What are Volleyball Tryouts Like and How You can Approach Them as a Beginner Player? A Detailed Guide

There are no magic plays. You win based on effort, unmet focus and being brilliant at the little details.
Steve Kerr
Source: Dear Volleyball.
Wonder of Volleyball is reader supported. Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links. If you click and purchase through those links, we’ll get a commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclaimer here.
Thanks in advance for supporting our work!
Have you ever wondered what are volleyball tryouts like?
Do you want to know how to approach them as a beginner volleyball player?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, keep reading!
A volleyball tryout can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for players.
To help ease your nerves, we’ll take a thorough look at what are volleyball tryouts like and practical tips on how you can approach them as a beginner player.
Let’s get started!
Did you know? Volleyball tryouts often test a player’s versatility. Coaches may ask players to rotate through different positions to see how adaptable they are, even if they specialize in a particular area.
Pin this post to your favourite board!
What are Volleyball Tryouts Like and How You can Approach it as a Beginner Player
Understanding the Purpose of a Volleyball Tryout
A volleyball tryout serves as an opportunity for coaches to evaluate players’ skills, potential and how well they fit into the team dynamics. For beginner players, tryouts may seem intimidating, but understanding their purpose can ease the pressure.
Coaches are not just looking for the best-skilled players. They also assess how coachable and adaptable you are.
During the tryout, coaches focus on evaluating your grasp of basic volleyball skills. However, your attitude and effort matter just as much.
They want to see how you work under pressure, how effectively you communicate with teammates and how you respond to feedback. Volleyball coaches look for players who will contribute positively to the team’s overall success.
Tryouts also give you a chance to show your dedication, work ethic and eagerness to learn. Coaches understand that beginners may not have mastered every skill yet, but showing that you’re willing to improve is key.
This is your moment to showcase not only your current abilities but also your potential to grow and contribute to the team.
Ultimately, a volleyball tryout is all about finding players who can improve and work well with others. So the best thing you can do as a beginner player is to approach the experience as an opportunity to learn, and focus on giving your complete effort throughout the session.
What to Expect During a Volleyball Tryout?
A tryout is designed to evaluate your volleyball-related skills, fitness and teamwork. Typically, tryouts begin with a warm-up session that includes stretching and light exercises to get you ready.
After that, you’ll be asked to demonstrate your basic volleyball skills and this usually includes passing, setting, serving, spiking and blocking.
Expect the coaches to observe your technique, consistency and understanding of the game. They’ll also take note of your communication on the court, assessing how well you work with others and your ability to follow instructions.
Sometimes, you’ll be asked to participate in short scrimmage games to test your match awareness, decision-making and how you react in real-time situations.
Fitness is another key area of focus during a tryout. Coaches will often test your speed, agility and endurance, so be ready for conditioning drills like sprints, shuttle runs or jumping exercises.
These drills help coaches see how physically prepared you are for the demands of volleyball.
Aside from skills and fitness, tryouts also test your mental approach. Coaches observe how you handle mistakes, pressure and feedback.
Showing a positive attitude, hustle and a willingness to learn can make a big impression, even if you’re still working on your skills.
Overall, expect a mix of drills, fitness tests and real match-like situations. Stay focused, give your best effort and don’t be afraid to ask questions if needed.
How to Prepare Physically for a Volleyball Tryout?
Physical preparation is essential for performing your best at a volleyball tryout. By following a well-rounded plan, you’ll be ready to showcase your skills and how physically prepared you are for the session.
Focus on improving your endurance, strength, agility and jumping ability to meet the demands of the sport. Start by incorporating cardio exercises like running or swimming into your routine, as these will help build stamina and keep you energized throughout the tryout session.
Strength training is also important. Target key muscle groups such as your legs, core and arms through exercises like squats, lunges, planks and push-ups.
These exercises enhance your power for jumping, spiking and blocking.
Agility drills such as ladder exercises or cone drills, are great for improving your quickness on the court. Volleyball requires fast lateral movements throughout a match, so practicing your footwork can give you an edge during tryouts.
Don’t forget to work on your vertical jump, which is crucial for blocking and spiking. Incorporate jump training like box jumps and plyometrics, to increase your explosiveness.
Lastly, flexibility and injury prevention are key, so make stretching and mobility exercises part of your training routine. Dynamic stretches before workouts and static stretches after will help keep your muscles flexible and reduce the risk of strains and unwanted injuries.
Essential Volleyball Skills to Practice Before Tryouts
Before attending a tryout, it’s crucial to sharpen your basic skills of volleyball. Start with serving, as it’s one of the most important aspects of the sport.
Practice various types of serves performed in volleyball to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Next, focus on passing and receiving serves, as these skills are foundational to setting up successful plays. Work on passing with proper technique (using your forearms to direct the ball to your setter.)
Aim to develop good control and smooth movement when receiving serves.
