Make The Varsity Volleyball Team: Tips For Try-Outs
What you need to do
Making the varsity team in any sport is something to be proud of. It lets everyone know that you are one of the better athletes in your school and, especially in a large school, shows how hard you worked for it. There are many ways that you need to prepare yourself before you can even imagine playing on that court, with your crowd cheering you on.
Pre-Season
This is one of the most important times in preparing for volleyball try-outs. Luckily, volleyball is a fall sport, so you have the whole summer to get ready. Days can be spent outside running and doing almost all work outs you would usually want to go inside for during the colder months. There is also the possibility of playing on a beach or grass volleyball team, to work on your skills. Running is important to work on your stamina for long matches, but mostly focus on sprint work and changing directions quickly with small bursts of speed. Work on your approach outside, and go to a sand court or the beach to get an even better work out. Focus on improving your vertical and quickness, because these will be tested and compared. Getting a huge advantage over others in this area will stick out. The coaches will remember the girl who can reach 9' in the air versus the girl who got all ten of her hits in.
Nutrition
Summer is also a great time to focus on your nutrition. Eating healthy is a huge part of success in volleyball. It helps you feel better about yourself, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Focus on drinking LOTS of water. Especially when you are working out over the summer. Stay hydrated and this will help you immensely when try-outs come along.
Try-Outs
This will largely determine whether you make varsity or not. If you have skipped working out this summer, at least work out the week before try-outs. This will give you some more confidence, but imagine how you would feel going in if you HAD worked out all summer. Besides all of the physical stuff, you need to cheer others on when they are trying out. Coaches will see this, and even though it might not have a place on their try-out sheet, they will remember. Another tip: shag like crazy. Be running to get every ball and bring it back quickly. Coaches will think this is awesome and their day will run more smoothly. Also, volunteer to be the target or hander to the coach if they need it. You'll get more visibility and keep improving your chances. Call the ball loudly when it is your turn, and if here is a ball you know you can't get to, try your hardest to get it anyway. Because sometimes, you just might get it!
You made the cut!
Now you're on varsity because of all of your hard work. Keep up your passion for excellence and encourage others as much as you can. You can only accomplish what your TEAM can accomplish. Light a fire underneath them. Invite other people to work out with you on the weekends. High five after every ball, even if they hit it out or it drops. Let them know you support them, and they will be thankful for it.
But what if you don't make varsity?
Sometimes all of that effort you put into your try-outs wasn't enough. Maybe you had a bad try-out? Don't give up. You can still be pulled up in the season. Maybe the varsity outside hitter will sprain her ankle... and then what? They need someone to fill that spot. If you excel on JV, you will be one of the first people considered. Still put all of your effort into being the best player you can be, and help your JV team out as much as you can. The JV coach and varsity coach talk all of the time. If your JV coach is constantly bragging about you, the varsity coach might become interested. Overall, just try your hardest in every pracice in every game. If you don't get called up this year, you'll have next year. And this time you'll know how hard you need to work to get onto the team.
