How to Set Realistic Goals as a Beginner Volleyball Player? A Detailed Guide
Set your goals high and don’t stop until you get there.
Bo Jackson
Source: Top end sports.
Setting goals is very important to achieve anything meaningful in life and playing volleyball isn’t exempted from this truth.
But, do you know how to set realistic goals as a beginner volleyball player?
Do you have any idea of what are the steps you need to follow when setting volleyball-related goals for yourself?
If you have no idea or if you’d like to do these things effectively, keep reading!
In this post, we’ll be diving deep into the steps involved for setting realistic goals as a volleyball player, what are the things you need to achieve them and much more.
So buckle up, and let’s go!
Did you know? The 3 touch volleyball rule was first introduced in 1920. It significantly increased the overall momentum of the game.
How to Set Realistic Goals as a Beginner Volleyball Player
Understanding Your Role in a Volleyball Team
The best and the most important thing you can do after getting selected in a volleyball team is to understand your role in it. Understanding your role gives clarity on what you need to do as a player to make the team successful.
It all sounds pretty and good.
But how do you understand your role in the team as a player?
This is a slightly complex question to answer, but I’ll try to do my best.
The simple way to understand your role in a volleyball team and the one method that helped me to do so is asking the right questions to myself.
So what are those questions? Well, here they are!
- What are my strong skills in volleyball?
- What are the skills that come to me naturally as a volleyball player?
- How to get better, improve and perfect my strong skills in this sport?
- What are my less favorable skills in volleyball and how can I improve on them?
- How can I contribute with my strong skills to make the team successful?
Answer to these questions honestly and note them down in whatever way that feels comfortable to you. Based on your answers, decide a role that feels right for you in the team and talk with your coach. Go with an open mind when you enter into the conversation and after getting the coach’s input, make changes if needed.
Understand the Kind of Goals You Need to Set as a Volleyball Player
Before understanding how to set realistic goals as a beginner volleyball player, it is crucial that you have a thorough knowledge on the kind of goals you need to progress further in this sport. This actually sets clear boundaries on certain types of goals you got to avoid in order to not get into the trap of goal abandonment.
So firstly, let’s look at the kind of goals you need to avoid.
- Singularly focused outcome based goals. Examples: Come out undefeated in every tournament. Not getting aced at all.
- Too extreme goals in the initial stages. Examples: Quickly get into the main team of the school/club. Make my family proud through me playing volleyball.
- Unrealistic goals. Examples: Do things extremely perfect in every role that’s given to you in your team. Practice 5 hours a day.
- Harmful goals related to your opponent team. Examples: Try to spike a ball in an opponent’s face. Go after your opponents whenever your team scores a point.
Now, we’ll move into the kind of goals you can set as a beginner volleyball player.
- Setting goals that are measurable and you have complete control over.
- Goals that are smart, productive and contributes to the success of the team.
- Short term goals to achieve your volleyball related long term ones.
- Setting goals that are healthier for your overall well being.
Learn How to Set and Keep Your Goals as a Volleyball Player
Once you have a thorough understanding of the kind of goals you need to set as a volleyball player, it’s time to understand how to set and keep them in order to help you get to wherever you want to go in this sport.
There are a couple of critical things you need to consider when setting goals as a volleyball player. They are clarity and direction.
So what do I mean by this? good question!
When you set a goal, you have to clearly define what is the major outcome that you want to achieve and how are you going to achieve it. If you get this right for each one, then your goals are clear.
Direction is self-explanatory. The plan you have to achieve each goal.
One of the easiest ways to set goals as a volleyball player is to follow the smart framework.
Here’s a questionnaire that you can use whenever you set goals related to playing volleyball. I used the smart framework to build this one.
- Are these goals small and sustainable?
- Are they measurable and are you feel comfortable achieving them?
- Are these goals attainable and realistic?
- Are these goals relevant to playing volleyball?
- Are these goals based on a particular time frame and how soon you think you can achieve them?
This questionnaire isn’t a definitive one. But the main aim for me to create this is to make it as a guide post for setting volleyball-related goals.
Figure Out the Right Methods to Achieve Your Volleyball Related Goals
Different methods work for different people. There isn’t a one size fits all approach when it comes to achieving your volleyball related goals. Finding out a method that works for you is critical to make things happen.
As I said in the introduction, achieving anything in life requires clarity and volleyball related goals aren’t exempted from that. This is by far the best method that’ll propel you forward.
Apart from that, consistently working towards improving yourself, internal motivation, having a clear understanding about why you have set these goals in the first place, how you are planning to approach your goals and accepting the outcomes of your efforts are some basic things you can consider when you are trying to figure out a solid method to achieve your volleyball related goals.
Have a Proper Plan in Place to Achieve Your Volleyball Goals
Planning is the centre piece from which your journey towards achieving your volleyball related goals start. In fact if you get the planning face right, you’ve done the one third of the job.