Setting is another key skill to master. Practice your hand positioning, footwork and quick decision-making, as setters play a vital role in coordinating offensive plays.
Consistency in delivering accurate sets will make a strong impression during tryouts.
For offensive skills, practice spiking and hitting. Work on timing your approach and improving your vertical jump to deliver powerful attacks.
Focus on your form and aim to spike the ball with accuracy, not just power alone.
Finally, practice blocking and digging. Blocking drills help you develop timing and coordination, while practicing to dig balls improves your ability to defend against spikes.
By focusing on these essential skills, you’ll enter tryouts with confidence and be better prepared to showcase your abilities to coaches present in the tryout venue.
Must’ve Gear for Volleyball Players
How to Mentally Prepare for Volleyball Tryouts
Mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness for volleyball tryouts. Start by setting realistic goals.
Instead of focusing on being perfect, aim to show your improvement and potential as a volleyball player. Accept that mistakes will happen, but it’s how you respond that matters.
Visualization is a powerful tool. Imagine yourself successfully executing skills, making smart plays and confidently approaching whatever challenge that the coach throws at you during the tryout.
This mental practice helps reduce anxiety and boosts your confidence.
Develop a positive mindset. Tryouts can be nerve-wracking, but staying calm and focused will improve your performance.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on giving your best effort. Remember, coaches are looking for players who demonstrate a good attitude, hustle and coachability among skills and techniques required to perform in a match.
Prepare mentally by practicing mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises. These techniques can help calm your nerves, especially before and during tryouts.
Staying present in the moment will allow you to make better decisions and recover quickly from any mistakes.
Additionally, stay open to feedback. Coaches often give pointers during tryouts, so be ready to listen and apply what you learn.
This shows that you are willing to grow and improve, which is a key quality coaches look for in players.
Key Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Player During Volleyball Tryouts
As a beginner, it’s easy to make common mistakes during volleyball tryouts that could impact your performance. One major mistake is focusing too much on individual skills without showing importance to teamwork.
Volleyball is a team sport, and coaches want to see how well you collaborate and communicate on the court with the team members.
Another common mistake is not listening to feedback or instructions from coaches. Coaches appreciate players who are coachable and willing to learn.
Ignoring advice or appearing resistant to feedback can give the impression that you’re not open to growth.
Letting nerves get the best of you is also a mistake to avoid. While it’s normal to feel anxious, try not to let it affect your performance.
Stay focused on giving your best effort, and remember that coaches understand the pressure of tryouts.
Overcompensating or trying too hard to impress can backfire. Instead of concentrating on it solely, focus on performing the fundamentals well.
Coaches value consistency, effort and a positive attitude more than flashy plays in the initial days of looking at a player during the tryout.
Finally, avoid showing poor body language or a negative attitude. Even if you make mistakes, keep your energy positive and stay engaged.
Showing frustration or giving up easily reflects poorly on your resilience and mental toughness.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of standing out in a positive way during a volleyball tryout.
Tips for Staying Positive and Focused Throughout the Tryout Session
Staying positive and focused during tryouts is key to performing at your best. Start by keeping a positive mindset.
Avoid worrying about mistakes. Focus on what you can control like your effort, attitude and response to challenges.
Remember, coaches are watching how you handle adversity, so stay composed even if things don’t go perfectly.
Set small, achievable goals throughout the session, such as staying engaged in each drill or communicating effectively with teammates. Breaking the tryout into manageable tasks helps you stay focused on the present moment rather than worrying about the outcome.
Stay in the moment by practicing mindfulness. Take a deep breath before each drill or play to clear your mind and maintain focus.
This can also help reduce anxiety and improve your overall performance. Surround yourself with positive self-talk.
Encourage yourself, and keep reminding that you’re giving your best effort. Avoid comparing yourself to others.
Your focus should be on your growth and contribution to the team. By maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on the present, you’ll leave a lasting impression on the coaches and make your overall tryout experience a memorable one.
Tips on What You Need to Do as a Beginner Player After the Volleyball Tryout
Once the tryout gets over, the waiting period can be nerve-wracking. But it’s important to handle it with patience and a positive attitude.
Start by reflecting on your performance. Ask these questions to yourself. What went well and what areas could be improved?
This reflection helps you grow as a player, whether you make the team or not. Stay positive and patient while waiting for the results.
Coaches take time to evaluate all players, and constantly worrying about the outcome won’t change the result. Instead, focus on what you learned and how you can continue to improve as a player.
If you didn’t make the team, don’t be discouraged. Reach out to the coach and ask for constructive feedback.
Coaches often appreciate players who are eager to learn and improve. Use the feedback to identify areas for growth, then continue practicing and honing your skills for the next opportunity.
If you do make the team, celebrate your accomplishment but remember that the work isn’t over. Continue practicing, stay coachable, and be prepared to put in consistent effort throughout the season.
