A Comprehensive Guide on Do’s and Don’ts of Club Volleyball Tryouts
You cannot turn your winning attitude on when you think you ‘need it.’ You must work on it every day, every practice, every match – win or lose. Focus on playing to win, not playing to lose, for there is a season of difference between the two.
John Kessel
Source: Volleyball Expert.
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Are you going to attend your first club volleyball tryouts?
Do you want to understand the do’s and don’ts of club volleyball tryouts?
Then this guide is exactly for you!
Attending a club volleyball tryouts for the first time can be exciting and nervous at the same time. You aim to project your skills positively and want to get selected for the club team.
To do that successfully, you need to clearly know about the do’s and don’ts of club volleyball tryouts, and that’s precisely what we are going to discuss thoroughly in this post.
Let’s get started. Shall we?
Did you know that coaches sometimes observe players when they’re not actively in a drill—like waiting in line or between reps? Staying attentive, ready, and engaged during these moments can subtly signal readiness for the tryouts without saying a word.
Do’s and Don’ts of Club Volleyball Tryouts
Do’s of Club Volleyball Tryouts
Do Prepare Physically and Mentally Before Tryouts
Preparing both physically and mentally before club volleyball tryouts is essential if you want to perform at your best. Physically, make sure you are in good shape by staying consistent with your training.
Focus on your endurance, agility and strength so you can keep up with the pace of the tryout. Simple habits like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating properly in the days leading up to the tryout can also make a noticeable difference in your performance.
Equally important is your mental preparation. Tryouts can be stressful, especially if you feel pressure to impress coaches.
Take time to build confidence by visualizing yourself performing well on the court. Remind yourself of the skills you’ve practiced and trust your preparation.
Staying calm and focused will help you make better decisions during drills and scrimmages.
It also helps to set realistic expectations.
Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on giving your best effort in every moment. Mistakes are part of the process, and coaches often look at how you respond to them rather than expecting flawless play.
By preparing both your body and mind, you put yourself in a strong position to perform confidently and make a positive impression during tryouts.
Do Show Strong Awareness in Basic Volleyball Skills
During club volleyball tryouts, having strong awareness of basic skills can set you apart more than attempting flashy plays. Coaches closely observe how well you understand and execute fundamentals like passing, setting, serving and positioning on the court.
It’s not just about performing the skill, but doing it with control, consistency and purpose.
Focus on clean contact/using proper technique and making smart decisions in every drill. For example, accurate passing to the setter, controlled serves and proper footwork show that you have a solid foundation.
Awareness also means knowing where you should be on the court at all times and reacting quickly to the flow of the game.
In addition, demonstrate match awareness by reading plays and anticipating the next move. Even simple actions like calling for the ball, adjusting your position or covering a teammate can reflect your understanding of the sport and its nuances.
Avoid overcomplicating things in an attempt to impress. Coaches value players who can consistently execute the basics under pressure.
When you show confidence and reliability in fundamental skills, it signals that you are coachable and ready to grow within the team environment.
Mastering and showcasing these core skills with awareness can leave a lasting positive impression during your club volleyball tryouts for sure.
Do Communicate Clearly and Positively with Teammates
Clear and positive communication is a key quality that coaches look for during club volleyball tryouts. Volleyball is a team sport, and how well you connect with others on the court can significantly impact your overall performance.
Simple, consistent communication like calling ‘mine,’ ‘help’ or ‘out’ shows awareness and prevents confusion during plays.
Beyond calling the ball, your tone and attitude matter just as much. Use encouraging words to support your teammates, especially after mistakes.
Phrases like ‘nice try,’ ‘you’ve got the next one’ or ‘good effort’ help build a positive team environment and demonstrate leadership qualities.
Non-verbal communication is also important. Eye contact, hand signals and being attentive during drills show that you are engaged and ready to work with others.
Coaches notice players who actively communicate because it reflects confidence, teamwork and match awareness.