So to make it easy for you, I’ve put together a questionnaire that you can make use of when crafting a plan to achieve your volleyball goals.
- What kind of a player you are?
- What are your roles in the team?
- What are your strong skills in playing volleyball and how will you relate them to achieve your goals?
These questions will help you think deep and allow you set out a proper plan to achieve your volleyball goals.
Kindly remember that in certain situations, goals will change. So to tackle them, whatever plan you create must be adaptive in nature. Having a flexible plan will enable you to enjoy the overall process of achieving your volleyball goals.
Some More Key Points to Consider
Here are some more key points to consider when you try to set realistic goals as a beginner volleyball player.
- Think carefully about what you want to achieve in the short term and long term as a volleyball player and set goals accordingly.
- Set goals based on your volleyball related skill set.
- When setting a particular kind of goal, think about whether you are able to put in consistent effort towards achieving it before committing yourself.
- Thoroughly understand your strengths and weaknesses, develop a consistent plan to work on them, and based on the plan, set realistic goals and achieve them.
- Adjust your goals according to your wins and losses and continue to improve yourself as a volleyball player.
FAQs on How to Set Realistic Goals as a Beginner Volleyball Player
What are Some Achievable Goals for Volleyball Players?
Here are some realistic and achievable goals you can set as a volleyball player.
- Developing a playing style based on your stronger skill sets and working towards getting it right and exactly the way you want.
- Putting regular effort to improve your overall game.
- Respecting the routines you set towards achieving your goals.
- Developing effective skills to mold your game.
- Being fit and healthy to give your best for the team.
This isn’t a definitive list. In fact, I wrote it to give you an idea of the kinds of realistic and achievable goals you can set as a volleyball player.
What are Some Smart Goals for a Volleyball Team?
Here are some smart goals for a volleyball team.
- Increasing the overall understanding within the team.
- Establishing a strong communication pattern within the team.
- Having an overall playing style and strategy for the team.
- Having a strong mental preparation method for the team.
- Building a positive environment around the team and within its members.
What are the 3 P’s of Goal Setting?
Here are the 3 P’s of goal setting.
Conclusion
Goal setting plays a crucial role in achieving anything in life and for playing volleyball, it is pretty strongly applicable and recommended to take you further in this sport.
I hope you’ve got a thorough understanding on how to set realistic goals as a volleyball player through this post.
Now, it’s your turn!
Do you want to add your ideas and experiences of setting goals as a volleyball player?
What strategies you follow/followed when setting goals as a volleyball player?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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10 Things You Should Know About Volleyball as a Beginner Player
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
Thanks for the tips. Athletes are trained at Goal setting, these tips can be used in real life.
Hi Lani, thanks for your comment. I completely agree that these tips can be applied to most goal setting situations in life as well as playing sports.
I think it’s important to set goals in everything you do to help keep your focus.
Hi Jenny, thanks for your comment. I totally agree that setting goals in all that we do will help us keep our focus in order.
I am loving your posts about volleyball. It is good to remember when starting to play the game you will make mistakes
Hi Samantha Donnelly, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that you are enjoying to read my volleyball-related posts.
Oh wow thank you for sharing these tips about goals – there is a lot of tips that can work in other sports too.
Hi Jupiter Hadley, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found the tips in this post helpful. I totally agree that the realistic goal setting tips in this post can be applied to all other sports as well.
What’s great about this post is that it can be applied to any sport. Really, when we have a plan, a path from A to B to C, it is so much easier to achieve the goals.
Hi Celebrate Woman Today, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the info in this post can be applied to other sports as well. It is so true that when we plan towards our goals, it becomes that much easier to achieve them.
I am not a volleyball player but reading your post made me realize that all these steps and goal setting can be applied to almost anything including business and self-improvement!!! This is very very insightful. Thank you so much.
Hi Karen, thanks for your appreciative comment. I absolutely love your comparisson of the tips being applicable to business/self-development and it is indeed true as well. You can apply the tips to anything you do in life. Glad you found the post helpful and insightful!
As with anything we embark on, setting realistic goals is so important. Your relating this to volleyball (or any sport) is important for players to read.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful. I totally agree that you have to set realistic goals in order to achieve things in sports and in life as well.
Your guide to goal-setting for beginner players is a valuable resource. Exploring the steps involved and understanding the essentials is a critical aspect for aspiring volleyball players.
Hi Sue-Tanya Mchorgh, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post helpful!
Volleyball is huge at my high school. It’s good for the kids to play too. in many ways!
Hi Rosey, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that volleyball is a popular sport in your high school and I agree that it’s good for the kids to play.
Knowing your role sounds like such an important goal to have. And how you fit within a team and what you do within that x
Hi Rhian Scammell, thanks for your comment. It’s true that knowing your role in the team and what you do with it is critical for succeeding as a player. This is not only for volleyball, it’s for all sports.
