Tips for Crushing Club VB Tryouts From AZ's Top Players

As the club volleyball season approaches, nerves begin to rise for players across the country vying for spots on competitive rosters. Whether you're a seasoned club athlete or a first-time tryout participant, preparing for this crucial weekend can be overwhelming. To help guide you as an athlete or parent through this process, we asked several of our top volleyball athletes to share their best tips for standing out during tryouts and making a strong impression. They've all been there and done that at various levels throughout their career.   Read on to see what they said!   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">1. Ask Yourself the Right Questions</h1>   Before you walk into any tryout, take time to think about what you want out of the upcoming club season. Your goals may vary depending on your age and experience level—but they should always guide your decision. Are you just starting out and looking to build strong fundamentals? Working to sharpen specific skills for a higher level of play? Preparing to compete in a tough high school program like 6A? Or is your focus on gaining exposure for college recruitment? Knowing your “why” will help you choose the right club and team fit.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/Neon-Yellow-and-Black-Simple-Modern-Motivational-Quote-LinkedIn-Article-Cover-Image-11.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-894932" style="width:813px;height:auto" /></figure>   One of the smartest things you can do is talk to current or former players. Ask them what their experience has been like—the good and the not-so-good. Their insight can give you a clearer picture of whether a club's culture, coaching, and structure align with what you're looking for. After all, committing to a club is a big decision—it'll shape the next 8–9 months of your volleyball journey.   Don't be afraid to ask questions. It shows maturity, initiative, and interest—plus, it's a great way to start building relationships with coaches and clubs. Research last season's rosters, find out who's returning, who's not, and what positions might be open. It can give you a realistic sense of where you might fit and how strong your chances are of making the team.   [player_tooltip player_id='882771' first='Makinlee' last='Landis'], 2028 Hamilton Middle says, "Find the right fit for you as an individual. Don't go for a specific club based on the name itself. Look at who will coach your age, what players will you likely be surrounded by, who do they have currently at your position."   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2. Focus on You and YOU ALONE</h1>   When it comes to club volleyball, it's easy to get influenced by what everyone else is doing. Maybe you feel pressure to join a certain club because fIn the world of club volleyball, it's easy to get swept up in what everyone else is doing. You might feel pressure to join a certain club because your friends are there or because others have had success in that program. But remember: this is your journey, and you're the one who has to live it. Don't let the allure of a “top team” distract you from what matters most to you—whether that's playing time, development, or simply loving the game. Stay true to your goals.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/Neon-Yellow-and-Black-Simple-Modern-Motivational-Quote-LinkedIn-Article-Cover-Image-8.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-894919" style="width:813px;height:auto" /></figure>   During tryouts, it's natural to notice the competition, especially in fast-paced, high-pressure drills. But comparing yourself to others only takes focus away from your own performance. Trust the work you've put in, stay mentally tough, and play your game. Confidence comes from within—not from how you stack up against someone else.   As [player_tooltip player_id='769657' first='Campbell' last='Pieratt'], top setter for Perry's Class of 2028, puts it: “You play because you love the game—not because you're expected to play for others.” Keep that mindset, and the right fit will find you.     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">3. Evals - Must Attend</h1>   Pre-tryout evaluations are a relatively new—but increasingly important—part of the club volleyball landscape. Unlike traditional tryouts, which often last just a couple of hours, evals give coaches more time to assess players in a focused, low-pressure setting. This extended look allows them to evaluate each athlete's skill level, athleticism, coachability, and overall fit within the club's system—factors that can be difficult to fully gauge in a single tryout session.   For players, attending evals can be a huge advantage. It's a chance to make a strong first impression, show your progress, and demonstrate your commitment. Coaches are not only looking for talent—they're also watching for work ethic, attitude, and potential. Skipping these sessions could mean missing out on a spot or being placed on a team that doesn't align with your goals or ability level simply because you haven't been in front of them enough.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/Neon-Yellow-and-Black-Simple-Modern-Motivational-Quote-LinkedIn-Article-Cover-Image-9.