Avoid staying silent or showing frustration toward teammates. Negative reactions or lack of communication can create misunderstandings and may leave a poor impression.
Instead, focus on being supportive and proactive in every situation.
Through communicating clearly and maintaining a positive attitude, you not only improve team coordination but also show coaches that you can contribute to a strong and connected team dynamic.
Do Demonstrate Coachability and Willingness to Learn
One of the most important qualities coaches look for during club volleyball tryouts is coachability. It’s not just about how skilled you are right now, but how willing you are to learn, adapt and improve.
Players who show openness to feedback often stand out because they demonstrate long-term potential.
Listen carefully when coaches give instructions or corrections, and make an effort to apply them immediately. Even small adjustments like changing your footwork or positioning show that you are paying attention and are eager to improve.
Nodding, maintaining eye contact and responding positively to feedback also reflect a respectful and focused attitude.
Mistakes are inevitable during tryouts, but your response to them matters more. Instead of getting frustrated or discouraged, view mistakes as opportunities to learn.
Showing that you can quickly adjust and move forward with a positive mindset leaves a strong impression on coaches.
Avoid arguing, ignoring feedback or repeating the same mistakes without effort to improve. These behaviors can signal a lack of coachability and may work against you.
When you demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, coaches are more likely to see you as a valuable player who can develop within their team environment over time.
Do Maintain High Energy, Effort and a Positive Attitude Throughout the Session
Maintaining high energy, consistent effort and a positive attitude throughout the entire tryout session can significantly impact how coaches evaluate you. Tryouts are not just about isolated moments of skill.
They’re about how you carry yourself from start to finish.
Bring intensity to every drill, whether it’s warm-ups, skill work or scrimmages. Hustle for every ball, transition quickly between plays and stay engaged even when you’re not directly involved.
Coaches notice players who give full effort in every situation, not just when the spotlight is on them.
Your attitude also plays a major role. Stay positive, encourage teammates and remain composed regardless of how things are going.
There will be moments where you make mistakes or feel challenged, but maintaining a steady and focused mindset shows maturity and resilience.
Avoid showing signs of fatigue through poor body language, such as slouching, walking slowly or appearing disengaged. Even when you’re tired, pushing through with determination demonstrates strong work ethic.
Consistency is key. Anyone can show energy for a short period, but sustaining it throughout the session sets you apart.
When you combine effort with a positive attitude, you leave a lasting impression as a player who is reliable, driven and ready to contribute to the team.
Must’ve Gear for Volleyball Players
Don’ts of Club Volleyball Tryouts
Don’t Arrive Late or Unprepared for the Tryouts
Arriving late or unprepared for club volleyball tryouts can create a negative first impression that is difficult to overcome. Coaches value punctuality because it reflects your discipline, commitment and respect for the team and the process.
Showing up early gives you time to settle in, warm up properly and mentally prepare before the session begins.
Being prepared goes beyond just arriving on time. Make sure you have all the necessary gear, such as appropriate shoes, comfortable athletic wear, knee pads and water.
Not having the right equipment can make you look careless and distract you from performing at your best.
Mental preparation is equally important. Walking into tryouts without focus or readiness can affect your confidence and decision-making on the court.
Take a few moments before the session to get into the right mindset so you can start strong.
Avoid rushing in at the last minute or appearing disorganized. This can make you feel stressed and may impact your performance early on.
Coaches often notice how players begin the session, and a poor start can set the tone for the rest of your tryout.
If you arrive early and fully prepared for the tryouts, you show professionalism and give yourself the best chance to perform confidently from the very beginning.
Don’t Neglect Basic Skills While Trying to Impress with Advanced Plays
One common mistake players make during club volleyball tryouts is focusing too much on advanced or flashy plays while overlooking the basics. While it’s natural to want to stand out, attempting difficult moves without consistency can actually hurt your chances.
Coaches prioritize players who can execute fundamental skills like passing, serving, setting and positioning with control and reliability. A clean, accurate pass or a well-placed serve often leaves a stronger impression than a risky play that results in an error.
