How to Ace Your Club Volleyball Tryouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're trying out for a club volleyball team, remember that coaches are evaluating much more than who jumps the highest or hits the hardest. They're looking for players who will make the entire team better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In just 1–2 hours, coaches may have to evaluate anywhere from 20 to 75+ athletes, depending on the size of the tryout. That means every rep counts, and first impressions matter. From your effort and attitude to your communication and coachability, coaches are paying attention to the little things.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of our best tips to help you stand out and give yourself the best chance to earn a spot on the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prior to Tryouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Get quality reps before tryouts.</strong>&nbsp;Practice wherever you can—at home, on a free sand court, at open gyms, high school open gyms, or intramurals. Don't show up to tryouts feeling rusty.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Arrive 20–30 minutes early.</strong>&nbsp;Coaches notice punctuality, and arriving early gives you time to stretch, warm up properly, and mentally prepare.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Introduce yourself to the coaches.</strong>&nbsp;A confident introduction and a smile can leave a positive first impression.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Wear clothing that helps you stand out.</strong>&nbsp;Avoid wearing another club's gear if possible. Bright-colored shorts, shoes, or accessories can make you easier for coaches to identify, especially if everyone receives the same tryout shirt.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Come prepared.</strong>&nbsp;Bring water, knee pads, volleyball shoes, and any required paperwork so you're ready before the first whistle.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Warm up with purpose.</strong>&nbsp;Treat every touch as preparation for your tryout. Focus on quality movement, ball control, and getting your body ready to perform at its best.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">During Passing</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Move your feet before the ball arrives.</strong> Get your body behind the ball instead of reaching at the last second.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Communicate on every play.</strong> Call the ball loudly with commands like “Mine!”, “Short!”, or “Out!”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Stay balanced through contact.</strong> Control your platform and finish your pass toward the target.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hold your platform.</strong> Avoid swinging your arms. Let your legs and body angle direct the ball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Stay behind the ball.</strong> Beat the ball to the spot whenever possible to create a more controlled pass.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Shake off mistakes immediately.</strong> Every player makes passing errors. Reset quickly and focus on winning the next rep.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">During Hitting</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Take full, aggressive approaches.</strong>&nbsp;Attack every rep with confidence and good mechanics.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Swing confidently.</strong>&nbsp;Don't rely on tipping because you're afraid to make an error. Coaches want to see you be assertive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>When you're out of system, make a smart, aggressive play.</strong>&nbsp;Hitting high and deep is often a great option.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Cover after you attack.</strong>&nbsp;Don't admire your swing—transition immediately to help your team.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Show more than one shot.</strong>&nbsp;Hit cross-court, line, high hands, deep corners, and attack hard when there's no block. Demonstrate that you have multiple ways to score.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Use different shots during rallies.</strong>&nbsp;Mix in roll shots, tips, off-speed shots (“campfire”), and power swings to showcase your versatility and decision-making.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Show positional versatility when possible.</strong>&nbsp;Pin hitters should be comfortable attacking from both the left side and right side. Middles can impress coaches by showing they can attack from the right side or even the outside if given the opportunity.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">During Serving</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Prioritize consistency.</strong>&nbsp;Coaches value players who can consistently put the ball in play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Serve aggressively—but under control.</strong>&nbsp;Be confident with your serve, but don't sacrifice consistency trying to hit every ball as hard as possible.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Transition quickly to defense.</strong>&nbsp;As soon as you serve, hustle into your defensive base and be ready for the next contact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Show you can serve different zones.</strong>&nbsp;If coaches ask you to serve short, deep, seam, or to a specific player, execute the assignment with confidence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Develop more than one serve.</strong>&nbsp;If you have multiple serves (float, topspin, short, deep), don't be afraid to showcase them when appropriate.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">During Defense</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Stay low and ready every rep.</strong> Be in an athletic stance before the ball is contacted.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Position yourself correctly.</strong> Stay outside the block or fill the hole in the block based on your defensive assignment.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Pursue every ball.</strong> Coaches notice players who never give up on a play, even when it looks unplayable.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Read the hitter.</strong> Watch the hitter's approach, shoulders, and arm swing to anticipate where the ball is going.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Celebrate great defensive plays.</strong> Encourage teammates after big digs and positive rallies. Great energy is contagious.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">During Team Drills</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Communicate constantly.</strong> Talk before, during, and after every play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hustle to every position.</strong> Sprint between drills and transition quickly.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Be an outstanding teammate.</strong> High-five teammates, encourage others, and maintain positive body language.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Listen the first time.</strong> Pay attention when coaches are explaining drills so they don't have to repeat instructions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Don't be a drill killer.</strong> Make smart decisions to keep rallies alive. Coaches would rather see players extend rallies than try to hit every ball 100 mph.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Compete while staying under control.</strong> Play with intensity, but don't sacrifice good decision-making for unnecessary risk.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Good luck!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>These same tips can be applied towards high school tryouts. You got this. </em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for supporting Prep Dig Nevada. We are grateful for our readers and subscribers as we cover high school athletes and incoming freshmen from across the entire state. Our team scouts matches consistently and provides exposure through in-depth articles and social media features.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow, tag, and collaborate with us on Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdignv">@prepdignv</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gain major exposure by creating a&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">Free Player Profile</a>&nbsp;or tagging us in your game schedules on social media.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already a subscriber? 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