This’ll reduce the impact of the high passed ball and you’ll be able to set it further in front.
Not Giving Enough Room when Jumping
This is the most common mistake you’ll make if you play as a spiker in your team. By not giving enough room, you’ll jump too close to the net leading to net-touch error. It’ll allow your opponents to get an easy point and arrest the momentum from your team.
To rectify this, you can give yourself enough room when jumping to spike the ball.
Another mistake beginner players make is not jumping towards the ball and trying to hit it from underneath. When you give enough room, you’ll be able to generate sufficient forward momentum to the ball.
It’ll help you spike precisely and send the ball where you want it to go. Also, you can make adjustments to your jump before swinging your arm to hit it.
Video on Common Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Volleyball Player During the match (Part 2)
FAQs on Common Mistakes to Avoid as Beginner Volleyball Players
What is a Typical Mistake in Volleyball?
There are several typical mistakes beginner volleyball players make. But the most typical of them is passing-related mistakes.
Here are some of the common mistakes you’ll see from beginner volleyball players while passing.
- Bending their elbows when they are about to pass the ball.
- Not getting into the right position.
- Passing the ball too light or too heavy.
- Not having a strong platform.
- Not focusing on the match.
What Happens After a Fault in Volleyball?
If a fault is committed by a player/team, then the gameplay will be stopped and the referee awards a point to the opposition team.
How Many Changes are Allowed in Volleyball?
In a volleyball match, 15 substitutions are allowed per set and a particular player can make as many entries and exits depending on the coach’s instructions.
Conclusion
No matter what level of player you are, you’ll make mistakes. It is part of being a volleyball player.
So the main reason for me writing this post is that I wanted to document 10 common mistakes to avoid as beginner volleyball players.
I hope you’ve learned some critical methods to avoid these mistakes and shine in your volleyball team.
Want to share your thoughts?
Put them in the comments section below!
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LET’S BE SOCIAL!
Volleyball is a game I like watching but I have never played. You have shared some excellent tips for a newbie.
Hi NAYNA KANABAR, Thanks for your comment. Glad you found the tips in this post helpful for new volleyball players. Happy to know that you love watching volleyball matches.
I bet these really are some helpful tips for anyone who plays! Good job with this one!
Hi adriana, thank you so very much for your kind words!
I am sure this is really helpful for those looking to get into volleyball!
Hi Jupiter Hadley, thanks for your encouraging comment. Glad you found the post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
This is a very helpful and informative post for those new to volleyball. I’ve never played it before but keen to give it a go.
Hi Elizabeth Williams, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post helpful for beginner volleyball players. Very happy to know that you want to give volleyball a try. All the best!
Volleyball is huge at our high school. The girls are so into it and I love it because they work on keeping their grades up so they can stay on the team!
Hi Rosey, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that volleyball is very popular in your high school and the girls are invested in it. Convey my best wishes to them!
This blog post not only recognizes your enthusiasm but also provides invaluable insights into the common mistakes to avoid as a beginner volleyball player. The emphasis on understanding nuances, like the libero wearing a distinct jersey, showcases the depth of knowledge shared. It’s a must-read guide for anyone aspiring to be a standout player in their team.
Hi Sue-Tanya Mchorgh, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
Thank you for sharing these beginner tips. i know nothing about volleyball so they are very helpful to new people like me!
Hi Lisa, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
There are so many technical skills in volleyball one must learn. Thanks for sharing the common mistakes new players may make!
Hi Stephanie, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post helpful.
Thank you for always giving us a very helpful reminder. My sister enjoys reading this always.
Hi Marie Cris Angeles, thanks for your encouraging comment. Glad your sister enjoys reading the posts.
I can see how trying to do everything yourself could be a roadblock for a beginner. You’re just so excited to be out there, but you have to remember that there are other positions for a reason.
Hi Ben, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I completely agree with you.
There really is so much to think about when learning to play Volleyball. I never knew there was so much to learn
Hi Samantha Donnelly, thanks for your comment. I completely agree with you that there are a lot of things one needs to learn when they want to start playing volleyball. Having a sound knowledge in basics would be ideal as well.
You are so right that communication and a positive mindset really are key!
Hi Yeah Lifestyle, thank you so very much!
Great tips! As a beginner in volleyball, these are super helpful. The advice is clear and easy to understand. Excited to apply these tips in my next match! Thanks!
Hi Monidipa Dutta, thanks for your appreciative comment. Very happy to know that you are a beginner volleyball player and you found the tips in this post helpful. You are welcome to apply the tips in your next match and let me know how it whent. All the very best in your playing journey!
I never played volleyball but I love watching the game. These tips you shared are really so helpful for volleyball players.
Hi Khush, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found the tips in this post helpful for volleyball players.
The advice about avoiding a negative mindset before serving is genius—I’ll make sure my little player keeps the focus on the game, not the pressure.
The focus of mind is so vital in anything, not just in volleyball. Awesome post to reflect on.
You are very knowledgeable in this topic. The tips are excellent for those who participate in this sport.
It’s hard getting into something new and it can also be quite intimidating. Great post and tips for beginners!
Hi Tammy, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. I agree that getting into something new can be scary but if you push pass the initial fear, it can be an awesome experience.
This is very helpful! My daughter has started to play volleyball at school so I will share this with her to help her.
Hi Luna S, thanks for your comment. Glad you find the tips in this post helpful. Very happy to know that your daughter started playing volleyball in her school. Convey my best wishes to her!
You’re a great teacher so I know that your tips are sound! I have never played but I feel confident knowing what mistakes not to make.
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your appreciative comment. Glad you found the tips helpful. Very happy to know that you are thinking to play volleyball. All the very best!
