Tryout Information

Try-outs for the 2018, 7th & 8th grade teams begin Monday, August 20th in the Fieldhouse. The athletes must attend all four try-out sessions on Monday the 20th through Thursday the 23rd from 3:00-4:45pm.

IMPORTANT! Make sure you have a sports physical on file at Blackhawk Middle School or bring your completed physical the FIRST day of tryouts. Forms are available on the www.warrencor3.org website and in the school office. Athletes cannot try out without a current physical. Physicals must be dated after February 1, 2018.

Be on TIME! Experienced volleyball players always arrive early: you must be dressed and completely ready to play. Therefore, you should plan to arrive directly following school. Plan to bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Team selections will be announced on Thursday, August 23rd. Those selected for the team will have their first practice on Friday, August 24th. The 7th and 8th grade teams practice everyday after school from 3:00‐4:45 pm. Our annual mandatory Parent/Player Meeting -- for all trying out -- will be located at the BHMS Commons on Monday, August 20th. A separate required Parent/Player Meeting for all athletes who make the team will be announced following the end of tryouts.

TRY-OUT CRITERIA:

The coaching staff will be looking for coachable ATHLETES: girls who have a great work ethic, love to compete, and want to learn to become better players and teammates. Prior volleyball experience or skill helps, but is not required. Prospective student-athletes will be tested and evaluated for their overall athletic ability and level of volleyball skill. Coaches will apply the following criteria (in this order):

1. ATTITUDE: Players who are positive, competitive and eager to learn. Big bonus points are awarded to those who demonstrate strong leadership skills and to those who are willing to take risks and are unafraid to learn from mistakes.

2. ATHLETIC ABILITY: Players with the ability to learn and perform complex skills. Volleyball puts a premium on explosiveness and rewards those who are unafraid to attack the ball.

3. POSITION: Players whose skills fit a specific need for the team’s overall balance.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRYOUTS:

EXPECT TO WORK HARD. You will be asked to perform all physical testing and drills at full speed. You should run when shagging balls, when moving from drill to drill and when going to and from water breaks. You will not sit down during tryouts.

EXPECT TO ENJOY YOURSELF. Tryouts are a normal part of the experience. Whether you are competing for a seat in the orchestra or jazz band, or for a role in the school play or musical, or for a spot on the basketball or tennis team, you will have plenty of opportunities to show your stuff and try your best. We suggest you stay loose, make new friends, and decide that you will have a good time, no matter what the end result.

SKILL INSTRUCTION: Prospective student-athletes will be taught the basics of the Warrior Volleyball system, including passing, serving, attacking, setting, blocking and defense. Even students not eventually selected to the team have the chance to become better volleyball players.

ATTITUDE EVALUATION: Prospective Warriors should be willing to try hard, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and keep trying. Coaches will take note of those players who listen, follow directions, and ask questions when necessary. Athletes who are COACHABLE COMPETITORS stand the best chance of making the team.

SKILL/COMPETITION EVALUATION: Prospective players will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of basic volleyball skills (passing, serving, hitting, setting, blocking and defense) in competitive situations. Coaches will take note of those players who demonstrate progress while learning new skills.


HOW TO IMPRESS THE COACHES:

1. Be among the first to arrive in the gym and among the first to help set up nets and equipment.

2. Be among the first to line up for drills.

3. Look the coach in the eye when she/he speaks to you or to the team.

4. Be vocal.

5. Be a champion ball shagger.

6. Be among the first to help take down the nets and put away equipment.


OPTIONS FOR PLAYERS NOT SELECTED:

Tryouts can be a difficult experience. One of the toughest jobs for any coach is the final decision about which players make the team, and those who do not. The Warrior Volleyball coaching staff strives to make all decisions fairly, without bias, and after extended deliberation and evaluation of each prospective student‐athlete. If you are not selected this season, and would like to try out again in the future, there are other options available to you that may help you in the future.

  1. Become a team manager. Volleyball managers have a chance to learn leadership and organizational skills and fill a valuable role on the team.
  2. Play another sport for the Warriors.
  3. Play in a Community Ed Volleyball League
  4. Try out for club volleyball in late October.