Advice From Fellow Players 2029 Addition

We wanted to put together an article that allows players to help players. This is not an easy sport, especially if done at a high level. The amount of skill it requires to pass a ball with no spin coming at 30mph or timing an up tempo set correctly so that you can properly make contact with the ball in such a way that it goes cross court into the area you are aiming for. There is also the way to handle teammates, handle your coaches and how we handle both failures and success. We have asked a few players who play alongside you HOW THEY DO IT. Thank you to those players taking the time to help others.   [player_tooltip player_id='761797' first='EJ' last='Rice'] Outside Hitter for Edmond Santa Fe:   Why is your position so important to the game as a whole? "My position (OH) is important because pins usually get all the out of system balls so I have to be able to hit just about any ball (low, high, tight, etc) and still terminate. I also have to be able to pass effectively and play defense so I have to be capable on the court in all skills." What's a strategy you use when taking in and applying the coaching you receive? "One strategy I use is to trust that my coach sees the game, court, and all players as a whole and needs me to implement my part in the team. I trust him to help me be a better player and a better teammate." How do you go about being a great teammate? "I think the best way to be a great teammate is to realize that everyone brings something to the team. We make each other stronger TOGETHER and we need each other. I try to encourage my teammates and we rely on each other to not only perform well and successfully but also to keep each other hype and engaged on the court. Being a good teammate has brought me some of my best friends!"   [player_tooltip player_id='761783' first='Jaida' last='Richardson'] Defensive Specialist for El Reno:   Why is your position so important to the game as a whole? “I think my position is important because defense and passing will give my teammates more opportunities to score. And it's also important because I must communicate at all times. My communication helps keep everyone on the same page.” What's a strategy you use when taking in and applying the coaching you receive? “The strategy I use when taking and receiving coaching is listening to understand and applying what is being asked of me. I want my coach to be hard on me and have high expectations of me. When coaches demand excellence it makes me rise to the challenge. When coaches invest in me and show they care, it motivates me to be the best I can for myself and the team.” How do you go about being a great teammate? “Being a great teammate to me is cheering everyone on! I want to celebrate all successes! It's also important to be someone my teammates can rely on. If a teammate makes a mistake I need to cheer them up, be positive, and have their back! I love hyping my teammates up when they have a good kill, pass, or set.”   [player_tooltip player_id='899734' first='Alexa' last='Combs'] Outside Hitter for Mount St. Mary:   Why is your position so important to the game as a whole? “A pin hitter is important in volleyball because oftentimes they are the main offensive weapon and a key part of both offense and defense. Pin hitters help control the pace, scoring, and energy of the game.” What's a strategy you use when taking in and applying the coaching you receive? “The strategy I use depends on whether I am on or off the court. If I am on the court, listen to feedback, and make adjustments. If I am off the court, I have more time to evaluate feedback and ask clarifying questions, if needed. Mostly, my main strategy is to always stay coachable and maintain a growth mindset.” How do you go about being a great teammate? “To me, being a great teammate means showing God's love and humility both on and off the court. Supporting and uplifting my teammates comes naturally to me because I genuinely want to see them win . I always cheer for my team during good plays and encourage them when things don't go our way. A great teammate always leads by example.”   Our 2026 summer showcase is just around the corner and we have over 45 of the best players already registered! Use the code DerekJackson10 to save $ when you register.

We wanted to put together an article that allows players to help players. This is not an easy sport, especially if done at a high level. The amount of skill it requires to pass a ball with no spin coming at 30mph or timing an up tempo set correctly so that you can properly make contact with the ball in such a way that it goes cross court into the area you are aiming for. There is also the way to handle teammates, handle your coaches and how we handle both failures and success. We have asked a few players who play alongside you HOW THEY DO IT. Thank you to those players taking the time to help others.