ACE Elite Volleyball Resources

What Coaches Look for at Volleyball Tryouts Beyond Skill

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:29:42 GMT

Great volleyball skills matter, but coaches are evaluating more than your contacts.

Here are 10 things coaches may notice about you during tryouts.

When athletes think about volleyball tryouts, they tend to think about skills.

How well did I pass?

Did I make my serves?

Did I get enough good swings?

Did the coaches see that block?

And yes, coaches are evaluating volleyball ability. Technical skills, athleticism, position, experience, and volleyball IQ all matter when building teams.

But coaches are also paying attention to something athletes sometimes overlook:

Everything happening between the contacts.

How do you respond after making a mistake?

Do you communicate?

Do you compete when you're tired?

What happens when a coach corrects you?

How do you treat the athletes around you?

What does your body language say when things aren't going your way?

A tryout isn't simply an evaluation of what you can do with a volleyball.

It's an opportunity for coaches to learn who you are as an athlete and teammate.

Here are some of the things coaches may be watching beyond volleyball skill.

1. Effort

Effort sounds obvious.

But during a tryout, it can tell coaches quite a bit.

Do you pursue a ball that's heading out of bounds?

Do you transition every time?

Do you move quickly between drills?

Do you continue working when you're tired?

Or does your effort depend on whether you think a coach is watching?

Coaches understand that athletes have different skill levels. Effort is something every athlete can control.

Sometimes the most revealing play at a tryout isn't the perfect kill.

It's the athlete who chases a ball everyone else assumed was dead.

What coaches notice:

Hustle
Pursuit
Transition effort
Work ethic
Consistency
Effort when a drill isn't going your way

Tryout reminder: Don't save your effort for the highlight plays.

2. Communication

Volleyball is a communication-heavy sport.

Athletes have to constantly share information with teammates.

Calling the ball.

Identifying hitters.

Helping with seams.

Communicating during serve receive.

Calling tips.

Encouraging teammates.

Celebrating points.

Resetting after mistakes.

You don't have to be the loudest athlete in the gym. In fact, yelling simply for the sake of being loud isn't particularly useful.

Coaches are looking for purposeful communication .

Does your voice help your team play better?

What coaches notice:

Calling the ball
Communicating during play
Helping teammates
Providing useful information
Encouraging others
Staying engaged even when you're not contacting the ball

The ball may only touch you for a fraction of each rally.

You can still contribute to every point .

3. Coachability

This is a big one.

An athlete makes a mistake.

A coach walks over and offers feedback.

What happens next?

Does the athlete listen?

Make eye contact?

Ask a question if she doesn't understand?

Try the correction?

Or immediately explain why the mistake happened?

Coaches don't expect athletes to arrive knowing everything.

That's why they're called coaches .

What matters is whether an athlete is willing and able to receive information and apply it.

One of the best opportunities to demonstrate coachability happens immediately after receiving feedback.

What coaches notice:

Can you make an adjustment on the next repetition?

It doesn't even have to be perfect.

The willingness to try tells a coach:

I can teach this athlete.

And that's powerful.

4. Body Language

Athletes communicate even when they aren't speaking.

Shoulders drop.

Eyes roll.

Arms cross.

An athlete turns away from teammates.

Or...

She resets.

Makes eye contact.

Claps for a teammate.

Gets back into position.

Body language becomes especially noticeable after something goes wrong .

And something will go wrong during tryouts.

That's volleyball.

Coaches aren't expecting athletes to celebrate mistakes. Frustration is normal.

What they're watching is how athletes manage it.

Ask yourself:

What does my body language tell my teammates after I make a mistake?

Because your teammates can feel it, too.

5. How You Respond to Mistakes

You shank a pass.

Miss a serve.

Hit into the net.

Get blocked.

Set the wrong hitter.

Lose track of the rotation.

Welcome to volleyball.

Even elite athletes make mistakes constantly.

A coach isn't only evaluating the mistake.

They're evaluating the response .

Does one mistake become three because you're still thinking about the first one?

Or can you reset quickly?

