What to do about varsity volleyball this year?!?!?!?

Question

Hey everyone. I've been commenting on everyone else's questions today but I need some help.

I've been playing volleyball for 4 years now and I am going to be a junior in high school this year. My goal is to make my varsity team. We don't have a JV team, so its either Varsity or nothing!

I have been training off season all year and I've been conditioning like crazy since the beginning of June. My camp starts the first week of July and I am so nervous. I've gone to all of the open gyms and I've been playing beach with friends.

I just was wondering if anyone has any last minute tips for me. I know I should just have fun and do my best. I am a libero/defensive specialist. If anyone has anything they want to help me with, I would appreciate it.

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

It sounds like you don't need much help. It's excellent you've been training in the off-season, that's a lot and most girls downfall. They get so out of shape and out of being used to playing that they have to build up their skills again. You've been playing a long time and all that extra work on your own is really going to pay off. I think you'll have no trouble getting on varsity, just have confidence in yourself that you can compete with all the other girls, that you have somethin' special. I can't offer many tips, you've got it all covered as far as conditioning. Just don't think about making the team as much or you'll make yourself too nervous to play. I've had that happen a thousand times where I'll feel good about how I play and then when try-outs happen I'm a nervous wreck and my muscles are too tense to function so just act like it's another practice but try your hardest. Have confidence. Oh and also, have a good attitude when you start camp and try-outs. Coaches like a player that is teachable. You can have a good player that needs a little work but if yuo can't teach them then they aren't worth much but if you have a terrible player but they have a good attitude, want to be there, and you can teach them, then that's the best kind of player to have. Also, like Eleanor said, come in looking the part and kowing what to do. I don't mean look the part so you can fit in but if you are dressed in a different way than everyone else it might make you feel nervous or like you're sticking out. Also, communicate. It's such a big and important part of volleyball. All coaches say that but it really is. Call the ball when it's yours and call the ball when it's out, short, tip, etc. to help your teammates. It will show coaches you're experienced and know what to do and that you're working as a team player. Good luck, let us/me know how it turns out in the comments :D

Answer 2

it sounds like you know what you are doing and i have a good feeling you will do good because it sounds like you are staying active and everything i wish you the best good luck

Answer 3

try to keep on practicing on ur passing and if ur a libero then u should be digging everything so try to get to every ball and be accurate on ur passes. Finally always have a positive attitude most coaches like players that have positive attitudes so that way u wont bring down the team. other than these things just do ur best and have fun just like u said ok

Good Luck and hope u make it. (Im also on my varsity team at school)

Answer 4

from what i can see you're a pretty good player...my biggest thing would be relax...don't stress yourself out...

look on the downside if you don't make it...look into playing club...

Answer 5

The above answers have some good advice and you have been doing whatever you can.

I would just like to add some clinic tips.

Run every chance you get.  Run during the drill.  Run to get on the court at the start of the drill.  Coaches like hustle.  

Pay attention to what the coach says.  Coaches really like it when you are paying attention to them and not talking to your team mates.  

If the coach points out an error for you to correct, your answer is "thank you, I will work on that" and mean it.  Any answer other than that and you will have plenty of time during the fall to find a club to play for during the spring.  

If you are struggling with something, ask the coach for advice.  And again the answer is the same as just above.  

And I read in one of the answers to communicate.  Good answer and I will not say anything beyond that except that you need to do it.

What you are doing and these tips should get you noticed.  If you do not make the team, talk to the coach and keep working out.  Tell them that you will keep working out.  Maybe, someone will quit or get injured (I really hope not) and you can join the team during the season.  (You might not make the team on some rule of the coach.  My senior year, I tried out for the basketball team.  The coach would not keep a senior unless they were a starter.  I would have been the back up forward, so I was cut.  I was better than the junior that became the back up forward.  I worked out every day on my own and was added to the team after the coach was fired.)  

Good luck.

Answer 6

First, get a good night's rest the night before and eat a good meal a couple of hours before the trial. You may find it hard to sleep if you are excited but remind yourself that you have everything ready to go (and have everything ready to go). Set your clock and doublecheck that it is set to the proper time and set to alarm.

Show up early, espacially on the first day of the camp. You don't need to get there an hour early, but make sure you arrive with plenty of time to get prepared and so you aren't rushing to make it. Since you are already nervous, if you are running close to being late you will stress yourself out even if you end up making it on time.

If you do arrive early, you can bring your ipod. Listen to it while you are changing into your gym shoes and then while you do some light stretching. Whatever you choose to listen to, just let it be something you are comfortable with and puts you in the mood to play.

Lastly, do not get worry about how good the other players are. Focus on your own game, and don't get down on yourself even if you mess up. If your serve was off, don't worry about it because your bumping will be fine. If you always struggle with hitting drills, give it your best shot anyway and you might surprise yourself. The coaches probably have an idea of what you can do from the open gyms, but they will want to see how you can perform under the pressure. Don't get tight, stay loose and show them your best.

Answer 7

Libero Tips:

If you are practicing by yourself, finding a wall to just pass off of is good for basic skills. Also, do leg strengthening, such as wall sits, squats or biking. Diving on a slip and slide can be fun and productive as well!

Tryout Tips:

1. Look the part. Wear the spandex shorts, camp t-shirt, running shoes, and your hair up. Don't forget the knee-pads, of course!

2. Find a good partner (ahead of time). A bad partner will make you A) look bad and B) chase balls all over the place, and coaches will notice this.

3. Control. Kind of like 2. Focus on your passes/sets/hits/serves/

4. Don't go in cocky, be polite and coachable. Any leadership opportunities (calling the ball, cheering) are a good indication for coaches.

5. If you've got an overhand serve...use it!!! Coaches love that!

Good luck with your tryout and keep up the practising!

Answer 8

i would just continue to practice you passing , because if your varsity team needs a libero or a great defensive player, the main aspect of your game that your coach will be looking at is your passing.

good luck!