Things to Say to Your Child from the Sidelines as Volleyball Parents During a Match

Good players rarely look like the game is stressful for them, and they never seem rushed because they adjust their position all the time based on what’s happening. They’re always compensating for the movement of their teammates and the movement on the other side of the court, whether it’s blocking or back court.

Doug Beal

Source: Flo Volleyball.

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What are the things to say to your child from the sidelines as volleyball parents?

Would you like to know how your cheers and gestures from the sidelines affect your child’s performance during a volleyball match?

Want answers for these questions? Then keep reading!

What you do from the sidelines as volleyball parents will be significant for your child. In fact, it has the potential to make or break their overall performance.

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the things you should say to your child as volleyball parents from the sidelines during a match, tips on how to use cheers effectively and much more.

So without any further delay, let’s get started!

Did you know? Encouraging your child to hydrate properly during matches is a game-changer. Staying hydrated boosts energy levels, sharpens focus and prevents fatigue. Carrying an extra water bottle for your child is a small gesture that can have a big impact on their performance.

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Things to Say to Your Child from the Sidelines as Volleyball Parents

Encouraging Positivity and Fun During the Match

One of the best ways to support your child from the sidelines during a volleyball match is to create an atmosphere of positivity and fun. Instead of focusing on mistakes, highlight their efforts, celebrate team achievements and keep the energy upbeat.

This not only boosts morale but also helps players enjoy the match, which is critical for their growth and motivation.

Positive reinforcement can come in many forms, such as encouraging words, applause or supportive gestures. Your cheers can make a significant difference in how your child perceives different situations of a match and their overall performance in general.

Here are some cheers you can utilize:

• Way to hustle, (Team Name!)
• You’ve got this, (Player Name!) Keep it up!
• Great teamwork, everyone!
• Nice try, shake it off, and go for the next one!
• Let’s go, (Team Name!) Stay strong!

Remember, your tone matters as much as your words. Keep it upbeat, genuine and focused on effort/improvement rather than just winning.

By modeling a positive attitude, you help your child and their teammates stay confident and enjoy the match, regardless of the score/outcome.

Cheering Without Overwhelming/Over Coaching

As a volleyball parent, it’s important to cheer in a way that uplifts and energizes your child without adding pressure or acting like a sideline coach. Coaching is the coach’s job; your role is to support, encourage and help create a positive match environment.

Overwhelming your child with constant instructions can distract them from the coach’s guidance and hinder their focus on the game. Rather, focus on cheers that promote teamwork, effort and resilience.

Let your child enjoy playing the match while knowing you are their biggest fan.

Here are some cheers you can consider:

• Nice serve, (Player Name!) Keep it going!
• Great block! You’re doing awesome!
• Stay strong, (Team Name!) You’ve got this!
• Fantastic effort! Way to go!
• Great recovery! Keep the energy up!

Avoid shouting directions like, ‘Move up’! or ‘Hit it harder’! as these can confuse players and clash with the coach’s instructions. Cheering that focuses on effort and team spirit instead of specific plays makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

When you cheer constructively and let the coach handle the game’s technical side, you help build your child’s confidence and love for the sport.

Helping Your Child Manage Pressure from the Sidelines

Volleyball matches can be intense, especially when your child feels pressure to perform well. As a parent, you can help them manage this pressure by offering steady encouragement and focusing on their efforts rather than the outcome.

Sideline support should reduce stress, not add to it.

Reassure your child that mistakes are part of the game and an opportunity to learn. Avoid comments that could unintentionally amplify their anxiety, such as pointing out errors. Instead, use calm, uplifting cheers that keep them grounded and motivated.

Here are some that you can try:

• One play at a time! You’ve got this, (Player Name!)
• Focus on the next point! You’re doing great!
• Stay calm, (Team Name!) You’re in it together!
• Nice effort out there! Keep pushing!
• Deep breaths and stay confident, (Player Name!)