A simple phrase can help:

Next Ball.

The last point is over.

You cannot replay it.

But you have complete control over how you approach the next one.

That ability to reset is valuable at tryouts, and even more valuable during a season.

6. Competitiveness

Being competitive doesn't mean screaming after every point or trying to crush every volleyball into the floor.

Competitiveness often looks much quieter.

Wanting another opportunity after making a mistake.

Fighting to keep a rally alive.

Staying focused when your team is losing.

Finding another gear when you're tired.

Wanting the ball when the score gets uncomfortable.

Coaches notice athletes who stay engaged when things get difficult.

Anyone can look confident when everything is working.

Competition reveals what happens when it isn't.

7. Teamwork

Tryouts can feel individual.

Everyone wants to perform well. Everyone knows they're being evaluated.

That can tempt athletes to focus entirely on themselves.

But coaches aren't selecting twelve individuals.

They're building a team .

That means they're paying attention to how athletes interact.

Do you celebrate someone else's great swing?

Do you communicate with athletes you've never met?

Do you help someone understand a drill?

Do you become frustrated when another athlete makes a mistake?

Do you make the people around you better?

A great teammate doesn't disappear just because someone else is having success.

Remember:

You don't have to know someone's name to be a good teammate to them.

8. Focus

Tryouts move quickly.

Coaches explain drills, divide athletes into groups, change rotations, introduce scoring systems, and move players between courts.

An athlete who listens well makes everything easier.

When a coach is explaining something:

Stop touching the volleyball.

Make eye contact.

Listen.

Know where you're supposed to go.

Be ready when it's your turn.

Coaches notice athletes who can absorb information and stay engaged.

They also notice when they have to explain the same thing to one athlete three times because she wasn't listening the first two.

9. Volleyball IQ

Volleyball IQ isn't the same thing as technical skill.

It is your ability to understand what's happening in the game .

Can you read the court?

Recognize open space?

Adjust defensively?

Understand where the setter is?

Make smart decisions when you're out of system?

Recognize what the opponent is doing?

Some of this comes with experience, and younger athletes are still developing it.

Coaches don't necessarily expect athletes to know everything.

But they may notice athletes who are beginning to see the game rather than simply react to the ball.

10. How You Treat People

This one extends beyond the court.

How do you interact with coaches?

Other athletes?

Evaluators?

People helping with check-in?

Athletes you don't know?

Character doesn't suddenly turn on when six-on-six begins.

The way an athlete carries herself throughout the entire tryout can tell coaches something about the teammate she may become over a five- or six-month season.

Skill matters.

So does being someone others want beside them when the match gets difficult.

What Coaches Aren't Expecting

Here's something athletes should hear before tryout day:

We aren't expecting perfection.

You don't need to make every serve.

You don't need to crush every swing.

You don't need to have the best tryout of your life.

You don't need to pretend you're confident every second.

You don't need to become someone you're not.

Coaches know you're nervous.

They know you're being evaluated.

They know you're playing with unfamiliar athletes.

And they know mistakes are part of volleyball.

Instead of trying to create a perfect tryout, focus on showing coaches things you can control .

Control the Controllables

You cannot control:

Who else attends tryouts
How tall another athlete is
Another player's experience
What position the team needs
How someone else performs
Which court you're assigned to
Every decision a coach ultimately makes

But you can control:

Your effort
Your communication
Your attitude
Your preparation
Your body language
Your response to feedback
How you treat teammates
How quickly you reset
How hard you compete

That's a much better place to put your energy.

Skill Gets Noticed. So Does Everything Else.

Volleyball ability matters at tryouts.

It should.

But coaches aren't simply trying to identify athletes who can pass, set, serve, block, or attack.

They're trying to build teams.

And teams need athletes who compete, communicate, learn, respond, support one another, and continue growing throughout a season.

So when you walk into your next tryout, don't spend the entire time wondering:

“Are the coaches watching me?”

Assume they are.

Then stop worrying about it.

Play volleyball.

Compete.

Communicate.

Listen.

Respond.