This post addresses a crucial aspect often overlooked by beginners – common mistakes to avoid during a match. By discussing the mistakes in a detailed manner, the post demonstrates a commitment to helping newcomers navigate the challenges of the game.
Hi Sue-Tanya Mchorgh, thanks a lot for your appreciative comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
I think I would make pretty much all of these mistakes as a beginner as I’m just not used to team sports haha. But some great ideas on how to try and avoid them x
Hi Rhian Scammell, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. I know that most beginners won’t be aware of these mistakes to avoid during the match and I am happy that the post helped you get a clear idea on them.
All this information is very helpful. I’m not a sporty type but my sister played volleyball in their school. I will share all these with her.
Hi Marie Cris Angeles, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the information in this post helpful. Very happy to know that your sister played volleyball in her high school days.
This is such a helpful guide for those who are just starting out in Volleyball! Thank you for sharing your experience and advise.
Hi Jupiter Hadley, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
I think that you are right. A positive mindset throughout is really so very important!
Hi Yeah Lifestyle, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post helpful. A positive mindset helps a team to succeed effortlessly and aids them come out of any challenging match situation that they happen to find themselves at.
These are excellent tips. Pressure, in particular, can be a huge roadblock for any beginner. It can really derail them!
Hi Beth, thanks for your thoughtful comment. Glad you found the tips in this post helpful. I totally agree that pressure can be a stumbling block for many new volleyball players and not letting it get to them is the challenging part that they have to master.
This is awesome! I would love to practice Volleyball, this is such a fun game…I will give it a shot in the summer, can’t wait.
Hi Karen, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post helpful. So happy that you’ve decided to give volleyball a try and practice the sport in summer. All the very best!
This site is quickly becoming my ‘go-to’ site for all things volleyball. The articles contain invaluable information for me as my children are just starting volleyball.
Hi Steph G, thanks a lot for your appreciative comment. It means the world to me. Glad you found the information in the posts valuable. So thrilled to know that your children are starting to play volleyball. All the very best to them in their playing journey!
Although I have never played Volleyball before, I am finding your posts informative and written in a way I can understand
Hi Samantha Donnelly, thanks for your appreciative comment. I am glad that you are finding my posts helpful and you are able to understand volleyball easily by reading them. It truly means a lot!
Wow! This post definitely brought me back to the good days! I was an avid volleyball player, who played year-round on my school team and a competitive travel team for almost a decade. This was really great post! I wish I could have read this back when I started playing
Hi AJ, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post valuable. Very happy to know that you were a volleyball player for a decade and you played year round. That’s an awesome feet to achieve. Congratulations!
volleyball is a good game and it needs teamwork through communicating with other players and going with the same spirit.
Hi Lydiah, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I completely agree with your points. Volleyball is a team sport and communication and playing with the same spirit is key to succeeding as a team.
This was a refreshing read! I have never played so these are great pieces of advice that I can use if I ever decide to change that!
Hi Victoria, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post helpful. Definitely give volleyball a try, and you’ll love it for sure!
This post is so helpful. Thank you.
Hi Melanie O’Brien, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post helpful.
I played volleyball only when I was a schoolgirl. By the way great post, thank you for sharing.
Hi Yufi Mukut, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve enjoyed the post. Happy to know that you played volleyball when you were a school girl.
These are helpful things to keep in mind as a player. I think communication on the volleyball court is certainly an important thing for success of the team.
Hi Debbie, thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the post. Can’t agree more that communication is key on the volleyball court. In fact, it is the life blood to the success of the team.
Very helpful list of common mistakes in volleyball. I’m definitely a beginner level and only play casually – these are very great and helpful tips!
Hi Andrew james, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post useful. No matter what level you play in volleyball, it is truly an awesome sport.
I don’t play volleyball usually but I did recently and I found it very difficult. I went searching for these tips to improve next time. Thank you.
Hi Eva, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that you’ve recently played volleyball. Although the sport feels difficult at the beginning, trust me you’ll enjoy playing it after some time. All the very best!
I joined a volleyball league as an adult but everyone’s skill level was much higher than mine, and I felt very intimidated! I’m guilting of many of the infractions listed above. IT’s a fun sport, I think I just need to find other beginners!
Hi Lucie, thanks for your comment. I totally agree that volleyball can be a fun sport. So happy to know that you’ve joined a volleyball league. You don’t have to get intimidated by the other’s skill level in the volleyball league. All you got to remember is, they too started as beginners at one point in their journey and perfected the skills through continuous practice. If you do the same, you’ll become equal to their skill level and who knows, you may exceed theirs! As you said, find some beginners and keep practicing! All the very best in your volleyball playing journey!
Very helpful list of common mistakes in volleyball. I’m definitely a beginner level and only play casually – these are very great and helpful tips!
Hi Debbie, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post helpful. Happy to know that you play volleyball even if its casual level and looking to improve your skills. All the very best!
Very helpful post, thanks for sharing.
Hi Anthuwin Cupido, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post helpful.
This is a wonderful guide – so comprehensive and informative! I’ve always loved volleyball. It’s a fun sport and great for building community!!
Hi Courtney, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this guide helpful and comprehensive. I totally agree that volleyball is a fun sport and one that has the capacity to build strong communities.
This post brought back so much memories for me! I used to play volleyball in middle school and then in my freshman year of high school. It was a lot of fun and I had no idea about a few of these mistakes and how to correct them. But I wish I did! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Whitney Stewart, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that the post has brought back some pleasant memories. Very happy that you’ve played volleyball in your middle school and freshman year of high-school. I feel great that you’ve learned some useful things out of this post. All the very best!