Season finished up Sunday. We didn't do particularly well at the tournament. Some issues that were bubbling under the surface with one of the girls finally blew up this weekend and along with injuries, that sort of sunk the team. Season went really well until a couple weeks ago. Was disappointing but at the same time, most of the girls really improved and were really sad to see it all end.
After a day or so of reflection, I have a couple of thoughts about club volleyball I want to share.
1. Don't put your kid into club volleyball if it isn't what they truly want. The time and energy is a huge commitment and they really have to want to play to win. This isn't "just for fun" anymore.
2. Don't treat club volleyball like your kid's only ticket to playing college. Sure, it's a great way to get noticed but not the only way. It's a very expensive adventure.
3. Your kid has to want to work hard to stay on the team. I had a conversation with my daughter yesterday about how the hardest part of the season is just now starting; the offseason. Working on strength, agility, and power to improve. Working on technique at camps and clinics. There aren't any guarantees for next year.
4. Going back to play with the school team isn't always easy. She played with someone who was good at every position and now she'll be with some kids who are just there to kill time and will never learn what she knows. Have to be patient and willing to help them.
5. Help them appreciate what they've accomplished. The past season didn't end well but that doesn't mean there weren't a lot of great moments. Talk about the new friends and do things to help them keep the memories.
6. Above all else, make sure you do your homework on the club. Some are there to keep an Open division team playing by taking your money and they don't do justice to other kids. Some are just sort of thrown together and unorganized. Some are more about learning and always doing things the right way. Some are hyper-political. Pay attention to what people say about a club.
Obviously, my kid is already thinking about how she is going to get back on a roster and improve. This is what she's chosen since it's available. She also has an idea about a backup club in case she doesn't make her club's team. For now, she's going to rest a little and work on the last few weeks of track season. She is doing pretty well there, also. I found some good plyometric programs and strength training that have been developed for volleyball. She says she's serious so we'll see. I'm not about to force her to work. She has to want this but I'll happily join her and help. She'll also practice what she's learned. That part is fun for me, too.
I appreciate everyone who has followed along and added some input. It's been a good way for me to remember moments from the season. For as much as I don't do well in close proximity to other parents, I actually like most of the families we spent the season with. I think it's because most of them are pretty grounded and aren't being pushy about their kids. Very talented group as a whole and volleyball isn't the only thing they're good at.
Looking forward to whatever comes next.
After a day or so of reflection, I have a couple of thoughts about club volleyball I want to share.
1. Don't put your kid into club volleyball if it isn't what they truly want. The time and energy is a huge commitment and they really have to want to play to win. This isn't "just for fun" anymore.
2. Don't treat club volleyball like your kid's only ticket to playing college. Sure, it's a great way to get noticed but not the only way. It's a very expensive adventure.
3. Your kid has to want to work hard to stay on the team. I had a conversation with my daughter yesterday about how the hardest part of the season is just now starting; the offseason. Working on strength, agility, and power to improve. Working on technique at camps and clinics. There aren't any guarantees for next year.
4. Going back to play with the school team isn't always easy. She played with someone who was good at every position and now she'll be with some kids who are just there to kill time and will never learn what she knows. Have to be patient and willing to help them.
5. Help them appreciate what they've accomplished. The past season didn't end well but that doesn't mean there weren't a lot of great moments. Talk about the new friends and do things to help them keep the memories.
6. Above all else, make sure you do your homework on the club. Some are there to keep an Open division team playing by taking your money and they don't do justice to other kids. Some are just sort of thrown together and unorganized. Some are more about learning and always doing things the right way. Some are hyper-political. Pay attention to what people say about a club.
Obviously, my kid is already thinking about how she is going to get back on a roster and improve. This is what she's chosen since it's available. She also has an idea about a backup club in case she doesn't make her club's team. For now, she's going to rest a little and work on the last few weeks of track season. She is doing pretty well there, also. I found some good plyometric programs and strength training that have been developed for volleyball. She says she's serious so we'll see. I'm not about to force her to work. She has to want this but I'll happily join her and help. She'll also practice what she's learned. That part is fun for me, too.
I appreciate everyone who has followed along and added some input. It's been a good way for me to remember moments from the season. For as much as I don't do well in close proximity to other parents, I actually like most of the families we spent the season with. I think it's because most of them are pretty grounded and aren't being pushy about their kids. Very talented group as a whole and volleyball isn't the only thing they're good at.
Looking forward to whatever comes next.