Keep in mind that making the team is just the first step, and your continued growth depends on your dedication and willingness to improve. By staying focused and maintaining a growth mindset, you’ll maximize your development and find meaningful ways to contribute to the success of the team.
FAQs on What are Volleyball Tryouts Like and How You can Approach it as a Beginner Player
What should I Wear to a Volleyball Tryout?
Wear comfortable, breathable athletic clothing, and proper volleyball shoes with good grip. Bring a water bottle/thermo flask filled with either cool water or a favorite liquid of your choice to stay hydrated throughout the session. Although it isn’t necessary, bringing some protective gear such as knee pads also project that you’ve come prepared for the tryout and you don’t want to get injured.
How Early Should I Arrive for a Volleyball Tryout?
Arrive at least 1/1 and a half hours early to warm up, register and mentally prepare. Most tryout venues have a registration process in place. So by getting to the spot early, you can avoid getting stuck in the registration queue.
Being early shows that you’re organized, responsible and serious about the tryout. It also gives you time to settle in before the session starts.
How Do I Stand Out During the Volleyball Tryout as a Beginner Player?
Focus on hustle, communication and a positive attitude. Even if your skills are still developing, coaches appreciate effort, teamwork, coachability and the ability to listen to instructions.
Show that you’re willing to learn and always give your best effort on the court.
Conclusion
I have no doubt that even if you are a beginner player, you can make the volleyball tryout experience a memorable one with proper preparation.
I am sure that by now, you’ve got a clear idea on what are volleyball tryouts like and how you can approach them as a beginner player through this post.
Want to share your thoughts?
Put them away in the comments section below!
Related Posts
10 Things Volleyball Coaches Look for in Tryouts
Top 10 Basic Skills of Volleyball You Need to Succeed as a Player
Best Volleyball Tryout Tips for Beginner Players: Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
LET’S BE SOCIAL!
Thanks so much for the helpful information about what volleyball tryouts are like. This will really help beginning players combat anxiety.
Hi Crysti, thanks for your comment. Glad that you found this post helpful. I wholehearttedly agree with you!
Tryouts in any sport are a very important and critical moment in child’s development. Preparing her or him to them takes knowledge. Great post.
Hi Celebrate Woman Today, thanks for your comment. I completely agree!
These are great suggestions for those who are trying out for a volleyball team. I find these tips helpful, especially for newbies!
Hi Jen, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that you found this post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
Oh! Volleyball tryouts are the worse. So stressful for the kids. You have fantastic advice for both the k kids and parents. Thank you.
Hi Kristine, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the tips in this post helpful for both volleyball players and parents.
This is the perfect post for anyone looking to start playing the game of volleyball. It is super informative and really packed with everything one needs to know to get started off right. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Melissa Cushing, thank you so very much for your kind words. Glad you found this post helpful for beginner volleyball players.
Amazing…I love the details and all the other factors that are included in the tryouts. The experience by default is intense so preparation and managing expectations are crucial.
Hi Karen, thanks for your comment. I completely agree!
These are great tips and advice for people who are looking into joining volleyball and even for family members who want to know more about the sport. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lavanda Michelle, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful for volleyball players and enthusiasts.
This is such a fabulous guide for anyone that is looking to start playing Volleyball seriously. I love the tips here and have pinned the post for reference.
Hi Melissa Cushing, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful for volleyball players.
These are some really helpful tips if you are nervous about a forthcoming volleyball tryout.
Hi Jenny, thank you so very much!
I guess this is like any other sport. You try out and those who qualify for the sport go on. Its hard but I believe it makes you a better player.
Hi Tammy, thanks for your comment, and you are completely right!
It can be so helpful to know what to expect when it comes to volleyball tryouts. Thank you so much for this guide.
Hi Jupiter Hadley, thanks for your comment. Glad you found this post helpful.
Great insights! Volleyball tryouts can be nerve-wracking, but your tips will definitely help ease the process!
Hi Lavanda, thanks for your comment. Glad to know that you found the tips in this post helpful for volleyball players.
wow, I knew tryouts are challenging but I had no idea it would be that stressful. Managing stress is key for sure…
Hi Karen, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I totally agree!
I can imagine that try outs can be quite daunting. I think you have to go there with an open mind and confidence that you are going to try your best to showcase your talent and skills.
Hi Yeah Lifestyle, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I completely agree with your points!
Very helpful article for someone going into a try out for the first time! Thank you for walking us step by step through what to expect!
Hi Katie Green, thank you so very much! Glad you found this post helpful.
This is such an essential list for anyone gearing up to try out for volleyball. The more you know, the more you can prepare!
Hi Beth, thanks for your encouraging words. I totally agree with your final point!
Mental preparation is definitely a key pointer. Great article. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Dominique P, thank you so very much and I 100% agree!