By modeling composure and positivity, you teach your child to handle the pressure with resilience. Whether they win or lose, emphasizing effort, learning and enjoying the game helps them build the mental toughness needed for success both on and off the court.

Reinforcing the Importance of Team Spirit

Team spirit is the backbone of volleyball. As a parent, your cheers can help foster unity and collaboration among players.

Reinforce the idea that volleyball is a team effort, and every member contributes to success, whether it’s through a great spike or supporting each other after a tough play.

Shift the focus from individual accomplishments to team achievements. Celebrate when players work together effectively and highlight the importance of mutual support, even in challenging moments.

Here’s a list of cheers that you can take note of:

• Way to work together, (Team Name!)
• Great assist, (Player Name!) That’s teamwork!
• You’ve got each other’s backs, keep it up!
• Nice hustle, everyone! Teamwork makes it happen!
• Let’s go, (Team Name!) Stay united and strong!

If you emphasize the value of collaboration, you not only motivate your child but also contribute to a positive environment for the entire team. Remind your child that success in volleyball comes from supporting and lifting one another, creating a foundation for both personal and collective growth.

Staying Calm and Supportive Through Mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable in sports, but how your child responds to them is key. As a parent, it’s important to remain calm and supportive, helping your child maintain focus and confidence after a mistake.

Instead of reacting with frustration, use the opportunity to reinforce resilience and growth.

Your child will look to you for cues on how to handle setbacks. When you stay calm and positive, you show them how to bounce back and keep going, no matter what happens during the match.

Here are some cheers that you can use to encourage your child during a tough situation of the match:

• Shake it off! You’ll get the next one!
• You’re doing great, keep up the hard work!
• Everyone makes mistakes, keep your head up!
• Nice try, (Player Name,) you’ll get them next time!
• Don’t worry, you’ve got this! Stay focused!

If you are supportive, you help your child realize that mistakes are part of the learning process. This mindset promotes growth, builds confidence and ensures they don’t get discouraged.

Remember, volleyball is about progress, not perfection.

Recognizing and Appreciating Effort Over Outcome

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child as a volleyball parent is recognizing their hard work, determination and progress, regardless of the game’s outcome. Focusing solely on results can create unnecessary pressure; instead, celebrate the effort they put into every play.

Highlight moments where your child hustled for the ball, encouraged teammates or showed improvement in their skills. This reinforces the idea that growth and perseverance are more valuable than simply winning or losing.

Here are some wonderful cheers to say from the sidelines:

• Amazing hustle, (Player Name!) Keep up the great effort!
• You’re working so hard out there, way to go!
• That was such a great try! Keep pushing!
• Your teamwork is incredible, awesome effort!
• Proud of how much heart you’re putting into the game!

As you continue to emphasize effort, you help your child develop a growth mindset and stay motivated to improve. It also encourages them to take pride in their performance, regardless of the scoreboard, making the sport more enjoyable and rewarding.

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Keeping All Communications Motivational and Brief

When cheering from the sidelines, it’s essential to keep your communication positive, concise and uplifting. Long-winded comments or overly detailed advice can distract players and cause unnecessary pressure.

Instead, focus on quick, motivational phrases that keep your child focused and encouraged throughout the match.

Your cheers should inspire confidence without breaking their concentration. Avoid criticisms or overly technical input and trust that the coach is guiding them effectively.

Brief, enthusiastic support ensures your child knows you’re rooting for them without adding pressure.

Here are some effective ones you can try:

• You’re doing great, (Player Name!)
• Keep pushing! You’ve got this!
• Way to stay focused, (Team Name!)
• Let’s go, (Player Name!) Keep the energy up!
• Nice play! Keep it rolling!

Short and motivational cheers not only boost your child’s morale but also help them stay present in the match. By emphasizing effort and positivity, you create an atmosphere where your child can thrive and enjoy playing to the best of their ability.