These are great tips. As with anything, you have to start small and build. You can’t go into volleyball, or anything else, thinking you’ll be amazing the first time out.
Hi Ben, thanks for your thoughtful comment. Glad that you’ve found the tips in this post helpful. I totally agree that for playing volleyball or anything else, you’ll start small and build it from there.
I don’t play volleyball and not a sporty type of person. But all these tips are very helpful especially to those who are starting their journey.
Hi Marie Cris Angeles, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found the tips in this post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
A lot of this information can be used when setting any sort of goal – so thank you for sharing your knowledge.
My oldest granddaughter has just started playing volleyball. I will share this post with her to help her understand how to set realistic goals as a new volleyball player. This will be very helpful for her. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Karen Kasberg, thanks for your comment. Very happy to know that your granddaughter has just started playing volleyball and convey my best wishes to her. Glad you’ve found the post valuable enough to share with your granddaughter and it means a lot.
Very informative, thanks!
Hi bunfuns, thank you very much!
I don’t play Volleyball but this is very well written & easy to understand! Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Luna S, thanks for your appreciative comment. Glad you’ve found the post helpful.
Setting goals in volleyball, especially as a beginner, is a crucial step toward progress and success in the game. It’s fantastic to see your post diving deep into the process of setting realistic goals and the necessary steps to achieve them. This is valuable guidance for aspiring volleyball players looking to up their game. Looking forward to learning more and improving our skills on the court!
Hi Sue-Tanya Mchorgh, thank you so much for your appreciative and encouraging comment. I completely agree with your points and glad you’ve found the post helpful for beginner and aspiring volleyball players. All the very best in your playing journey!
As someone who plays volleyball (and who just love volleyball), this is a goldmine. Thank you for this!
Hi Ace, thanks for your appreciative comment. Very happy to know that you play volleyball and love the sport. All the very best in your playing journey!
Very interesting post for novices and those interested in taking up volly for school this year! My younger cousins are so into it…it’s actually quite fun!
Hi Tammy, thanks for your comment. Glad that you found this post interesting. Happy to know that your younger cousins are into playing volleyball. Wish best of luck to them on behalf of me.
So much goes into it! These are great tips for anyone who is looking to play! Glad you shared this!
Hi adriana, thanks for your encouraging comment. I agree that there’s a lot goes into playing volleyball and glad you found the post helpful for beginner players.
This is a great guide for anything – not just volleyball. You can really take these concepts to so many other aspects of life.
Hi Beth, thanks for your kind words. I totally agree that anyone can apply the tips in this post to many aspects of life. Thanks once again for reading!
Patience, oh man this one is hard to learn for the kids of mine! I’ll put them in volleyball to learn it!
Hi Marie B, thanks for your comment. Patience is something kids can learn when they are involved in a team sports activity and you’ve taken a great decision in putting them to play volleyball. All the very best!
This is a great post for volleyball beginners, I have never played it but understand the game much more now
Hi Samantha Donnelly, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post helpful for beginner players and you now understand about the sport much more.
As with most endeavors in our lives, setting goals is so important – and volleyball is no exception! This will be great to share with my daughter’s volleyball team.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post valuable enough to share with your daughter’s volleyball team. Thank you so much for your kind gesture!
You have such great tips here. Thank you so much for sharing all of your volleyball knowledge.
Hi Yeah Lifestyle, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the tips in this post valuable.
Consistency and patience are key! Nicely explained
Hi Delores, thanks for your kind words!
Interesting post.
Hi Lani, thanks!
Never played much volleyball in my life but if I was going to put more time into it I would follow these things.
Hi Nicholas Rosen, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post useful. Although you haven’t played volleyball much, the fact that you being appreciative means a lot.
Very informative post! I played volleyball for several years when I was younger, & would’ve loved to read this back then. Thank you!
Hi Jess G, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post useful. Very happy to know that you played volleyball for several years.
Although this is specific to volleyball players, the goal setting steps can be applied to just about any sport (and honestly any goal).
Great post!
Hi Zainab, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve found this post relatable. I agree that the steps outlined in this post can be used for setting goals for any sports.
I played volleyball a bit in company off-sights and adult leagues. This article would have been handy for me then. Great tips!
Hi Tracy McHugh, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that you’ve played volleyball in adult leagues and you’ve found this post helpful.
This is such an inspiring and informative post.Thanks for sharing!
Hi Valentina, thanks for your comment. Glad you’ve enjoyed reading the post.
Brilliant tips, this is written with me in mind because my daughter just started playing volleyball in school.
Hi Roseline Beusch, thanks for your comment. Glad you are able to relate to the post. Very happy to know that your daughter started playing volleyball in her school. Wish her all the very best!
Unfortunately, I’m not very sporty but my sons are very active and tall. Volleyball is one of the plays they like. Your article helped me to understand many details of team sport.
Hi Olga, thanks for your comment. Glad that you are able to learn some things about the team sports. Very happy to know that your boys like volleyball.