Any pointers tips or anything for my jv volleyball tryout?

Question

Ok, i was on my high school's freshman volleyball team last year and everyone made it even those with no prior experience. I've played since the third grade but i am really mediocre like in gradeschool (before freshman year i was always on the #3 team meaning the worst one cause it was no cut) ANYWAY now in high school i made freshman last year i played some of the time not all primarily as a back row person because i cant spike and i am a shortie like 5'5". So what im asking here is if i'm not strong in spiking do you think i could potentially make JV i am pretty good in everything else, but what intimidates me is that last year half of the freshman team from the year before was cut. What can i do to improve my spikes and skills without a net especially spiking here lol. Also, what can i do to look good next to the current JV players and the other people from freshman who have been playing club all year because i have not. what are some tryout tips?

Answer 1

I am in the same position, going onto JV next year, but my freshman team had cuts. I made it, but I'm 6 feet tall and a middle blocker. xD

You need to get some lebarro training. The lebarro is who only stays in the back three positions as a replacement for the middle blocker. Don't work so much on your spikes, but work on DIGGING the ball. When it falls in front of you close to the ground, that is when you dig it. Work on getting it to hit off of your FLAT HAND on the ground as a last-ditch save. Work on SERVES. Also train your STAMINA and RUNNING, as the lebarro really covers almost the entire back.

Good luck! I need to work on everything but that in the front!

Answer 2

Hi Megan,

Well, your in a spot many find themselves in. Your skills levels need improvement and you admit it, good for you! Many "uncoachable kids" feel they are great and should always play, you show Maturity which is a must for growth.

Ok, since your back row lets not get a vision yet that you are a hitter as this is a skill adavnced from you at this time, it so appears.

Focus on learning defensive passing from the back row, the roll of the Libero. A libero is nearly 100% defense, you keep the ball off the back floor.

Passing is an art form as it requires deadly aim for effectiveness; you either pass it on target or the setter runs around rying to find it then set an effective attack, this is weak play...

First thing is to get a passing Video, try coach Dunnions video from Stanford University and learn the tactics.

Also practice in your yard if you have no gym. Go to the driveway, set up a garbage can 15 feet in front of you and toss the ball up to the roof and as it rolls down set up your pass; try and pass into the can; if you cannot use the roof ask a friend to toss the ball in the air and you sprint to the ball, pass it off to the can...Patience young Jedi, it will come; Imagine the attention the coaches will give you when you practice getting GOOD PASSES, they KNOW this is KEY.

While Passing DO NOT jack your arms up, pass gently using your arms (hold them still) and push with your legs; want the ball to go left? Drop the left shoulder, want it right, drop the right shoulder; always point the shoulder in the direction of the place you want the ball to go if the pass needs to go hard left or hard right. Drop you butt LOW and allow the ball to Impact your forearms (the area between your bicep and wrist)

When a ball is heading to you at a fast speed you must resist the urge to attack it, GENTLY allow the ball into you and the energy (speed) of the ball will transfer back out as you pass and the results will be accurate passing.

Do get a video and I strongly recommend, based on your statements, you learn Libero or backrow at this point in your sports career.

Answer 3

diving is important and digging, you have to learn the good possitions for when people are hitting. try diving on your floor or something and make sure that if there was a ball actually coming towards you that you would be able to get it. when you get older or on a more intense team you might want to consider learning how to do back row hits.and setting can be an option too for shorter people!good luck!

Answer 4

Coaches look for in a player:

1) A killer over hand serve (jump serve is a plus)

2) Controlled bump and set

3) Successfully be able to dive/dig

4) Be able to bump, set, hit with your team

You can improve your spiking by lifting weights and practicing. Also, it really helps to join all the local volleyball clinics and clubs. Most are run by the coaches of your high school, so they will be able to see you and how good you are. Also, you will be able to find out what they look for and feel them out a bit! =]

Answer 5

Be confident in your decisions on court, but not cocky, you don't want to look like a snob, but you do want to look like you know what you're doing.  You can definitely make the team even if you aren't that strong at spiking, just be sure that you can dig any ball up, and make a good pass.  Also, show potential if you want to be a hitter, even though you may not be a completely strong spiker now, if you show potential, your coach can help you.  To improve your spiking, you might want to try to jump serve, which means doing the same approach that you would when hitting.  Never give up at anytime during the tryouts, and do your best at everything, especially if you have to hit.  Perfect your serve, so that even though you don't have good hits, you show that you will be a valuable player for the coach.  And most of all, have fun!!!  =)  Don't get nervous, or worry too much, just have fun and try your best!  

Good luck!! =)

Answer 6

Considering that you're only 5'5, i wouldnt waste your time trying to become a good hitter.

You need to focus your skills on passing to target consistently. The coaches need to be able to trust you in the back row. Watch the ball hit your arms and remember to always keep your shoulders square.

what is most important though, is effort. even if the ball hits 5 feet away from you and you know you have no chance of digging it up, dive on the floor and focus on getting a hand on it. coaches LOVE to see that kind of tenacity. If you are a very consistent passer and go after every ball, i guarantee you can make the team.

Also, wear a bright shirt and socks, i've been told by coaches that girls who stand out in a tryout are more likely to get noticed.