Trying to do too much can also lead to unnecessary mistakes. For example, going for a powerful hit when a controlled shot is the better option may show poor decision-making.
Coaches value players who understand when to keep things simple and effective.
Instead of chasing highlight moments, focus on doing the basics to the best of your ability. Show consistency, good technique and smart choices in every drill and play.
This demonstrates maturity, match awareness and trustworthiness on the court.
Avoid the urge to impress coaches at the cost of doing the basics right. When you stay grounded in the basics and perform them confidently, you show coaches that you have a strong foundation they can build on.
Don’t Display Negative Body Language or Frustration After Mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of any tryout, but how you respond to them can leave a lasting impression on coaches. Displaying negative body language such as shaking your head, slouching or showing visible frustration can signal a lack of composure and mental toughness.
Coaches pay close attention to your reactions after errors. They want to see players who can stay calm, reset quickly and move on to the next play with confidence. A simple nod, a quick ‘next ball’ or refocusing your stance shows maturity and a strong mindset.
Negative reactions can also affect your teammates. Volleyball is a team sport, and your attitude influences the overall energy on the court.
Showing frustration may lower team morale and suggest that you struggle to handle pressure.
Instead, focus on maintaining positive and composed body language. Keep your head up, stay engaged and be ready for the next opportunity.
Even when things don’t go your way, showing resilience and emotional control reflects well on your character.
Avoid letting one mistake turn into multiple errors by dwelling on it. When you respond with confidence and composure, you demonstrate to coaches that you can handle challenges and remain dependable in competitive/critical situations.
Don’t Ignore Teamwork and Try to Do Everything Alone
Trying to do everything on your own during any tryout, let alone club volleyball tryout will work against you. Here’s why.
Volleyball is a team sport, and coaches are looking for players who understand how to work effectively within a team setting, not individuals who try to take over every play.
When you attempt to handle every ball or make every play yourself, it can lead to confusion, missed opportunities and unnecessary errors. It may also signal to coaches that you lack trust in your teammates or don’t fully understand team dynamics.
Focus on playing your role and supporting others on the court. Trust your teammates to do their part, communicate clearly and stay in your assigned position.
Making smart decisions like letting the right player take the ball or setting up a teammate for a better play shows strong match awareness.
Teamwork also includes covering for others, encouraging teammates and contributing to a positive team environment. Coaches value players who elevate the team rather than trying to stand out individually at the team’s expense.
Avoid the mindset of having to prove everything on your own. When you show that you can work well within a team structure, you demonstrate maturity, reliability and a true understanding of the sport.
Don’t Give Up or Lose Focus
Losing focus or giving up during a club volleyball tryouts can quickly affect how coaches perceive you. Tryouts are designed to test not only your skills but also your consistency, concentration and mental resilience over time.
There may be moments when things don’t go your way like missed serves, poor passes or tough drills. However, allowing those moments to affect your focus can lead to more mistakes and a drop in performance.
Coaches look for players who can stay locked in, regardless of the situation.
Staying focused means paying attention to instructions, being ready for every repetition and maintaining awareness on the court. Even when you’re not directly involved in a play, staying mentally engaged shows discipline and commitment.
Avoid mentally checking out, rushing through drills or showing signs of frustration that disrupt your concentration. Giving up, even briefly, can signal a lack of perseverance and determination.
What you can do instead is to approach every moment with the same level of focus and effort. Reset quickly after mistakes, stay present and continue giving your best.
As you demonstrate strong concentration and resilience throughout the session, you show coaches that you are dependable and capable of handling the demands of competitive volleyball situations efficiently.
FAQs on Do’s and Don’ts of Club Volleyball Tryouts
How Early should You Arrive for a Club Volleyball Tryout?
It’s best to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early. This gives you enough time to check in, warm up properly and mentally prepare without feeling rushed or stressed before the session begins.
What should you Bring to a Club Volleyball Tryout?