Be a great teammate.

And when something goes wrong?

Next ball.

Preparing for Club Tryouts?

Knowing what coaches evaluate is only one part of being prepared.

Read our complete guide to learn what to bring, what happens during evaluations, how team selection works, and what athletes and parents can expect throughout the tryout process.

What to Expect at Club Volleyball Tryouts

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:26:56 GMT

Club volleyball tryouts don't have to feel like a mystery. Learn what athletes can expect, what coaches evaluate, how to prepare, and what families should know before tryout day.

Club volleyball tryouts can bring a strange combination of excitement, nerves, anticipation...and approximately 47 questions.

What should my athlete bring? What skills will coaches evaluate? Does she need to be perfect? What happens if she makes a mistake? How are teams selected?

Whether this is your athlete’s first club tryout or she’s been through the process before, knowing what to expect can make the experience feel a whole lot less intimidating.

Here’s what athletes and families should know before walking into the gym.

Before Tryouts

Register Ahead of Time

Most clubs require athletes to register before attending tryouts.

Be sure to review registration requirements, age classifications, tryout times, locations, and any additional information provided by the club.

Volleyball age divisions don’t always line up perfectly with school grades, so double-check your athlete’s appropriate age division before registering.

Arrive Early

Tryout day isn't the day to slide into the parking lot at the last possible second.

Give your athlete enough time to check in, put on shoes and knee pads, fill a water bottle, use the restroom, and get comfortable in the gym before evaluations begin.

Arriving early also gives athletes a chance to settle some of those inevitable pre-tryout nerves.

What Should Athletes Bring?

Keep it simple.

Athletes should generally bring:

Volleyball shoes
Knee pads
Comfortable athletic clothing
Water bottle
Hair ties or other personal necessities
Any required registration information
A positive attitude and willingness to compete

Leave valuables at home whenever possible and clearly label personal belongings.

But there are a few things that won't fit in the volleyball bag that matter just as much:

Effort. Communication. Coachability. Energy. Competitiveness.

What Happens During a Volleyball Tryout?

Every club runs tryouts a little differently, but athletes can generally expect a combination of individual skill evaluation and game-like situations.

Serving

Coaches may evaluate serving consistency, technique, location, velocity, and an athlete's ability to serve under pressure.

Passing & Serve Receive

Athletes may be evaluated on platform control, movement, communication, consistency, and their ability to read the server and ball.

Setting

For setters, coaches may look at footwork, hand position, location, consistency, decision-making, communication, and the ability to run an offense.

Attacking

Evaluations may include approach mechanics, arm swing, timing, power, shot selection, transition, and an athlete's ability to adjust to different sets.

Blocking

Coaches may evaluate footwork, timing, positioning, hand placement, movement along the net, and an athlete's ability to read the opposing offense.

Defense

Athletes may be evaluated on movement, court positioning, reading hitters, pursuit, communication, and overall effort.

Game Play

This is where coaches get to see how everything comes together.

Small-sided games, competitive drills, six-on-six play, and other game-like situations allow coaches to evaluate how athletes move, communicate, make decisions, respond under pressure, and interact with teammates.

Sometimes, what happens between contacts tells coaches just as much as the contact itself.

Coaches Are Looking at More Than Volleyball Skills

Yes, volleyball skill matters.

But coaches are also evaluating how you play .

Effort

Do you pursue difficult balls or give up when a play looks lost?

Communication

Are you communicating with teammates and contributing to the court?

Coachability

When a coach gives you feedback, what happens on the next repetition?

Body Language

How do you respond after making a mistake?

Competitiveness

Do you still want the ball when the score gets tight?

Teamwork

Do you encourage teammates and contribute positively to the group?

Focus

Are you listening when coaches explain drills?

Attitude

How do you carry yourself throughout the entire tryout?

An athlete doesn't need to be the loudest person in the gym to stand out.

Consistent effort, positive communication, and a willingness to learn can say a lot.

What If I Make a Mistake?

You will.

So will everyone else in the gym.

