Volleyball Tryouts: What to Expect and How to Prepare

I remember my very first volleyball tryouts–I was a nervous wreck even though I knew I was a good player. As I was waiting in line for my turn at the volleyball tryouts drills, my palms were sweating, and I had convinced myself that I knew nothing about the sport.   

When I was finally called out for my turn at the drills, all those negative thoughts disappeared, and I concentrated entirely on the court. I wasn’t exactly a prodigy as a 12-year-old volleyball player, but I knew my stuff and was confident enough to show it off. My coach saw my potential, and I aced my middle school volleyball tryouts.  

Today, I’m writing a guide on volleyball tryout tips and how you can overcome the irrational fear of being bad. Let’s start! 

It’s Not Always About Technical Knowledge 

One thing that I learned from my middle school volleyball tryouts experience is that I got selected even though I never played professionally before. My passion for volleyball solely came from my time playing casually with my siblings.  

So how did my coach possibly think I knew what I was doing? 

The thing is that because I played with my siblings, I had a natural competitiveness in me. When I got on the court for tryouts, my coach was impressed by my need to win.  

Keep it Friendly 

Just because I said competition is good does not mean you go around yelling at your opponents. Coaches don’t like someone who takes it too seriously. Volleyball is a sport that you can play without smashing a racket or breaking any equipment (since there aren’t any involved).  

Keep your competition level on the friendlier side of the spectrum.

Remember to be a good sport; your coaches will look for that in you. Shake your opponent’s hand once the drills or tryout matches are over.

This shows good sportsmanship, which is always a plus point to have on a volleyball team.  

Team Player Instincts 

There was one girl during my high school volleyball tryouts who was way too intense with the drills. She would not let her teammates get to the ball, even during a simple passing drill. She dove, ran, and jumped just so she’s the one who hits the ball.  

Neither coaches nor the players like a bad team member. Don’t play alone on a court meant for six players.  

An additional tip: make sure you’re making calls throughout the game.

Whether you’re the captain or not, let your teammates know when you’re spiking, which hit you’re going for, whether you want to attack, and whenever you want to try out a play.   

Show Your Potential 

Any sport, let alone volleyball, is about athleticism.

During volleyball tryouts, coaches look for athletes over volleyball players. Your strength, agility, speed, and instincts are more likely to be tested than your knowledge about the sport.  

If you’re especially skilled at one of the above, don’t be afraid to show it. Trust me, your coach will specifically be looking for athletic potential. 

Listen to the Coach 

Being part of a team requires mentorship from your coach. When you listen to calls from your coach, you will play better. Show your ability to listen and be coached during volleyball tryouts.  

Ask the coach questions (but don’t be annoying) about how they want you to begin or which position they want you to play.  

And if you listen to your coach, you will become a good athlete and, above all, a good volleyball player. 

What to Expect at Volleyball Tryouts 

Before my volleyball tryouts at any level, even during college volleyball tryouts, I would go around asking the team what the coach would do at tryouts. Believe it or not, this level of desperation actually ended up helping me.  

Pro tip: Study the team and the coach before you go for a volleyball tryout. This will help you work on the skills that might impress them.   

Volleyball Tryouts Drills 

Here are some common volleyball tryouts drills you should expect: 

Serving Drills 

Coaches will watch your serve technique, consistency, and accuracy. You should be well-versed with serving since it starts every play.  

Passing Drills 

Coaches will set up drills to test your ball serving and controlling ability. They’ll focus on your platform technique, footwork, and reaction time. You will also be assigned partners for the passing drill to check your play calls. 

Setting Drills 

If you’re a setter, this is a great opportunity to show off your touch, control, and accuracy. Coaches will look for setters who can place the ball in a sweet spot for hitters. Call out your play and communicate with the hitters. 

Hitting Drills 

This is when you can really bring out your power, timing, and accuracy. Coaches will watch how you approach the hit, jump technique, swing strength, and contact with the ball. They may also check if you can adjust to sets that aren’t perfect. 

