Parent Guide October 5, 2025 5 min read

Preparing for Club Volleyball Tryouts: What to Expect and How to Set Your Athlete Up for Success

What athletes and parents can expect at club volleyball tryouts, with practical steps to prepare, reduce stress, and make a strong impression.

By Phillyball

Club volleyball tryouts are exciting—but they can also be nerve-wracking, especially for younger athletes (and their parents!). Knowing how to prepare and understanding what to expect can significantly reduce stress and give your child the confidence to showcase their best skills and attitude. Here’s a practical guide to making sure your athlete feels ready and supported during club volleyball tryouts. <h2>Before the Tryout</h2><ul><li>Register in Advance - Make sure you register your child for the tryout well in advance. Early registration not only ensures your child’s spot but also significantly helps clubs and coaches organize the event efficiently, reducing administrative challenges on the day of tryouts. Note that registration usually requires purchasing a tryout membership from AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) or USAV (USA Volleyball), so plan ahead to complete this step. </li><li>Know the Basics - Make sure you have all logistical details covered—date, time, location, registration forms, required fees, and equipment. Your child should arrive at the tryout already dressed and prepared, typically wearing volleyball-specific gear like knee pads, appropriate court shoes, and comfortable athletic clothing. Pack extra water and a nutritious snack to keep energy levels high. </li><li>Set Realistic Expectations - Sit down together to talk about what tryouts will look like. Explain that coaches evaluate skills, teamwork, attitude, effort, and how players respond to coaching. Remind your child that coaches aren't looking for perfection—they’re observing how athletes handle challenges, communicate, and stay positive even if mistakes happen.</li><li>Define Personal Goals - Help your athlete set clear goals for the tryout. These might include showing consistent effort, communicating clearly with teammates, demonstrating a positive attitude, or trying something new—even if it’s outside their comfort zone. Having personal goals takes some of the pressure off making a specific team and focuses on growth and learning. </li><li>Practice Basic Skills - Encourage your child to spend a little extra time practicing fundamental volleyball skills such as passing, serving, hitting, and setting. Comfort with basic skills boosts confidence. Even a few practice sessions in the days leading up to tryouts can make a noticeable difference. </li></ul><h2>What Coaches Look For </h2><ul><li>Technical Skills: <ul><li>Proper form and technique</li><li>Consistency in execution</li><li>Ability to perform under pressure</li></ul></li><li>Physical Attributes:<ul><li>Court movement and agility</li><li>Jumping ability</li><li>Hand-eye coordination</li></ul></li><li>Mental/Emotional Qualities:<ul><li>Coachability and attitude</li><li>Communication on court</li><li>Team interaction</li><li>Resilience after mistakes </li></ul></li></ul><h2>At the Tryout </h2><ul><li>Arrival and Check-in - Arrive early—at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled start time—to give your child ample time to check in, warm up, and settle nerves. Early arrival helps your athlete feel less rushed and more prepared mentally and physically. </li><li>Warm-up and Evaluation - Typically, coaches lead athletes through a structured warm-up, followed by skill assessments and drills. Coaches evaluate individual skills like passing accuracy, serving consistency, hitting ability, and agility. They’ll also observe teamwork and attitude during drills and scrimmages. Encourage your child to give full effort in every drill, even if they're unfamiliar or challenging.</li><li>Game-Like Situations - Tryouts often include scrimmages or game-like drills. Remind your athlete that coaches want to see how they respond in real-game scenarios. Emphasize good sportsmanship, active communication, hustle, and positivity even when facing setbacks. These intangible qualities often stand out as much as physical talent. </li><li>Listening and Coachability - Coaches frequently give quick feedback or corrections during tryouts. Emphasize to your child the importance of being receptive to this feedback. Coaches highly value players who listen actively and apply instructions immediately. </li></ul><h2>After the Tryout </h2><ul><li>Immediate Debrief - Following tryouts, give your child space first—but be ready to listen when they're ready to talk. Ask open-ended questions like, “What did you enjoy most about the tryout?” Avoid focusing immediately on outcomes, such as team placements or performance comparisons.</li><li>Managing Expectations - Explain that teams are assembled based on a combination of factors, including skill, team needs, attitude, and potential for growth. Let your child know that making any team is an accomplishment and that sometimes there’s more to gain from a developmental role than from a starring position. Additionally, some clubs offer call-backs for borderline decisions, providing another opportunity for your athlete to showcase their skills and fit within the team.</li><li>Next Steps and the Offer Process - Be clear on the next steps communicated by the club—when and how team decisions will be announced, and what your family should do afterward. Offers typically include a specific timeline for accepting or declining, so pay close attention to these details. Whether your child is placed on their desired team or not, discuss what they've learned and how they want to continue improving.</li><li>Building Confidence - Regardless of Outcome Ultimately, club volleyball tryouts are about more than making a specific team—they’re opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and passion for volleyball. Keep the emphasis on growth, effort, and enjoyment, and your athlete will have a valuable experience no matter the outcome. By approaching club volleyball tryouts with preparation, clear expectations, and strong emotional support, you’re not only setting your child up for success but also helping them develop important life skills that extend far beyond the volleyball court.</li></ul>