Volleyball tryouts: what to expect and how to prepare

The short answer

A volleyball tryout is a session, or a few sessions, where coaches watch players do basic skills and play in small games so they can place players on teams. Expect warm-ups, passing, setting, serving and some game play. Coaches usually care about effort, attitude, listening and coachability as much as skill, especially for younger players.

Before the tryout

• Read the notice. Check the date, time, location, what to bring and whether registration or paperwork is needed first.
• Ask what age or grade group applies. Programs group players in different ways, so confirm yours.
• Plan the day. Eat a normal meal beforehand and arrive early enough to warm up without rushing. Plan the ride so the day feels calm.
• Pack the basics. See the youth volleyball equipment checklist for shoes, knee pads, clothes and a water bottle.
• Ask about numbers or labels. Many tryouts give each player a number so coaches can keep track. Wear it where instructed.

What usually happens

1. Check-in. A table collects names, gives out a number and lists any forms. Parents often wait outside the gym or in the stands.
2. Warm-up. Players jog, stretch and pass with partners. Coaches may glance around, but this is mostly to get everyone loose.
3. Skill stations. Players rotate through passing, setting, serving and hitting or approach drills.
4. Small games. Players take turns on court in short games so coaches can see movement, communication and decisions.
5. Wrap-up. The coach tells the group how and when results will be shared.

What coaches look for

It helps to know the basic skills in advance. Our guides on serving and passing are good starting points, and volleyball positions explained shows how players fit on the court.

Tips for the player

• Be ready to try everything. Many coaches value players who can play more than one position.
• Hustle on every ball, even when it seems out of reach.
• Talk. A loud, positive voice stands out.
• Ask questions if you do not understand a drill. That shows interest.
• Treat every player as a teammate, including those you are competing against.
• A missed serve or pass is part of the day. Move on to the next play.

Tips for the parent

• Give your child space. Do not coach from the sidelines or hover near the court.
• Keep a calm, positive tone in the car before and after.
• Avoid comparing your child to others, aloud or in your own head.
• Do not approach coaches during the tryout. Contact them later if you have a question.
• Remember that nerves are normal, and support is more useful than pressure. See volleyball nerves, teamwork and parent etiquette.

Easy ways to get ready at home

You do not need a gym to prepare. Practice the ready stance in front of a mirror, with knees bent and weight on the balls of the feet. Pass or toss a ball gently against a wall or to a partner. Work on a calm serving routine using a soft ball. Short, relaxed sessions a few times a week beat one long cram session. The goal is not to be perfect but to feel comfortable touching the ball and moving around the court. If something hurts, stop and rest, and ask a coach or doctor if it continues.

Handling nerves on the day

Nearly every child feels butterflies at a tryout, and that is a sign they care. A simple routine can help: take a slow breath before each drill, shake out the hands, and focus on the next ball instead of the last one. Remind your child that coaches have seen thousands of nervous players and know what to expect. A familiar pre-tryout ritual, like a favorite playlist or a quiet breakfast, makes the morning feel less like a test.

Common tryout mistakes

• Arriving rushed. A late, stressed start makes it harder to settle in.
• Trying to look flashy. Coaches prefer steady, controlled play to risky hits.
• Going quiet when nervous. Even a small "mine" counts as communication.
• Sulking after an error. Body language is part of what coaches see.
• Over-practicing the night before. Rest and a calm evening help more than cramming.

After the tryout

Programs share results in different ways, such as by email, a posted list or a call. Some programs have no cuts, and tryouts are only for placing players on teams. If your child is placed on a team that is not what you hoped, talk about what they enjoyed and what they could work on. Growth in volleyball is not a straight line, and many players improve a lot between seasons. If your child is not selected, the program may offer feedback, clinics or another level. It is fine to ask politely about next steps. For the bigger picture, our guide on how to prepare for volleyball season covers what comes next.

If your child is nervous about trying out at all

Some children worry so much that they would rather skip it. Talk through what will happen, and consider visiting the gym ahead of time. Remind them that tryouts are about finding the right team, not about passing a test. Offer choices where you can, such as which shoes to wear or what snack to bring. Small bits of control make a big day feel more manageable.

What to ask the program

• How many tryout sessions are there, and what happens at each?
• Are all players guaranteed a spot on a team, or is it competitive?
• When and how will we hear the results?
• What is the schedule, travel and time commitment for each team level?

Sources and further reading

1. Girls Indoor USA Volleyball
2. 5 Ways to Beat Pre-performance Nerves (for Teens) KidsHealth (Nemours)
3. How to Compete in Sports (for Kids) KidsHealth (Nemours)

Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.

Frequently asked questions

What do coaches look for at volleyball tryouts?

Attitude, effort, coachability, movement and control of basic skills, plus communication with teammates.

How should my child prepare for a volleyball tryout?

Get a normal night of rest, eat a regular meal and bring the right gear. A little practice with passing and serving can also build confidence.

Should parents stay at the tryout?

It depends on the program, so check the notice. If you stay, give your child space and avoid coaching from the stands.

What if my child does not make the team?

Ask the program about feedback, clinics or another level. Many players improve a lot between seasons.

Do all youth volleyball programs hold tryouts?

No. Some programs accept everyone, and tryouts are only used to place players on teams. Ask yours.