Skills You'll Need to Know Before Going to Volleyball Club Tryouts
Volleyball tryouts can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first time. However, knowing what skills you need to have can make it much easier and less intimidating.
Serving
One of the most basic, yet crucial, skills in volleyball is serving. There are two types of serves — the underhand and the overhand. The underhand serve is easier to learn and less complicated, but it's not as powerful as an overhand serve. An overhand serve typically has more power and speed, making it harder for the opposing team to receive.
To perfect your serve, practice consistently and make sure you're using the proper form. Stand sideways to the net, hold the ball with your non-dominant hand, and use your dominant hand to hit the ball. As you hit it, make sure your arm follows through in the direction you want the ball to go.
Passing
Passing is another essential skill that can make or break a team's performance. It's important to be able to pass the ball accurately to your teammates, as this sets up the next play. The three basic types of passes are the forearm pass, the overhead pass, and the bump pass.
To perform a forearm pass, make a fist with both hands, one on top of the other, and make contact with the ball using your forearms. To perform an overhead pass, make a triangle shape with your thumbs and fingers, and hit the ball with your fingertips. To perform a bump pass, clasp your fingers together, bend your knees, and hit the ball with your forearms.
Hitting
Hitting is the offensive move that aims to score points. There are different types of hits, including the spike, the tip, and the roll shot. To perform a spike, approach the ball, jump, and hit the ball with your dominant hand, making sure to follow through and aim at a spot on the court.
A tip is a softer hit that's used to surprise the opposing team. To make a tip, approach the ball as you would for a spike, but instead of hitting it with power, lightly tap it with your fingertips to send it over the net. A roll shot involves hitting the ball with your fingertips and making it roll over the net.
Blocking
Blocking is a defensive move that can stop the opposing team from scoring. It involves jumping up and extending your arms to block the ball. It's important to time your jump correctly, as well as to aim for strategic spots on the court. Practice your timing and footwork to perfect your blocking.
Communication
Lastly, communication is an often overlooked skill that can greatly impact your performance as a team. Clear communication can help you avoid collisions, make effective passes, and execute powerful hits. So, practice shouting out keywords and phrases to make sure everyone is on the same page.
For more information about volleyball and girls' volleyball club tryouts, contact a team near you.