Tips and Trends: Why Open Gyms Matter More Than You Think

Open gym season is here.   Whether you're attending high school open gyms or getting extra reps in at your club, these sessions offer much more than just touches on the ball. In fact, some of the biggest gains happen long before tryouts ever begin.   Open gyms give athletes a chance to improve skills, build confidence, and learn in a lower-pressure environment. At the same time, they give coaches an opportunity to see players outside of a formal evaluation setting.   That's why showing up matters.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bring More Than Your Volleyball Shoes</h2>   Of course, coaches want to see volleyball skills.   However, the most important things you can bring to an open gym don't fit in your backpack.   Bring an open mind.   Bring a great attitude.   And most importantly, bring hustle.   Coaches notice athletes who chase down balls, encourage teammates, and stay engaged throughout the entire session. Additionally, they notice players who are willing to learn and apply feedback.   No player is perfect. Coaches know that.   What they want to see is effort, growth, and a willingness to improve.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Be Coachable</h2>   Open gyms are one of the best places to receive feedback.   As a result, it's important to listen when a coach takes the time to help you. Even a small adjustment can improve a skill or change the way you approach the game.   Try to avoid explaining every mistake.   For example:   "Well, my other coach told me..."   Or:   "I only missed that because..."   Instead, listen first.   Then apply the feedback and see what happens.   Coaches aren't looking for athletes who already have all the answers. Rather, they're looking for players who are willing to learn.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mistakes Are Part of the Process</h2>   Open gyms should be a place to grow.   Therefore, don't be afraid to try something new. Work on a shot you've been developing. Challenge yourself to communicate more. Take opportunities to expand your game.   That doesn't mean showing up and making careless mistakes all day.   Instead, find a balance.   Continue showcasing your strengths while also allowing yourself room to improve. Coaches want to see what you do well. At the same time, they want to see how you respond when things don't go perfectly.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Compare Yourself</h2>   Every athlete develops differently.   Because of that, comparing yourself to teammates or other players rarely helps. Focus on your own growth and your own opportunities.   Likewise, avoid comparing coaches.   Different coaches may teach different techniques or approaches. Open gyms provide a chance to hear new perspectives and add tools to your toolbox.   The more you learn, the more complete you become as a player.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Wait for Tryouts</h2>   One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is waiting until tryouts to get in front of coaches.   By then, coaches may already have a strong understanding of who has been consistently showing up and putting in the work.   Open gyms allow athletes to build familiarity, gain valuable reps, and demonstrate their commitment to improvement.   Those things matter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>   Open gyms aren't about being perfect.   They're about learning, competing, and growing.   Show up ready to work. Show up ready to learn. And show up ready to make a few mistakes along the way.   Because the athletes who get the most out of open gyms aren't always the most polished players in the gym.   They're often the ones who bring great attitudes, work hard, and continue getting better every time they step on the court.

Open gym season is here.