What Coaches Look for in Youth Volleyball Tryouts
Every year during the youth volleyball season, coaches evaluate new and returning players during tryouts. The goal is to select players who not only have the necessary skills but also embody the qualities that contribute to team success. Here's what coaches typically look for:
Fundamental Skills
Fundamental skills are essential for players to perform at their best in volleyball. Coaches assess several key areas, including:
Passing: The ability to accurately receive and pass the ball is crucial for running the offense.Serving: Proficiency in different types of serves, such as underhand and overhand, is important for taking the offense to the opponent's court.
Setting: Skill in delivering accurate sets to hitters ensures the attack is well-coordinated.
Hitting/Attacking: The ability to effectively spike the ball is key for winning rallies.
Athleticism
Athleticism is another critical factor in determining player potential. Coaches look for:
Agility: Quickness in moving around the court and making swift changes of direction.Speed: The ability to sprint and cover ground effectively.
Vertical Jump: The height of the jump is important for spiking and blocking.
Game Awareness
Game awareness involves:
Understanding of the Rules: Knowing the basic rules and strategies of volleyball.Reading the Game: The ability to read the flow of the game and make quick decisions.
Performance Cues: Knowing when it's your turn to perform in a drill and being aware of the positioning of the ball and teammates.
Teamwork and Communication
Coaches prioritize players who:
Work with Teammates: Willingness to collaborate effectively with other players on the court.Communicate Effectively: The ability to communicate in a way that supports team performance.
Positively Attitude: A positive attitude and adherence to sportsmanship.
Coachability
Coachability is often the most critical quality for youth players. Some key points to consider are:
Willingness to Learn: Openness to feedback and a willingness to improve.Following Instructions: Ability to take direction and apply it during practice and games.
Adaptability: Flexibility in adjusting to different coaching methods and training regimens.
Work Ethic and Attitude
Coaches also look at players' attitudes toward:
Demonstrating Effort: A strong commitment to effort and a desire to learn and compete.Resilience: Ability to handle both successes and setbacks gracefully.
Perseverance: A persistent and unyielding approach to practice and games.
Position-Specific Skills
Depending on the position (setter, outside hitter, libero), coaches may look for specific skills tailored to that role. For example:
Setters: Setters must have a strong understanding of the attack and placing the ball in strategic positions.Outside Hitters: Outside hitters need power and accuracy in their spikes, as well as the ability to set the ball occasionally.
Liberos: Liberos focus on defensive skills, including excellent passing and agility in the back row.
Conclusion
When evaluating players during tryouts, the primary focus is on coachability, overall athleticism, and awareness. These qualities go beyond just technical skills and are essential for a player to contribute positively to a team. By assessing these qualities, coaches can build a team that not only excels on the court but also fosters a supportive and constructive environment.