Tryouts aren't a search for athletes who never make mistakes. Coaches understand athletes are performing in a high-pressure environment, often with unfamiliar teammates and coaches.

What matters is what happens next.

Do you dwell on it?

Does your body language change?

Do you become afraid to take another swing?

Or do you reset, communicate, and compete on the next play?

The ability to recover can tell a coach something a perfect pass never could.

Next ball.

Should I Try to Impress the Coaches?

Yes, but probably not in the way athletes sometimes think.

Trying to crush every ball, attempting a serve you rarely make, or suddenly playing outside your normal game isn't necessarily the best way to stand out.

Instead:

Compete. Communicate. Hustle. Listen. Be yourself.

Show coaches what you can consistently do.

And when you're asked to try something unfamiliar, give it your best effort.

Coaches aren't only evaluating the athlete you are today. They're also considering the athlete you could become.

What About Positions?

Athletes may enter tryouts with a preferred position, but team needs and development can sometimes lead coaches to evaluate them elsewhere.

Especially with younger athletes, versatility can be valuable.

Be open to opportunities.

Instead of walking into the gym thinking:

“I'm only a setter.”

Think:

“I'm a volleyball player. I'll compete wherever I'm needed.”

How Are Teams Selected?

Building a volleyball team isn't simply ranking every athlete from #1 to #12.

Coaches have to construct a complete roster .

That means considering:

Skill level
Position
Athleticism
Volleyball IQ
Experience
Coachability
Team needs
Competitive level
Development potential
Roster balance

A team needs the right combination of setters, middles, pins, defensive players, and athletes capable of filling multiple roles.

That's why comparing one athlete's placement directly to another athlete's placement rarely tells the whole story.

What Should Parents Do During Tryouts?

This is your athlete's opportunity.

Before tryouts, help her arrive prepared and encourage her to compete.

Afterward, resist the urge to immediately conduct the post-tryout press conference. ��

Instead of starting with:

“Do you think you made it?”

Try:

“How did you feel?”

“What did you do well?”

“What challenged you?”

“Did you have fun competing?”

Tryouts already carry plenty of pressure.

Parents have an opportunity to be the calm place athletes return to afterward.

What Happens After Tryouts?

Clubs communicate offers and team placement differently, so families should understand the process before tryout day.

Make sure you know:

How offers will be communicated
When decisions are expected
How long athletes have to accept an offer
What financial commitment accompanies acceptance
What happens after accepting a roster position

Before committing, families should also understand the expected season schedule, team level, travel requirements, fees, practice commitment, and club policies.

A roster offer is exciting.

It should also be the right fit .

10 Things to Remember on Tryout Day

If we could tape a list to every athlete's water bottle, it would be this:

Be early.
Communicate.
Hustle, even when you think nobody is watching.
Listen when coaches speak.
Apply feedback.
Encourage other athletes.
Don't let one mistake become three.
Compete.
Be yourself.
Have fun playing volleyball.

You don't need to walk into the gym and prove you're perfect.

Walk in ready to show coaches who you are as an athlete and teammate.

Ready for Tryouts?

Tryouts are just one step in an athlete's volleyball journey.

At ACE Elite, our goal is to find a competitive and developmental environment where each athlete can be appropriately challenged, supported, and given opportunities to grow.

Club Volleyball FAQ: What Families Need to Know

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:00:58 GMT

New to club volleyball or just need a refresher? Get answers to common questions about tryouts, team placement, competition levels, practices, travel, costs, training, recruiting, and what families can expect from the club volleyball experience.

What Is Club Volleyball?

Club volleyball gives athletes an opportunity to train and compete outside of their school volleyball season.

Athletes are placed on teams based on factors such as age, skill level, experience, position, team needs, and competitive fit.

Teams practice throughout the season and compete in tournaments against other volleyball clubs.

Beyond simply playing more matches, club volleyball gives athletes opportunities to develop technical skills, improve volleyball IQ, experience higher levels of competition, build confidence, and develop relationships with teammates and coaches.

When Is Club Volleyball Season?