Blocking Drills 

Coaches might test your blocking skills if you’re tall or aiming for a front-row position. They’ll look at your timing, hand position, and footwork when blocking against hitters. 

Athletic Ability Tests 

Keep your energy high before your volleyball tryouts because, other than drills, your coach will test your athleticism.  

Vertical Jump Test: Your jumping ability is everything in volleyball. Your coach will test your max jump for both blocking and spiking. 

Agility Drills: Coaches will test how fast and controlled you are in movements like shuffling, backpedaling, and sprinting across the court. 

Position Tryout Tests 

Even though you might be trying out for a specific position in mind, your coach will ask you to try every position. Here are some tips on how you can improve on other positions: 

For Setters: Focus on drills that test your hand positioning, accuracy, and decision-making. Coaches might test you with off-target passes to see how you cope. 

For Outside Hitters: Show your hitting and blocking techniques, particularly timing, vertical jump, and attacking skills. 

For Middle Blockers: Practice blocking techniques, passing drills that need quick reflexes, and vertical reach jumps. Practice hitting right after blocking. 

For Liberos: Shine your defensive skills like digging, serving & receiving, and thinking on your feet. Coaches want to see consistency and hustle in defense. 

What to Practice Before Volleyball Tryout Checklist 

Before any volleyball tryouts, be it high school or college volleyball tryouts, you need to sharpen your skills. This is only possible with practice. Befriend someone from the team and ask them to practice with you or befriend a lonely wall and practice on that!  

I’ve prepared a checklist of volleyball things you need to practice every day before the tryouts. Perfect them, believe in yourself, and you will nail the tryouts. 

  • Focus on Passing: Work on controlling your passes, setting platforms, and moving to the ball. 
  • Build Stamina and Agility: Focus on cardio. Run sprints, jump rope, and do agility drills to get quick on your feet. 
  • Strengthen Jumps: Do exercises like box jumps and squats to boost your jump height. 
  • Communicate and Call Plays: Practice being vocal on the court, even if you’re practicing alone. 
  • Get Comfortable with All Positions: Practice drills specific to your preferred position but keep your options open. 
  • Bring Essentials: Wear comfortable court shoes, pack water, wear athletic clothes, and bring any gear you need for tryouts. 

Wrapping it Up 

You are just about ready to go nail your volleyball tryouts. All you’re missing is your self-confidence! Remember that you are an athlete–if you practice daily and are passionate enough, you have everything you need to make the team.  

Keep your skills sharp by practicing even simple drills like passing and hitting. Although you should practice your primary volleyball skills, keep in mind that you also practice the negligible things. Don’t skip out on your cardio; go for a jog, increase your stamina, and keep up with your protein. 

FAQs on Volleyball Tryouts 

What skills do coaches look for most during volleyball tryouts? 

Coaches prioritize primary volleyball skills like passing, serving, setting, and hitting. They also look at your athleticism—speed, agility, and vertical jump. They will test your on-court calls like your ability to communicate and work well with teammates.  

Your sportsmanship and coachability are equally important. Show that you’re willing to learn and play as a team member, it makes a big difference in how coaches see you. 

How long do volleyball tryouts usually last? 

Volleyball tryouts depend on the level. Middle school volleyball tryouts might take place during the P.E. session, while the high school volleyball tryouts might take place after school ends for 1-2 hours. College volleyball tryouts are more advanced and might require multiple days of drills and matches for coaches to make a decision. 

How to prepare for volleyball tryouts? 

To physically prepare yourself, practice your setting, hitting, passing, jumping, and digging drills daily. Keep your stamina high by sprinting across the court and practicing dives. Eat well and drink lots of water to stay fresh.  

To mentally prepare yourself before a volleyball tryout, practice breathing exercises to calm down. Watch volleyball matches to stay inspired and get your fire going. Once you enter the court, your focus will shift to the game.  

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