What Should I Do Between Now and Tryouts?

Plan, Plan, Plan! Get out a calendar and put down some major events. These include last day of school, first day of next school year, vacations, volleyball obligations (tournaments, team camp, etc.), and when tryouts are for both school and club. Then cross reference the camps or clinics that you are interested in.

From there look at what is left and see what is available for your player. Sometimes what is available is not always to right decision. The biggest mistake I see is parents sending players to camps, clinics, or lessons so they are doing ‘something’. Make sure that what you are doing is appropriate for your daughter.

Determining what is appropriate is the hard part. Ask around to see if people have experience with these opportunities. Also see who the coaches are going to be there. The instruction is what you are ultimately paying for. Although at some level you are paying for the opportunity to be seen and create relationships.

Next you have to look at your budget. Make sure that you are getting the most out of your money. This requires evaluating the opportunities again. Some of these decisions will be based on the questions posed above. Remember to set some goals and make decisions that help you meet those goals.

As for camps or clinics, I generally would recommend clinics that address the needs of your player. Although not as long, clinics have less fluff and can get the player valuable repetitions. Camps are okay for beginners to get a little of everything, especially before tryouts. However, beware in both cases the instruction may be less than stellar and the group your daughter is in may not be great. Clinics usually have less drills that can be affected by others in the group so your daughter’s performance is all up to her.

Overall, if you want your player to improve find opportunities with low player to coach ratios, players at the same level as yours, and the best coaching possible. Don’t know who the best coaches are, ask around. There are few elite coaches and the same names will come up again and again. Make sure it is someone that is knowledgeable about the game and works well with players. Just because they were a great player doesn’t make them a great coach.

It is also great to be able to work with the same coaches over an extended period of time so they can monitor the player’s progress and know what they need to work on.

My suggestion is to find the people and coaches you want to work with and set up consistent group lessons (3-4 people). You know what you are dealing with and they can be customized to fit your needs. Also by working with a small group rather than individually you can cut costs. On the other hand, individual instruction provides a great focused learning experience for your daughter.

Finally, after each time you attend something make sure to evaluate it and see what you took away from the experience. The coach should also be able to give the player a couple of ‘take aways’ after each session.

If you can’t find something that you want go to the people organizing these opportunities and tell them how they can get your business. Help them create situations where your daughter can succeed. Make sure to be very specific about all aspects that you require, including times, costs, and who will be there, players and coaches. They may not be able to help but it can’t hurt to ask.

In addition to having time where your player is receiving instruction it is also advisable to have them just play. If you have access to a court and a ball get a group together and play recreationally. Playing short sided (2 on 2, 3 on 3, or 4 on 4) can improve your daughter’s game, and it is fun.

Outside of volleyball, players should get in the best shape possible. Their physical capabilities will be measured at tryouts and can determine what team your daughter makes. Make sure that your daughter is always trying to increase her vertical, speed, agility, and strength.