Girls club volleyball generally begins with tryouts in the fall, followed by team formation and preseason practices.

Tournament competition typically begins during the winter and continues through the spring. Some teams may compete later into the season depending on their age division, competitive level, and tournament schedule.

Exact season dates vary by team and year.

What Age Groups Does ACE Elite Offer?

ACE Elite offers girls club volleyball opportunities across multiple age divisions.

Volleyball age classifications are determined by established governing-body age definitions and may not always correspond directly with an athlete's current school grade.

If you're unsure which division your athlete should participate in, visit our Age Classification page or contact ACE for assistance.

Does My Athlete Need Previous Club Volleyball Experience?

Not necessarily.

Athletes enter club volleyball with a wide range of experience.

Some have played several club seasons. Others may be transitioning from recreational volleyball, school volleyball, camps, leagues, or developmental programs.

Coaches evaluate athletes based on more than previous club experience.

Factors can include current skill level, athletic ability, volleyball understanding, coachability, competitiveness, development potential, and overall team fit.

ACE also offers developmental opportunities throughout the year for athletes who want additional training before pursuing club volleyball.

How Do Club Volleyball Tryouts Work?

Tryouts allow coaches to evaluate athletes and determine appropriate team placement.

Evaluations may include:

Passing and serve receive
Serving
Setting
Attacking
Blocking
Defense
Movement
Game play
Volleyball decision-making

But coaches aren't only evaluating volleyball contacts.

They may also be watching communication, effort, competitiveness, attitude, body language, coachability, and how athletes respond when something doesn't go their way.

Tryouts aren't about being perfect.

They're an opportunity for coaches to evaluate the complete athlete .

Visit our Tryouts page for current dates, registration information, and additional details.

How Are Athletes Selected for Teams?

Building a volleyball team isn't simply a matter of ranking every athlete from best to worst.

Coaches must build a complete roster.

Team placement may consider:

Overall skill
Position
Experience
Athleticism
Volleyball IQ
Coachability
Competitive level
Development potential
Team chemistry
Roster needs

For example, a team needs the appropriate combination of setters, middles, pins, defensive players, and versatile athletes.

The goal is to place athletes in an environment where they can be appropriately challenged and continue developing.

What Team Levels Does ACE Offer?

Depending on age division, participation, and roster needs, ACE may offer National, Regional, and Local team opportunities.

National Teams

Our highest level of competition, designed for athletes committed to maximizing their development.

National teams may compete in qualifier tournaments, travel outside Minnesota, and face high-level competition from around the country.

This level typically carries the greatest time, travel, and financial commitment.

Regional Teams

A competitive option for athletes looking to play at a high level while keeping travel primarily within Minnesota and the Midwest.

Regional teams compete in strong local and regional tournaments and provide excellent development with a moderate travel commitment.

Local Teams

A developmental competitive option focused on skill growth, confidence, and game experience.

Local teams compete primarily in nearby leagues and tournaments, making this a strong fit for athletes who want competitive volleyball with less travel and a lower overall time commitment.

Not every age division will necessarily offer every team level.

Final team offerings are determined based on participation, athlete evaluations, and program needs.

Is the Highest Team Level Always the Best Option?

No.

This is an important one.

The best team for an athlete isn't automatically the team with the most travel, the biggest tournaments, or the highest designation.

The right environment should provide an appropriate combination of:

Challenge + Coaching + Opportunity + Competition + Development

Athletes develop at different rates and have different goals.

Finding the right fit matters more than chasing a team label.

How Often Do Teams Practice?

Practice frequency varies based on age division and team level.

Families should review practice expectations before accepting a roster position so they understand the commitment involved.

ACE utilizes multiple facilities, so practice locations may also vary by team and schedule.

Where Does ACE Practice?

ACE Elite does not operate out of one dedicated volleyball facility.

Our teams and programs primarily train at:

Kaleidoscope Charter School
Otsego, Minnesota

and

Spectrum High School
Elk River, Minnesota

Additional locations may occasionally be utilized depending on programming, scheduling, and facility availability.

