How to Dominate Try-outs
While you may be disappointed your season didn’t last as long as you hoped, don’t worry, try-outs for club season are fast approaching. That’s the great thing about life, and volleyball, there is always another opportunity to better yourself and do the things you love – like play volleyball. So wipe away those negative thoughts and use these three simple tips to get out there and dominate club try-outs.
Stand-out: If you are hoping to make one of the major clubs in your state, you will probably be given a number due to the amount of players trying out. Make sure this number is always visible: not covered by hair and attached properly. Then put on something that will make you stand-out. For example, if everyone wears a black try-out shirt, wear bright pink socks, or a flashy pair of shoes, or even a white scrunchie. Pick something that will make it easier for coaches to notice and reference you. Most likely you skill will make you stand out, but just in case, be easy to find in a crowd with a piece of clothing that helps you stand out.
Smile & Slap hands: If you ask any coach on tryout day the top things they look for, they will probably tell you something along the lines of: coach-ability, positive attitude, and teamwork, etc. So don’t be afraid to really amp this up and sell yourself as a great team mate. Smile at the coaches, make eye-contact, make them see you (that way it will be harder to cut you.) Likewise, smile at other players: the best players and the worst. Talk and laugh with others that you know and even those you don’t know! Show you can work together with others. Players will likely be feeling all kinds of emotions, but a smile and a high five can go a long way.
Self-confidence: Believe in yourself. Focus on what you are best at and find ways to show off. If you are a great server, hustle to that serving line and get in as many serves as you can. If there are skills you struggle with, don’t worry and remember hustle and hard work can make up for missing talent! After all, the club season is meant to help you train to improve.