Tips and Trends: What Scouts Look For

What makes us stop and write down a player's name?   It is not always the biggest swing or the most impressive play of the match. Those moments definitely catch our attention, but when we're scouting, we're looking at the entire picture. We want to know what a player does point after point, because consistency is one of the biggest things we look for.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Consistency Stands Out</h2>   A great kill can catch our attention. So can a huge block or a diving dig that keeps a rally alive. However, what happens after that play is just as important.   When we're watching a player, we're looking for someone who can continue making an impact throughout the match. Are they still making good decisions when the game speeds up? Are they staying involved when they haven't touched the ball in a few rotations? Most importantly, can we count on them to keep competing when things aren't going their way?   One big play can get a name on our radar. Consistent play is what makes us keep watching.   And this goes far beyond Prep Dig. Any coach wants to know what they are getting from an athlete on a regular basis. Consistency builds trust, and trust matters when you're putting together a lineup.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are You Actually Watching the Game?</h2>   This is another big one: awareness!   A player can have plenty of physical ability, but we're also watching to see if they understand what is happening around them. Are they reading the court? Are they recognizing what is developing? Do they make adjustments before the ball gets to them?   For example, a middle might recognize where the setter is going and get into the right blocking position early. Meanwhile, a pin might see the block and change her shot instead of forcing the same swing. A defender might adjust her position before the hitter even makes contact.   Those are the details that show volleyball IQ.   In fact, sometimes the best scouting moment is when a player doesn't touch the ball. Covering a teammate, transitioning quickly, recognizing an opening, or moving into the right position can tell us just as much as a big stat-line play.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Show Us You Want to Learn</h2>   Nobody expects a young athlete to have everything figured out. In fact, we like seeing players who are still developing and actively trying to get better.   Maybe a coach gives you a pointer, and you immediately try it. Maybe you get blocked and make an adjustment on the next swing. Perhaps you're working on a new shot or trying something that is not perfect yet.   We notice that.   More importantly, we're watching for athletes who are coachable and curious. The willingness to listen, try something new, make an adjustment, and keep working can tell us a lot about where a player could go next.   That eagerness to improve is exciting to see, especially with younger athletes.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Is Making the Team Better?</h2>   Volleyball is a team sport, and we absolutely pay attention to players who understand that.   Who celebrates the pass that led to the kill? Who recognizes the teammate who made the block touch? Who covers a hitter without being asked? Who communicates when the play breaks down?   Those moments matter.   The player who gets the kill does not always get the point started. Maybe the libero made the dig. Maybe the setter made the right decision. Maybe the middle pulled the block. Maybe another hitter created the opening.   As scouts, we want to see athletes who recognize those contributions. That team-first mentality stands out.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We're Watching the Whole Player</h2>   When we're deciding who to feature, we're not waiting for one highlight to jump off the screen. Instead, we're watching the whole match and looking at how everything connects.   We're watching consistency. We're watching awareness. We're watching how a player responds to coaching. Additionally, we're looking at effort, decision-making, volleyball IQ, and how an athlete interacts with the players around them.   Of course, talent matters. Athleticism matters. Skill matters. However, those tools become even more interesting when a player knows how to use them within the game.   Ultimately, the players who really catch our attention are the ones who continue showing us something throughout the match. Maybe it's a smart adjustment. Maybe it's a great read. Maybe it's an athlete making everyone around her better.   Those are the moments that make us pause the film and write down a name.   So don't worry about trying to manufacture the perfect highlight because you know someone is watching.   Play your game.   Compete. Stay engaged. Listen to your coaches. Try things. Make adjustments. Recognize your teammates.   Because when we're scouting, we're not just looking for the player who made the biggest play.   We're looking for the player who keeps showing us why she belongs in the conversation.   For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, rankings, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!

What makes us stop and write down a player's name?

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Tips and Trends: What Scouts Look For

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