Teaching the Value of Respect for All Participants

Respect is one of the most important values in volleyball, encompassing teammates, opponents, referees and coaches. As a parent, you play a key role in modeling and teaching this behavior from the sidelines.

Encourage your child to maintain sportsmanship and gratitude, regardless of how the match unfolds.

Show respect by clapping for good plays from both teams and refraining from criticizing officials’ decisions.

Remind your child to appreciate the hard work everyone puts into the match, teach them to foster a healthy competitive spirit and empathy for others.

Here are some cheers to keep in mind:

• Great play, (Player Name!) And awesome rally, (Opponent Team!)
• Way to support your team, (Team Name!)
• Good effort, everyone! Keep it up!
• Let’s show some love for both teams, great match!
• Respect the call! Let’s keep playing strong!

By reinforcing respect, you teach your child to value the experience of the game over the outcome. This perspective helps build character, encourages positive interactions and creates a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.

Celebrating Small Wins and Learning Moments

In volleyball, small wins can lead to big victories, and every match offers valuable learning opportunities. As a parent, recognizing and celebrating these moments can boost your child’s confidence and foster a growth mindset.

Whether it’s a well-executed pass, improved serve or even recovering from a mistake, your cheers can highlight their progress.

Small wins could be as simple as maintaining composure under pressure or supporting a teammate. By acknowledging these moments, you remind your child that success is not just about the scoreboard but also about their personal growth and team contributions.

Here are some cheers that you can use to celebrate your child’s and their team’s small wins on the court:

• Way to nail that serve, (Player Name!) Great improvement!
• Awesome hustle! That was a tough ball!
• What a block, (Player Name!) Keep it up!
• Nice recovery! That’s how you stay in it!
• Fantastic teamwork out there! Keep building on it!

Focusing on these small wins and learning moments encourages your child to stay motivated and enjoy each match to the fullest. It helps them understand that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Sometimes Silence Speaks Volumes: Knowing When to Say Nothing

In the excitement of a volleyball match, it’s tempting to cheer constantly, but sometimes the most impactful support comes from staying silent. Giving your child space to focus on the match without added noise allows them to think clearly, build confidence and rely on their own judgment.

Silence can also communicate trust. It shows your child that you believe in their abilities and respect their process on the court.

Use these moments to observe and appreciate their efforts without adding to the pressure.

When the match gets intense, or after a mistake, silence can be more supportive than a misplaced cheer or comment. It allows players to reset without external interference and strengthens their mental resilience.

Here are some cheers when breaking silence Is needed:

• We’re proud of you!
• You’ve got this! Stay strong!
• Keep playing your game, (Player Name!)

Learning to balance cheering with intentional silence ensures you’re providing the best support for your child. Remember, sometimes saying nothing speaks louder than words and creates an environment where your child can grow and thrive.

FAQs on Things to Say to Your Child from the Sidelines as Volleyball Parents

How can You Support Your Child Without Adding Pressure During a Match?

Focus on positive, concise cheers that encourage effort rather than outcome. Avoid technical advice or critiques and let the coach handle corrections.

Simple phrases like, ‘You’ve got this!’ or ‘Keep up the effort!’ show support without overwhelming them.

What’s the Importance of Staying Silent During Certain Moments in a Match?

Silence allows your child to process the game, recover from mistakes and trust their instincts. It demonstrates your confidence in their ability and reduces pressure during high-stress moments of a match.

How can You Teach Respect for All Participants Through Your Behavior?

Model respect by applauding good plays from both teams, avoiding negative remarks about referees or opponents and encourage sportsmanship. Cheer with phrases like, ‘Great rally, everyone!’ to reinforce positive values.

Conclusion

By now, you have a clear idea that you can significantly influence your child  and their  team’s performance from the sidelines during a match in so many positive ways as volleyball parents.

I am sure that this list of things to say to your child from the sidelines as volleyball parents and the tips on using cheers effectively would be useful.

What are your thoughts about this guide?

Add them in the comments section below!

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