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-894921" style="width:770px;height:auto" /></figure>   If you're considering multiple clubs, try to attend evals at each one if possible. It's a smart way to get a feel for the environment, meet the coaching staff, and determine where you feel most comfortable.   Finally, don't leave an eval without asking for feedback. Ask specific questions about how you performed, what they saw in you, and where you might fit in their program. Honest insight from coaches can help you understand where you stand—and give you clarity as you navigate your club decisions.   [player_tooltip player_id='886861' first='Kaylie' last='Lynar'], all-star 2028 setter from Basha, says: “Talk to the coaches and get to know them, as well as what they expect for the upcoming season."     <h1 class="wp-block-heading">4. Make a Good First Impression</h1>   When you walk into a tryout, your game isn't the only thing coaches are watching. Yes, skill and athleticism matter—but so does your presence. How you carry yourself the moment you step into the gym says a lot. Are you confident, engaged, and ready to work? Or do you seem timid, distracted, or unapproachable? The energy you bring speaks volumes before you even touch a ball.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/Neon-Yellow-and-Black-Simple-Modern-Motivational-Quote-LinkedIn-Article-Cover-Image-12.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-894939" style="width:755px;height:auto" /></figure>   Coaches are evaluating more than just gameplay—they're watching how you communicate, how you respond to feedback, and how you interact with others. Are you encouraging teammates, even during competitive drills? Do you hustle between reps? When a coach gives you a correction, do you make eye contact, nod, and apply it? These are the small details that set players apart.   At the end of the day, coaches are choosing athletes they'll be investing their time and energy into for the next 8–9 months. Of course they want skill—but they also want attitude, effort, and coachability. Those traits impact team chemistry, growth, and overall success just as much as talent does.   As [player_tooltip player_id='833602' first='Kallie' last='George'], standout player and leader on the court from ALA Ironwood, says: “Be coachable. Make eye contact with all the coaches, take in everything they say, and show that you're eager to learn.”   The impression you make off the ball is just as important as the plays you make on it. Bring your best energy, and let who you are shine through.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">5. Your Love For the Game Must Be Evident</h1>   Playing great is one thing, but showing genuine passion is what truly sets athletes apart. Coaches aren't just evaluating your skills—they're looking for players who light up when they step on the court. That might sound like common sense, but it's more important than most people realize. Club volleyball is a serious time and energy commitment, often lasting 8 to 9 months (or longer), with multiple practices per week, weekend tournaments, and travel. It's a grind, and the players who thrive are the ones who genuinely love the sport.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/Neon-Yellow-and-Black-Simple-Modern-Motivational-Quote-LinkedIn-Article-Cover-Image-6.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-894912" style="width:779px;height:auto" /></figure>   That's why coaches are looking for signs that your enthusiasm is authentic. Are you fully engaged? Do you hustle on every play, cheer on others, and bounce back quickly from mistakes? These things matter. You don't have to be the loudest person in the gym, but your energy, attitude, and body language should send the message: I want to be here. I love this game.   Burnout is a real issue in club volleyball, and coaches are well aware of it. They've seen plenty of talented athletes lose interest mid-season because their heart wasn't in it from the start. So during tryouts and evaluations, let your passion shine through. Smile. Compete hard. Show that you're not just chasing a roster spot—you're chasing growth, challenge, and the chance to play the game you love at a high level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Quick Tips:</h2>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Arrive early and be ready to go. Coaches notice punctuality and preparation. Plus you are gonna want to get through that check in line as quickly as possible! </li>   <li>Wear a neutral outfit unless told otherwise. Most likely they'll be giving you a tryout shirt! </li>   <li>Eat Well. Sleep well. Your performance is based on your preparation. </li>   <li>Have fun. Passion is contagious—when you enjoy the game, it shows.</li> </ul>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/Neon-Yellow-and-Black-Simple-Modern-Motivational-Quote-LinkedIn-Article-Cover-Image-14.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-895066" style="width:811px;height:auto" /></figure>

As the club volleyball season approaches, nerves begin to rise for players across the country vying for spots on competitive rosters. Whether you're a seasoned club athlete or a first-time tryout participant, preparing for this crucial weekend can be overwhelming. To help guide you as an athlete or parent through this process, we asked several of our top volleyball athletes to share their best tips for standing out during tryouts and making a strong impression. They've all been there and done that at various levels throughout their career.