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Tryout preparation

Come ready.
Be yourself.

Whether this is your first tryout or you’ve been through the process before, it’s normal to feel excited and a little nervous. You don’t need to play perfectly. Come ready to work, learn, and show us how you approach the game.

For athletes

10 tips for a successful volleyball tryout

  1. Arrive ready to go

    Doors open 30 minutes before your session. Give yourself time to check in, get your shoes on, and settle in. Bring a filled water bottle and your volleyball gear, and follow the coaches’ warm-up instructions.

  2. Put your phone away

    Keep it silenced and in your bag during tryouts. Use this time to connect with the players around you and focus on what’s happening on the court.

  3. Give consistent effort

    Stay ready between reps, pursue playable balls, and move promptly between drills. Help collect balls when instructed, stay aware of others, and keep the court safe. Effort matters throughout the session.

  4. Show us how you learn

    When a coach offers feedback, listen and try the adjustment on your next rep. You don’t have to master it immediately. Show that you’re willing to work on it.

  5. Listen and ask questions

    Give coaches your attention during instructions. If something is unclear, ask. We would rather help you understand a drill than have you guess your way through it.

  6. Communicate with purpose

    Call the ball, help teammates with “in” and “out,” and offer encouragement. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the gym. Focus on communication that helps the next play.

  7. Stay involved between your turns

    Watch the drill, learn from the feedback being given, and be ready when it’s your turn. When you’re off the court, support the players who are on it.

  8. Reset after mistakes

    Everyone will miss a serve, shank a pass, or hit a ball out. Take a breath, identify your next job, and get ready. You can be disappointed and still respond well. Think: Next play.

  9. Be willing to try something different

    You may be asked to play another position or attempt an unfamiliar skill. Give it an honest effort. Let coaches know your preferred positions while staying open to learning something new.

  10. Be someone others want to play alongside

    Introduce yourself. Encourage someone after a tough rep. Celebrate a good play. Give your teammates a ball they can work with. Even when you’re competing for a spot, you can help others succeed.

For parents

Help them arrive ready to learn.

Help with the preparation

Review the tryout details together, complete the required registration steps, and help your athlete arrive with the gear they need. Leave enough time so the day doesn’t begin in a rush.

Keep the pre-tryout message simple

Try: “Have fun, give your best effort, and be open to learning.” Your athlete doesn’t need a last-minute list of everything they must do to make a team.

Give them room to take ownership

Encourage your athlete to introduce themselves, ask questions, and communicate with coaches, with support appropriate to their age and needs.

Make the ride home a conversation, not an evaluation

Start with “How did it feel?” or “What are you proud of?” Some athletes will want to talk right away; others will need time. Let them set the pace before offering your observations.

Keep the outcome in perspective

A team placement is one step in an athlete’s development. It does not define their worth or set a limit on their future. Whatever the result, help them identify a constructive next step.

We look forward to seeing you in the gym

Ready for your next play?

At Mamba, our mission is to grow boys volleyball by developing better athletes and better human beings. Tryouts are an opportunity to show your skills, learn something new, and demonstrate how you contribute to a team.

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