Tryouts: At their May Juniors Directors' meeting the Old Dominion Region mandated that 2009-2010 Junior Olympic tryouts for 14 and Under cannot occur before November 1st. Tyouts for 15s through 18s cannot occur prior to the VHSL State Championship match schedule for November 21st. This falls in line with other Regions across the United States.
CLINICS: Please check the VBVBA website for updates to other clinics and camps. www.vbvba.net
Tryout Philosophy Coming into tryouts can be a very stressful time for volleyball players. Everyone wants to know what the coaches are looking for and how each of you will individually stack up with the others.
What am I looking for?
I am looking for players who really want to play the game. Players who will give their all in tryouts, practice, and games. I want to find those players who are students of the game and want to learn everything they can for their age and competition. I am looking for players who will put the team's goals ahead of their own individual accomplishments. Winning is a great thing, but watching you give 100 percent on every ball in every set is even more wonderful.
As a 13 National team, I expect you to play at a 14 Junior National level. I would expect you to place in the medal rounds of any 14U tournament we might happen to play in.
I want you to be loud!
I want to hear you on the court communicating with your teammates. I want to see you attempting skills that you may not think you are capable of completing. I want you to take chances because I value those athletes who are not afraid to try new things. The only thing that separates you from 14s is one year in age. I will require that you are mentally tough. I will require that you learn multiple offenses and defenses at a National level. You are all rising 7th graders. It is time that you stepped up to the game. Challenge yourself and I will push you further. Give 100 percent of yourself and I will be there step-for-step with you.
I am looking for players who are mature and want to learn. I may not always take the obvious players with a lot of playing experience. If you can show me that you have athletic ability, that you have a commitment to excellence, that you want to learn this fantastic game, that you are willing to work hard....I will take you on my team and train you.
If you feel that you are above the rest of your teammates, and that the game of volleybally revolves around you, then you are probably not suited for the 13 TNT team.
Shag the balls, be the first in line for drills, cheer your teammates on while they drill, and pick them up when they falter.
Most importantly...Have Fun!