10 Volleyball Tryout Tips: How to Stand Out, Shine Bright, and Make the Team
Hey there, future volleyball star!
If you’ve found yourself here, you’re probably gearing up for your school’s volleyball tryouts, and that’s so fun. First off, take a deep breath and give yourself credit. It takes guts and grit to even show up to a tryout.
Whether you’re trying out for JV, varsity, or your very first club, we want you to feel confident, prepared, and excited. These volleyball tryout tips will help you stand out in all the right ways.
At Peak Physique, one of the top Troy gyms and a trusted Michigan gym for young athletes, we work with volleyball players just like you, helping them build strength, confidence, and a healthy mindset for game day and beyond. Let’s dive in!
Why First Impressions Matter at Volleyball Tryouts
There’s an old saying we love: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Coaches are watching you from the moment you walk in, so make sure you show up ready to shine.
Pro tip: Arrive at least 15–30 minutes early. Use that extra time to warm up, stretch, and get your head in the game. Coaches notice players who look focused, calm, and prepared.
1. Hustle is Everything: Always Go for the Ball
If you remember only one volleyball tryout tip, let it be this: Hustle, hustle, hustle.
No one expects you to get every ball, but coaches love players who try. Dive for those impossible saves. Chase down stray balls in warm-ups. Sprint back to the line after every drill.
Hustling shows you care. It tells your coach you’re there to compete and that you’ll give 100%, not just when it’s easy, but when it counts.
2. Look the Part: What to Wear to Volleyball Tryouts
Volleyball is a sport of quick movements, dives, and jumps; you need to be comfortable and look game-ready.
Tryout gear checklist:
- Well-fitting T-shirt or tank
- Volleyball spandex shorts (or athletic shorts, if that’s your school’s style)
- Knee pads, don’t skip these!
- Volleyball or court shoes, broken in, not brand new
- Hair ties, headbands, and bobby pins keep your hair out of your eyes
- Water bottle and a healthy snack for breaks
Small detail, but it makes a difference: leave your cell phone in your bag, and take out your AirPods.. Be present. Coaches notice.
3. Show You’re Coachable
One of the most overlooked volleyball tryout tips is being coachable.
It’s not about being perfect, it’s about how you handle feedback.
Coaches want players who listen, learn, and improve.
So if your coach gives you a correction, thank them, make eye contact, and try to apply it immediately. Even if you don’t nail it the first time, your attitude matters.
Remember: a great attitude can earn you a spot on the team, even over players with more experience.
4. Communicate Like a Pro
Calling the ball isn’t optional, it’s essential! Volleyball is a team sport. Coaches love players who communicate.
Be loud (in a good way): call “Mine!” “Got it!” “Out!” every chance you get. Talk to your teammates during drills. Encourage each other. Cheer for great plays.
Good communication shows your Volleyball IQ, that you understand how the game works, and want to lift up everyone around you.
5. Bounce Back From Mistakes
You will make mistakes at tryouts. Everyone does. What matters is how you react.
Shake it off, stay positive, and keep going. Coaches notice your body language. They know when a player is beating themselves up inside.
Stay in the moment, and remind yourself: one mistake does not define you. Your effort and your mindset do.
6. Be a Leader, Even If You’re Not the Loudest
Leadership doesn’t always mean shouting directions on the court. It can be quiet and powerful.
Lead by example: run for every ball, pick up stray balls without being asked, help teammates feel welcome, and keep a positive vibe.
If you do want to work on your vocal leadership, now’s the time! Talk about what you see: “Tip coming!” “Line shot!” Coaches love players who read the game.
7. Take Care of Your Body: Fuel and Hydrate
You can’t play your best if you don’t treat your body well. The day before tryouts, eat balanced meals such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Drink plenty of water. Get a good night’s sleep.
About an hour before tryouts, eat a light snack, like Greek yogurt with fruit, a banana with peanut butter, or whole grain toast with eggs. Avoid heavy meals right before you hit the court. You want to feel fueled, not sluggish.
8. Build Your Volleyball IQ
One thing that sets top players apart is their volleyball IQ, knowing where to be, what to watch for, and how to help the team.
You don’t need to know everything overnight, but you can start by:
- Watching pro or college matches (YouTube is your best friend!)
- Noticing how setters place the ball
- Learning how hitters adjust their shots
- Understanding defensive formations
Being smart on the court is going to help make you invaluable to your team.
9. Prepare Your Mindset: Be Confident in YOU
Tryouts can be nerve-wracking. Remember this: everyone brings something unique to the court.
Don’t get stuck comparing yourself to anyone else; focus on showing your strengths. Maybe you’re not the tallest or the hardest hitter, but you might have the quickest feet, the best digs, or the loudest voice on the court.
Believe in yourself. Play for the love of the game. That joy and passion shine brighter than you think.
10. Get Stronger Year-Round
Here’s an insider secret from your local Troy gym: the best volleyball players work on their strength, speed, and agility all year long.
Building muscle, improving mobility, and strengthening your core will help you jump higher, move quicker, and avoid injuries.
At Peak Physique, our volleyball athletes use personalized strength training that supports their on-court performance. From knee stability to shoulder health, we help you play better and safer.
If you’re looking for a Michigan gym that gets volleyball, come visit us!
Bonus Volleyball Tryout Tips: What Coaches Really Look For
Coaches aren’t just picking the tallest or strongest players.
They’re looking for:
- Athleticism: Speed, agility, and coordination
- Potential: Raw talent they can shape and develop
- Work ethic: Players who show up early and stay late
- Positivity: Good teammates who lift up others
- Consistency: Solid passing, reliable serving, smart plays
So focus on what you can control: your effort, attitude, and how you treat your teammates.
Common Questions About Volleyball Tryouts
Should I Specialize In One Position?
It’s great to know your strengths, but being versatile helps! Coaches love players who can adjust, so be open to trying new positions.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Make The Team?
Don’t give up! Talk to the coach, ask for feedback, and keep working on your skills. Many great players didn’t make their first team; they stuck with it and came back stronger.
How Do I Stand Out If I’m Not The Tallest Player?
Great question! Volleyball isn’t just about height; it’s about hustle, good communication, and smart plays. Coaches love players who dig every ball, serve consistently, and encourage teammates. Be loud, be fast, and be positive; that’s how you stand out!
What Should I Do If I Mess Up During Drills Or Scrimmages?
Mistakes happen to everyone. What matters is how you react. Shake it off, don’t let it show on your face, and get ready for the next play. Coaches respect players who stay calm and keep working; they know mental toughness is just as important as physical skills.
Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level? Put These Volleyball Tryout Tips To The Test
We hope these volleyball tryout tips help you feel more confident and excited for your big day. Remember: you are more than your serve or your spike, you’re a whole athlete with heart and hustle.
If you want to build strength, agility, and power that translate directly to the court, come see us at Peak Physique, your neighborhood Troy gym and trusted Michigan gym for real athletes.
Our coaches know volleyball, and we know how to help you become the strongest, most confident player you can be, on and off the court.
Contact us today to set up your first session. We can’t wait to cheer you on!