Specific practice locations are communicated to families based on their team or program.

How Much Travel Is Involved?

Travel varies considerably by team level and tournament schedule.

Local teams generally have the least travel.

Regional teams primarily compete in Minnesota and throughout the surrounding Midwest.

National teams may attend qualifiers and other events requiring additional out-of-state travel.

Minnesota also hosts several large convention-center volleyball tournaments, which can provide high-level competition without requiring every major event to involve overnight travel.

Families should review expected travel commitments before accepting a roster position.

Can My Athlete Participate in Other Sports?

ACE recognizes the benefits of multi-sport athletes.

At the same time, club volleyball is a team commitment.

Athletes and families should understand attendance expectations associated with their particular team and communicate known conflicts when appropriate.

If your athlete participates in another sport or activity, ask about expectations before accepting a roster position so everyone begins the season with a clear understanding.

What Does Club Volleyball Cost?

Club volleyball fees vary based on factors such as:

Age division
Team level
Tournament schedule
Coaching
Facility costs
Uniforms
Training
Administrative expenses
Travel requirements

Families should understand what is included in their season fee as well as what expenses may fall outside of it.

For current ACE Elite pricing and inclusions, visit our Season Fees page.

Are Uniforms Included?

Uniform packages and included apparel may vary by season and program.

Current uniform requirements and information are provided as part of each season's club details so families understand which items are included, required, or optional.

How Are Schedules and Team Information Communicated?

Clear communication is an important part of a positive club experience.

ACE utilizes PlayMetrics as our centralized platform for club and team communication.

Families can use PlayMetrics for important information such as schedules, team updates, announcements, and other club communication throughout the season.

Additional team-specific communication expectations are provided after teams are formed.

What Happens If My Athlete Has a Concern With a Coach or Team?

Learning to communicate appropriately is an important part of athlete development.

When appropriate for their age, we encourage athletes to begin by communicating directly and respectfully with their coach.

Learning how to ask questions, request feedback, handle difficult conversations, and advocate for themselves helps athletes develop confidence and maturity.

If additional support is needed, parents and club leadership can become involved according to ACE communication policies.

Our goal is to address concerns constructively while supporting the athlete, coach, and team.

Does ACE Offer Training Outside of Club Practices?

Yes.

ACE's Athlete Development programs provide additional opportunities throughout the year.

These may include:

Youth Development
Fundamental volleyball instruction and opportunities for younger athletes.

Camps & Clinics
Focused training opportunities throughout the year.

Summer League
Competitive opportunities outside of the traditional club season.

Private Lessons
Individual and small-group instruction based on athlete needs and goals.

Elevate
Strength, movement, speed, power, and athletic performance development.

HeadStrong
Mental performance training focused on confidence, resilience, leadership, communication, and performing under pressure.

Program availability varies throughout the year.

Does ACE Help Athletes Who Want to Play College Volleyball?

Yes.

ACE provides recruiting education and resources for athletes interested in pursuing volleyball beyond high school.

The recruiting journey is highly individual.

Our goal is to help athletes and families understand the process, identify realistic opportunities, communicate effectively with college programs, and encourage athletes to take ownership of their recruiting journey.

Visit our Recruiting page for additional information.

What If We're Completely New to Club Volleyball?

Then you're exactly who we created our New to Club Volleyball? resource for.

Club volleyball comes with terminology, timelines, age classifications, team levels, tryouts, travel, and expectations that aren't always obvious to first-time families.

You shouldn't have to understand the club volleyball world before deciding whether it's right for your athlete.

Our New to Club Volleyball? page walks families through the process from the beginning.

How Should We Choose a Volleyball Club?

Don't make your decision based solely on a team name, uniform, tournament schedule, or win-loss record.

Ask about:

Coaching philosophy
Athlete development
Club culture
Competitive levels
Season commitment
Communication
Costs
Travel
How athletes are supported

There isn't one volleyball club that's right for every athlete.

The goal is finding an environment that's right for yours .

