Open Gym Season Is Upon Us
Depending on the state or region, there are different rules in place for open gym season and the movement we see in club volleyball. In my opinion, it is an absolute headache. Players trying to figure out teams before they…
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Continue ReadingDepending on the state or region, there are different rules in place for open gym season and the movement we see in club volleyball. In my opinion, it is an absolute headache. Players trying to figure out teams before they even get the chance to compete with their current team on the biggest stage. This is what has become club sports, love it or hate it. We want to give some of our unsolicited advice as that time has arrived.
!. Find Your Fit
We’ve seen over the years the high desire to play for who many may think are the “top teams” in their region. It makes sense though right? The idea is if you can make the top team for the top clubs it will create opportunity. The opportunity to play with the best players in the city. The opportunity to play against the best competition in the country. The opportunity to be seen by dozens of college coaches. So often everyone will line up and pay open gym fees at 5-6 clubs with a slim chance of making that club. A secret: For the most part, these teams have an idea of who will be on some of those teams or through some avenue invited people they want to see in their open gym. Athletes should focus on finding their fit in a program where they can grow their game. If they continue to do that, good things will happen. Is it best to be the 10th player and not see the floor and practice against the good competition or be a major contributor and get better on a lesser-known team? This goes to our second point.
2. You Will Get A Shot.
Many hold the false belief you can only get recruited if you play for Club A, B, or C. Yes, some programs tend to have a higher number of NCAA Division I players, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be noticed by these coaches from a different club. If you are good enough, they will find you. So as you find your fit, continue to develop your game. You may not play against the strongest competition in your age group but you will play quality opponents and coaches will swing by your court. With that said, don’t have a DI or bust mentality. Keep all of your options available.
3. It’s OK
It’s Ok to stay loyal to a program you’ve been with for a while. It’s also OK to play with your friends and people you like. It’s not often the case because competition brings out the best in people, but there are times players leave a team of players they love to go to a different team and absolutely regret it. As a coach, I’m not going to say wins aren’t everything but make sure to enjoy the experience and have fun and enjoy your teammates. Often times these are girls you have spent 2-3 days a week and every weekend together with for 8-9 months. It’s OK to stay put.
4. Mom, Dad…I Got This
This is a hard one. We’ve heard stories where the parents are who is forcing the move for the athletes because again they are thinking of the dollars and cents. We are investing this money in the hopes that Susie will earn a college scholarship. We say this is hard because we don’t encourage any child to go against their parent…but this time if you are happy, feel you are getting better, love your team and teammates…make sure your parents know this before they start dragging you to two weeks of open gyms. At the end of the day, if you aren’t happy and enjoying the experience it’s all for nothing.
5. Club Hopping
Not always, but club-hopping can be viewed as a negative by SOME college coaches. They could question why is it this player has been on 5 teams in 5 years. Are the parents a problem and not happy they don’t get their way? Is it the athlete who is the problem? Do they run at the first sign of adversity? There could be legit reasons for the movement but we want to be transparent and say these are questions we’ve heard before.
6. 2 Teams are OK
Our final point. Even though we shared earlier you don’t necessarily need to chase those top teams in the city. If you are afforded the opportunity to join one know some teams “2” teams are really really good. If you get offered a spot on one of those teams don’t turn your nose up, those teams often have some ballers and will knock off many “1” teams in regionals and region league action. Again, find your fit and grow your game.