Bring proper volleyball gear, including shoes, knee pads, comfortable athletic wear, additional clothing if needed and a water bottle. It’s also helpful to carry a small towel and any required documents to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Is it Okay to Feel Nervous During Volleyball Tryouts?
Yes, feeling nervous is completely normal. The key is to manage it by staying focused, breathing steadily and trusting your preparation. A little nervous energy can actually help improve your alertness on the court and overall performance throughout the session.
Conclusion
Attending your first club volleyball tryouts with confidence is essential to increase your chances of getting selected for the team. The most important thing you need to keep in mind is that along with your skills, your overall attitude on and off the court will be assessed by the coaches.
I am sure that by now, you’ll have a thorough idea on the do’s and don’ts of club volleyball tryouts.
It’s your turn now!
What are your thoughts about this guide?
Would you like to add some more do’s and don’ts of club volleyball tryouts to this list?
Kindly share them away in the comments section below!
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LET’S BE SOCIAL!
This is so true. Coaches really do observe players even when they’re not actively playing or doing drills. At the end of the day, attitude matters most, and skills can always be taught.
Hi Clarice, thank you so much for adding your wonderful thoughts. I completely agree with your last point!
Tryouts can be incredibly stressful but I liked the way you broke everything down and mentioned how it’s important to show knowledge of the basics and not just moves to impress the coaches.
Hi Kimberly A, thank you so very much!
Mistakes are normal, but quick recovery matters most. Confidence and composure leave a lasting impression on coaches.
Hi Marie Cris Angeles, I completely agree with your points!
I do think that when you are trying out for volleyball, there is so much that you need to keep in mind. Knowledge can be so helpful!
Hi Jupiter Hadley, I agree with your first point and glad to know that you found this post helpful.
This is great info – what to pay attention to. It makes sense that coaches watch everything. Never thought about that. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mary Ann, so glad to know that you found this post helpful.
Tryouts are the worst! They drain me out immensely, and I am always stressed about them. Glad I was able to find this article – it really helped me to calm down quite a bit.
Hi Mahy, glad to know that you found this post helpful and relatable.
Very informative, especially for my son. He is in a school team, and I believe the coaches remind them about negative body language all the time, which got my son and his friend in trouble last time. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Pam, very glad to know that you found this post relatable and your son plays volleyball for his school team. Convey my best wishes!
Tryouts can be super stressful so good prep work is vital. Arriving late is a big no no, one should always be early where possible!
Hi Melanie E, completely agree with your points!
There is a lot to think about for sure. Going in with a positive attitude is definitely a must – it will set you up the right way – and you are right, you will be being watched throughout.
Hi Yeah Lifestyle, thank you so much for your valuable thoughts and I totally agree with your points.
Daily practice makes you stronger. Focus, stay happy, and play your best each time.
Hi Marie Cris Angeles, fantastic reminders for every volleyball player!
This was really useful, especially the reminders about attitude and effort as they matter just as much as skill. It’s something I always try to encourage with my son when he’s trying new things.
Corinne x
Hi Corinne, very glad to know that you found this post relatable.
These are such great tips. I especially like the one about not displaying negative body language after a mistake. I feel like coaches are much more interested in your ability to bounce back.
Hi Beth, thank you so much. Glad to know that you found these tips helpful and I completely agree with your last point.
This is a very informative post for anyone looking to be a success in Volleyball and what they can do to improve their chances
Hi Samantha Donnelly, thank you so very much!
I like how you mentioned about coaches taking notes even when players aren’t on the court. I think seeing people as they are can be so telling. These are all great tips for during tryouts. I think it’s important to consider both the physical and mental side of things.
Hi Claire Mac, thank you very much. So glad to know that you found these tips helpful and I completely agree with your points.
These are amazing wow…Tryouts are always stressful but if the player is well prepared, they will overcome all these obstacles. Amazing tips. Thank you so much.
Hi Karen, thank you so much for your kind words!