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Volleyball Club

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:28:18 GMT

Choosing a volleyball club is about more than tournaments and uniforms. Here are seven important questions to consider when deciding which club is the right fit for your athlete.

Choosing a volleyball club can feel like a big decision, because it is.

Your athlete may spend hundreds of hours over the course of a season practicing, competing, traveling, and learning from coaches and teammates. The experience can shape not only how they develop as a volleyball player, but also their confidence, resilience, leadership, and love for the game.

Tournament schedules, uniforms, team names, and costs are certainly part of the decision. But they shouldn't be the only things you consider.

As your family explores club volleyball options, here are seven important questions to ask before making a commitment.

1. What Is the Club's Philosophy?

Every volleyball club has a different definition of success.

Some programs are heavily focused on tournament results and rankings. Others place greater emphasis on long-term athlete development. Many fall somewhere in between.

Take time to understand what a club values and whether those priorities align with what you want for your athlete.

Consider asking:

How does the club define a successful season?
What values are emphasized throughout the program?
How does the club balance competition with athlete development?
How are character, teamwork, accountability, and confidence incorporated into the program?

There isn't necessarily one "correct" philosophy. The important part is finding an environment that aligns with your athlete's goals and your family's expectations.

2. Who Will Be Coaching My Athlete?

Your athlete's coach will have an enormous influence on their club experience.

Volleyball knowledge is important, but coaching is about more than understanding rotations and running good drills. Great youth coaches know how to teach, communicate, motivate, hold athletes accountable, and build confidence.

Ask about the club's coaching staff and development process.

Questions might include:

What experience and training do the coaches have?
How are coaches selected?
What is the club's coaching philosophy?
How do coaches communicate with athletes?
How are mistakes handled?
How does the club support and develop its coaches?

Athletes may forget the score of a particular match. They'll remember the people who challenged them, believed in them, and helped them grow.

3. How Does the Club Develop Athletes?

Playing more volleyball doesn't automatically equal development.

Ask what happens between the tournaments .

Strong programs should have an intentional approach to teaching technique, creating meaningful repetitions, developing volleyball IQ, and helping athletes understand the game.

Look beyond regular team practices, too.

Does the club offer opportunities such as:

Skills training
Position-specific instruction
Private or small-group lessons
Strength and athletic performance training
Mental performance training
Leadership development
Recruiting education for older athletes

Development should be more than preparing for Saturday's tournament. The goal should be helping athletes become better players season after season.

4. What Level of Competition Is Right for My Athlete?

One of the biggest misconceptions in club volleyball is that the "highest" team is automatically the best option.

It isn't always.

The best team is the one that provides the right combination of challenge, opportunity, coaching, and competition for that athlete.

Ask what competitive levels the club offers and what distinguishes them.

For example, clubs may offer Local, Regional, and National teams with very different tournament schedules, travel requirements, costs, and expectations.

Also ask how athletes are evaluated and placed.

An athlete who is appropriately challenged, receives meaningful repetitions, and has opportunities to contribute may develop significantly more than an athlete placed in an environment that isn't the right fit.

5. What Is the Season Commitment?

Club volleyball affects the entire family calendar, so know what you're signing up for before accepting a roster spot.

Ask for a realistic picture of the season.

That should include:

When practices begin and end
Number of practices per week
Typical practice times
Tournament frequency
Travel expectations
Out-of-state tournaments
Holiday and weekend commitments
Attendance expectations
Additional training or team activities

If your athlete participates in other sports or activities, this is also the time to ask about expectations for multi-sport athletes.

The goal isn't necessarily to find the program with the smallest commitment. It's to choose a commitment your athlete and family can realistically make.

6. How Does the Club Communicate With Families?

This one isn't flashy, but somewhere around February you'll be very glad you asked.

Clear, consistent communication can make a tremendous difference in a family's club experience.

Ask how the club communicates:

Practice schedules
Tournament information
Schedule changes
Travel details
Club announcements
Coach communication
Parent questions or concerns

Also find out where communication happens. Does the club use an app or centralized platform? Email? Text messages? Multiple systems?

