How to Support Your Child During Volleyball Tryouts
Volleyball tryout season is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and opportunity. For young athletes, it’s a chance to showcase their skills and passion for the game. For parents, it’s a delicate balancing act of providing encouragement without adding pressure. This period can define not just a season, but an athlete’s entire developmental journey. Organizations like Orange County Volleyball are dedicated to guiding families through this process, emphasizing that the path to becoming a great player is paved with both skill and character. This guide offers actionable volleyball tryouts tips designed to help you, the parent, become your child’s most valuable supporter as they navigate the challenges of volleyball club tryouts.
Before the Tryout: Setting the Stage for Success
Proper preparation can transform anxiety into confidence. A successful tryout doesn’t start when your child steps on the court; it begins days and weeks in advance. Setting a foundation of physical and mental readiness allows an athlete to perform at their peak when it matters most.
Mental and Physical Preparation
An athlete’s performance is directly tied to their well-being. Ensure your child gets adequate sleep (8-10 hours) in the nights leading up to the tryout. A well-balanced meal rich in complex carbohydrates and lean protein beforehand provides sustained energy. Beyond the physical, focus on cultivating a positive mindset. Remind them to focus on what they can control: their effort, their attitude, and their “next play” mentality. Nerves are normal, but a calm, confident mindset is a powerful tool.
Review the Club’s Expectations
Every club has a unique culture and set of values. Take time to visit the club’s website and read its mission statement. Are they focused on national-level competition, or is their priority local development and fundamentals? Understanding what the organization is looking for in a player—be it a specific position, a certain skill level, or intangible qualities like leadership—helps your child understand how they can best fit into the program. This research is a crucial step in a parent guide to volleyball tryouts.
Practice the Fundamentals
While cramming new skills is counterproductive, brushing up on core competencies is essential. Gentle, low-pressure practice sessions focusing on passing, serving, and hitting can work wonders for muscle memory and confidence. It’s not about perfection; it’s about feeling comfortable and ready. For athletes seeking to refine specific skills before youth volleyball team tryouts, investing in a session with a professional coach can be invaluable. Expert feedback, like that offered in private training programs, can provide that extra edge and polish.
The Parent’s Playbook: How to Be Supportive, Not Pushy
Your role during tryouts is one of the most critical factors in your child’s experience. The goal is to be their rock, not their critic. Your words and actions can either fuel their confidence or extinguish their fire.
Focus on praising effort, attitude, and resilience—qualities your child has complete control over. Instead of “You have to get the most aces,” try “I loved seeing you go for every single ball.” This shifts the measure of success from an outcome they can’t always dictate to an effort they can always give. Create a pressure-free zone at home and in the car. The ride to the tryout should be filled with encouragement and positivity, not a last-minute coaching session. Let them own their journey; encourage them to pack their own bag, speak to the coaches themselves, and take responsibility for their performance.
Finding the right environment is the first step. Learn How to Choose the Right Youth Volleyball Program to ensure your athlete thrives.
During the Tryout: What Coaches Are Really Looking For
Technical skill is important, but it’s often the intangibles that separate one talented athlete from another. Coaches are building a team, not just a collection of skilled players. They are evaluating how a player will contribute to the team’s chemistry, work ethic, and overall success. Here’s how to impress volleyball coaches beyond a perfect serve or a powerful spike.
Coachability and Attitude
A coachable athlete is a coach’s dream. This means making eye contact when the coach is speaking, nodding to show they understand, and immediately applying feedback on the next drill. A player who is receptive, respectful, and eager to learn is far more valuable than a player who seems to know it all. A positive attitude, even after a mistake, signals resilience and maturity.
Teamwork and Communication
Volleyball is the ultimate team sport. Coaches watch closely to see how players interact with their peers. Do they call for the ball? Do they cheer for others, even for players competing for the same spot? Do they offer a high-five after a great play or a word of encouragement after an error? A player who elevates the performance and morale of those around them is a tremendous asset.
Hustle and Effort
Skill levels can vary, but effort is non-negotiable. Coaches will always notice the player who dives for a loose ball, sprints between drills, and gives 100% on every single play. “Hustle” is a skill in itself. It demonstrates passion, commitment, and a strong work ethic—all indicators of a player who will work hard to improve throughout the season. Checking out upcoming tournaments and events is a great way for athletes to observe high-level effort in a competitive setting.
The moments after the final decisions are posted are just as important as the tryout itself. How you and your child handle the outcome—whether it’s an offer or a rejection—sets the stage for their future in the sport.
Celebrating an Offer
If your child is offered a spot, celebrate their hard work and achievement! Teach them to accept the offer graciously and professionally. It’s a moment of pride, but also the start of a new commitment. It’s also a time to thank the coaches for the opportunity.
Handling Rejection or Being Cut
This is the toughest part, but it can also be the most powerful learning experience. It is essential to frame being cut not as a failure, but as a point of feedback on a longer journey. Validate their disappointment—it’s okay to be sad—but quickly pivot the conversation toward the future. Remind them that nearly every great athlete has faced rejection. Use it as fuel. As a trusted external resource, the Positive Coaching Alliance offers excellent articles on helping children process setbacks in youth sports.
Asking for Constructive Feedback
Regardless of the outcome, encouraging your child to respectfully ask the coach for feedback is a sign of maturity. A simple email or a conversation at an appropriate time can provide invaluable volleyball tryout drills and skills to work on for next time. A question like, “Thank you for the opportunity to try out. Could you share one or two areas I could focus on to improve for next season?” shows initiative and a desire to grow.
Your Support is the Ultimate Advantage
Ultimately, your role as a parent during volleyball club tryouts is to be a steady, supportive presence. Your belief in your child, independent of the results, has a lasting impact on their confidence, resilience, and love for the game. The journey through youth volleyball is a marathon, not a sprint, and your unwavering support is the key to ensuring they cross the finish line with their head held high, full of passion for the sport.
Ready to find a club that values development and character as much as skill? Explore the supportive youth volleyball programs at Orange County Volleyball and give your athlete the best chance to succeed