TryOuts and Teams

Tryouts will take place during the 2nd week of school during the start of the volleyball season.   Tryouts will consist of a 3/4 mile run and an assessment of major skills.

The purpose of tryouts is to have each player demonstrate their CURRENT VOLLEYBALL SKILLSET and fitness level/attitude so that the coaches can place them on the team that fits best.  

"The Goldilocks Rule states that humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities.  Not too hard.  Not too easy.  Just right."  (James Clear, Atomic Habits)

By placing each player on the correct team for their skillset, they will feel the right level of motivation, be challenged to grow, be able to make the biggest contribution, and have the best chance to feel happy about their gameplay.   A player's grade does not matter; it is entirely about their developed skillset. 

ALL players are given the same opportunities to grow their volleyball skills each and every practice, regardless of which team they are on, with the understanding that foundational skills (passing, serving) MUST be developed before being able to build on them with more advanced skills.   A player's COACHABILITY, or willingness to make changes and learn new things, play a huge role in their success.  As always, we expect each player to come with a willingness to learn, work hard, and support every other person on the court.

It is our experience that most of the games are won/lost by serving and passing abilities.  In addition, a player's determination to chase down a ball and NOT give up on a play contribute to the overall competitive spirit and morale of a team.

Team Skill Requirements

The following are the skillsets expected for each team.  

A Team

The following skills are required for an athlete to be placed on the A Team:

• consistently pass the ball to Target on serve receive or on a pass from over the net

• overhand serve that consistently goes IN from behind the endline OR a consistent and competitive underhand serve that consistently goes IN.  Players who serve underhand MUST be close to having a consistent overhand serve since that is what's required for the high school program. 

• able to play a ball and keep it in play on the 2nd/3rd hit.

• can consistently send the ball over on the 3rd hit with an overhand swing as either a hit or a down ball

• competitive spirit, does not want to let the ball hit the ground, very vocal, and will chase down anything

Players with the highest score at tryouts will be placed on the A team.

B Team

The following skills are required for an athlete to be placed on the B Team:

• underhand serve that goes IN most of the time from behind or close to the end line.

• can pass the ball well enough on serve receive to keep it in play 

• starting to be able to play a ball and keep it in play on the 2nd and 3rd hits.  Can send over a down ball or a free ball.

C Team

The C Team is for skills development, especially passing and serving.  The players on this team may be brand new to volleyball or may still be working on improving their passing and serving skills.  The focus of this team will be to teach the players how to pass to Target, serve the ball in, and keep the volleyball in play on a consistent basis.