Families should know where to find accurate information and whom to contact when they have questions.

7. Will My Athlete Feel Supported?

This may be the most important question on the list.

Your athlete should absolutely be challenged. Coaches should have expectations. Players should learn accountability, discipline, and how to respond when things don't go their way.

But athletes should also feel valued, encouraged, and supported while they're being challenged.

Look at the culture surrounding the program.

How do coaches interact with athletes?

How do teammates treat one another?

How does the club respond to mistakes?

Are athletes encouraged to communicate and advocate for themselves?

Does the environment build confidence?

A great club experience should help athletes become stronger competitors while continuing to love the game.

The Right Club Is the Right Fit

There isn't one volleyball club that's perfect for every athlete.

Families have different priorities. Athletes have different personalities, goals, experience levels, and competitive aspirations.

That's why choosing a club shouldn't simply come down to:

"Which team did my athlete make?"

Look at the complete experience.

Consider the coaching, culture, development philosophy, competitive level, communication, commitment, and opportunities available to your athlete.

Most importantly, involve your athlete in the conversation.

The right environment should challenge them to become a better volleyball player while helping them grow in confidence, resilience, leadership, and character.

Because ultimately, the goal isn't simply to find a team for the next season.

It's to find an environment where your athlete can grow.

ACE Elite Volleyball Resources

What Coaches Look for at Volleyball Tryouts Beyond Skill

Great volleyball skills matter, but coaches are evaluating more than your contacts.

﻿ Here are 10 things coaches may notice about you during tryouts.

1. Effort

What coaches notice:

2. Communication

What coaches notice:

3. Coachability

What coaches notice:

4. Body Language

Ask yourself:

5. How You Respond to Mistakes

Next Ball.

6. Competitiveness

7. Teamwork

Remember:

8. Focus

9. Volleyball IQ

10. How You Treat People

What Coaches Aren't Expecting

Control the Controllables

Skill Gets Noticed. So Does Everything Else.

Preparing for Club Tryouts?

What to Expect at Club Volleyball Tryouts

Club volleyball tryouts don't have to feel like a mystery. Learn what athletes can expect, what coaches evaluate, how to prepare, and what families should know before tryout day.

Before Tryouts

Register Ahead of Time

Arrive Early

What Should Athletes Bring?

What Happens During a Volleyball Tryout?

Serving

Passing & Serve Receive

Setting

Attacking

Blocking

Defense

Game Play

Coaches Are Looking at More Than Volleyball Skills

Effort

Communication

Coachability

Body Language

Competitiveness

Teamwork

Focus

Attitude

What If I Make a Mistake?

Should I Try to Impress the Coaches?

What About Positions?

How Are Teams Selected?

What Should Parents Do During Tryouts?

What Happens After Tryouts?

10 Things to Remember on Tryout Day

Ready for Tryouts?

Club Volleyball FAQ: What Families Need to Know

New to club volleyball or just need a refresher? Get answers to common questions about tryouts, team placement, competition levels, practices, travel, costs, training, recruiting, and what families can expect from the club volleyball experience.

What Is Club Volleyball?

When Is Club Volleyball Season?

What Age Groups Does ACE Elite Offer?

Does My Athlete Need Previous Club Volleyball Experience?

How Do Club Volleyball Tryouts Work?

How Are Athletes Selected for Teams?

What Team Levels Does ACE Offer?

National Teams

Regional Teams

Local Teams

Is the Highest Team Level Always the Best Option?

How Often Do Teams Practice?

Where Does ACE Practice?

How Much Travel Is Involved?

Can My Athlete Participate in Other Sports?

What Does Club Volleyball Cost?

Are Uniforms Included?

How Are Schedules and Team Information Communicated?

What Happens If My Athlete Has a Concern With a Coach or Team?

Does ACE Offer Training Outside of Club Practices?

Does ACE Help Athletes Who Want to Play College Volleyball?

What If We're Completely New to Club Volleyball?

How Should We Choose a Volleyball Club?

Here are 10 things coaches may notice about you during tryouts.