Do your Research. Clubs vary widely in cost, schedule, location, time commitment, travel, quality of the coach training, ranking and their overall philosophy which may impact things like playing time. Check website and call them ahead of tryouts. Attend open houses and ask questions.
Be Prepared! Make sure you have your shoes, socks, knee pads, a water bottle, and anything you will need. If you’re not sure what to bring, call someone who does know BEFORE tryouts begin. Get some rest the night before and have a good breakfast.
“If you’re early, you’re on time– if you’re on time, you’re late.”- Think about always arriving at the gym at least 15-20 minutes before the tryout (or practice) is scheduled to begin. Get your shoes on, be helpful and lend a hand in setting the up nets, and start getting warm before the coach blows the whistle.
Always give your best effort – You may not always be the best player on the court, but that’s ok. Hustle always, never be caught walking somewhere. Players are selected not simply based on their current volleyball skills - You’ll be surprised at how far a strong work ethic will take you.
Listen to the tryout coaches! They may not teach the same way that your other coaches do – that’s ok! Keep an open mind, and do what the coach is asking you to do even if it feels awkward! Sometimes in the tryout, the coaches will give instructions and demonstrate techniques to see how well the players are able to pick up the information that is being taught. Demonstrate that you are “COACHABLE!”
Be a team player! Keep in mind that coaches are not just looking at your individual ability to play. Volleyball is a team sport. Your ability to communicate with coaches and players, work with your teammates, and make those around you better are all critical factors as well and will be watched during the simulated game drills.
Take care of the paperwork! Make sure to follow the instructions which may differ from club to club. All clubs require a parent to sign a PSR waiver form or you can not participate in the tryout. Some clubs may also have their own waiver form. Some require you to register on line in advance. (At Cascade VBC you must register online in advance and pre-pay the tryout fee, you will not be able sign up at the door at the initial Cascade tryout for your age group).
Be There! In order for the coaches to see your ability you have to be there. Make sure you have nothing scheduled during tryout/practice times. When you tryout for a team you’re making a commitment that should be taken seriously. If you’re not at tryouts, it’s nearly impossible to put you on a team.
HAVE FUN! Keep a positive attitude and enjoy your experience. While volleyball is a competitive sport, we wouldn’t play if it weren’t fun. Don’t let little mistakes drag you down. Coaches are looking for players that are able to maintain a great positive attitude.
Don’t Get Discouraged - Go to your first choice club on their first tryout if at all possible. Let them know if you can’t. But if you don’t get an offer from your first choice, make sure to try to attend a variety of club tryouts. The goal of the region is to provide as many opportunities as possible. And if you don’t make a club team this time around, all is not lost. Even after initial tryouts, contact clubs because they may have make-ups or late openings even during the season due to injuries. Find all the contact info for all the clubs at www.psrvb.org. Cascade has Sunday make-ups for those who missed the initial tryout date or have been asked back for a second look by coaches. An alternative to consider: Cascade has a great once a week In-House Skills Program (no tryouts or cuts). Also look for volleyball opportunities at clinics, camps, community centers and Boys & Girls clubs.
Best of luck at your club tryouts and throughout your season!
