Volleyball Tryout Checklist: What Every Athlete Should Prepare

Matt NikishinMatt Nikishin
4 min read

🏃 Start Conditioning 2–3 Weeks Before Tryouts

Begin hard training early to build the stamina and explosiveness you’ll need during tryout drills. Focus on agility drills like ladder runs, vertical jump exercises (box jumps, squat jumps), and aerobic endurance routines. Establish a consistent routine that ramps intensity gradually.
Bonus Tip: Include a weekly simulated “mini-tryout” session—combining sprints, jumps, and skill rotations—to mimic game-day pacing and assess your readiness.


🎯 Polish Core Skills Daily

A volleyball player in a dark uniform jumps to hit a volleyball in mid-air in a dimly lit arena.

Dedicate short, focused sessions to refine essential volleyball skills: passing, setting, serving, and hitting. Each day, pick one or two skills and drill them with high repetitions under varied conditions target zones, pace changes, or under fatigue to challenge focus and precision.
Bonus Tip: Record yourself during key drills like serve motion or approach footwork and review for technical improvement and consistency.


🤝 Build Communication & Court Awareness

Two volleyball players in yellow jerseys are on a court. One is preparing to block near the net, while the other is jumping for a spike in the background. The scene is captured during a match with a crowd watching.

Develop your presence and connection on the floor. Practice calling for the ball (“Mine!”, “Pass!”, “Cover!”) and improve your reading of hitters by shadowing attacker footwork or following pins during practice. These habits showcase your teamwork mindset.
Bonus Tip: During practice matches, pick one verbal trigger (like “Switch!” or “Help!”) to consistently repeat. This builds habit under pressure and improves on-court awareness.


🎒 Pack Smart: Everything You Need

A volleyball player wearing a black jersey with the number 4 is smiling while interacting with a person in a red Turkish team jacket. They appear to be on an indoor court with an audience in the background.

Prepare your gear efficiently the night before tryouts:

  • Clean, supportive shoes & fresh knee pads

  • Water bottle and healthy snack (bananas, nuts)

  • Extra shirt, athletic tape, hair ties or headbands

  • Small towel, deodorant, energy bar—anything to keep you focused and comfortable

Bonus Tip: Use a checklist app or sticky note to pack your bag systematically. Seeing the list the night before ensures nothing gets left behind.


⏰ Know the Schedule & Arrive Early

A group of female volleyball players celebrates on a court, raising their hands in a huddle and smiling.

Mistakes happen when you’re rushed. Study the tryout schedule, identify your session starts, and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. This gives time to warm up properly, adjust mentally, and get familiar with the court.
Bonus Tip: Use arrival time to do quick mobility drills—spinal rotation, ankle flex—so you’re loose and ready when tryouts begin.


💤 Sleep Well the Night Before

Two volleyball players competing at the net during a match, with one attempting a block and the other spiking the ball. A referee is visible in the background.

Quality rest sets the tone for performance. Aim for 8–9 hours of sleep before tryout day. Also prioritize nutritious meals, proper hydration, and wind-down routines (like reading or stretching) to ensure your mind and body are recovered.
Bonus Tip: Avoid screens and caffeine 2 hours before bed to improve sleep quality and mental sharpness for tryout morning.


✅ Final Takeaway

Success in volleyball tryouts isn’t about last-minute effort—it’s about consistent, thoughtful preparation. From physical conditioning and skill work to communication, gear, and recovery, these steps will help you arrive ready to perform your best.


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Written by

Matt Nikishin
Matt Nikishin