Volleyball club- recap and thoughts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is very unusual for someone to start playing volleyball at the club level u15. If you’re 6’+, sure. If you’re a truly extraordinary athlete, maybe.

It would be nice for girls who didn’t have their athletic dreams mapped out in time for u12 to be able to play volleyball as a positive experience.



Girl Dad 2X here. I agree with this. Not sure if I'm going to put them threw this next year. At least I'll be better informed, they'll be better prepared, and we can manage expectations.

Its not true that U15 is a rare age for players to start playing club volleyball -- its actually the opposite. The two most popular ages to start are U15 and U13. U15 because its often the first time players are introduced to the game in HS. U15 tryouts are returning club players + new HS players, and are always the largest tryout group at established clubs.

Yes, it helps to be a good athlete and/or physically gifted, but it is not a requirement. Lots of players without club experience make teams at U15 -- you just have to find the right club. You usually aren't going to make a 1s team at a good club where everyone has 3-4 years club experience and lots of physical/athletic ability, especially if you only have one season of JV volleyball. But you can make a 2s or 3s team at many different clubs in the area.

The key is to show that you can improve quickly during the pre-tryout clinics. If a coach is watching you and sees you get better when you are exposed to club-level volleyball, they'll usually make a note of it and sometimes come talk to you about it. Its very common for coaches to ask how long you've played, and if the answer is 3 months and you are already able to play close to a club level, coaches will notice. Players don't make club teams just on current ability -- they also make club teams on potential growth ability. Its where you'll be at the end of the season that matters the most.

On the other hand, if your DD played an entire season of JV volleyball and still can't consistently serve/pass/hit/set, then you will struggle to make a club team. If2+ months of 5 days a week practices didn't develop the ability to do any of the fundamentals, then its very doubtful you can make a club team.

Nope. Uncommon. This is how clubs rake in so much $$ at tryouts. The math doesn’t work. All those hundreds of girls at tryouts for very few spots. Most of them have played before. Those are not all novices showing up at u15. It’s possible. Not likely. To the extent they make it, they knock out another girl who has been playing for longer.

New players knock out existing players at every age group—that’s one reason why you hear so many parents (on this board especially) complaining about loyalty. It’s much more common at U15 than other groups because the pool is so large.

It’s not as uncommon as you might think for hitters to come into club at U15 for the first time. It’s more rare for DS and genuinely rare for setters. So if your player is tall, can jump or has a good arm swing, it’s probably not a money grab to go to tryouts.

If you are the backup JV DS on a high school team where the varsity hasn’t won a game all season? You might want to consider if tryouts are worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is very unusual for someone to start playing volleyball at the club level u15. If you’re 6’+, sure. If you’re a truly extraordinary athlete, maybe.

It would be nice for girls who didn’t have their athletic dreams mapped out in time for u12 to be able to play volleyball as a positive experience.



Girl Dad 2X here. I agree with this. Not sure if I'm going to put them threw this next year. At least I'll be better informed, they'll be better prepared, and we can manage expectations.

Its not true that U15 is a rare age for players to start playing club volleyball -- its actually the opposite. The two most popular ages to start are U15 and U13. U15 because its often the first time players are introduced to the game in HS. U15 tryouts are returning club players + new HS players, and are always the largest tryout group at established clubs.

Yes, it helps to be a good athlete and/or physically gifted, but it is not a requirement. Lots of players without club experience make teams at U15 -- you just have to find the right club. You usually aren't going to make a 1s team at a good club where everyone has 3-4 years club experience and lots of physical/athletic ability, especially if you only have one season of JV volleyball. But you can make a 2s or 3s team at many different clubs in the area.

The key is to show that you can improve quickly during the pre-tryout clinics. If a coach is watching you and sees you get better when you are exposed to club-level volleyball, they'll usually make a note of it and sometimes come talk to you about it. Its very common for coaches to ask how long you've played, and if the answer is 3 months and you are already able to play close to a club level, coaches will notice. Players don't make club teams just on current ability -- they also make club teams on potential growth ability. Its where you'll be at the end of the season that matters the most.

On the other hand, if your DD played an entire season of JV volleyball and still can't consistently serve/pass/hit/set, then you will struggle to make a club team. If2+ months of 5 days a week practices didn't develop the ability to do any of the fundamentals, then its very doubtful you can make a club team.

Nope. Uncommon. This is how clubs rake in so much $$ at tryouts. The math doesn’t work. All those hundreds of girls at tryouts for very few spots. Most of them have played before. Those are not all novices showing up at u15. It’s possible. Not likely. To the extent they make it, they knock out another girl who has been playing for longer.

New players knock out existing players at every age group—that’s one reason why you hear so many parents (on this board especially) complaining about loyalty. It’s much more common at U15 than other groups because the pool is so large.

It’s not as uncommon as you might think for hitters to come into club at U15 for the first time. It’s more rare for DS and genuinely rare for setters. So if your player is tall, can jump or has a good arm swing, it’s probably not a money grab to go to tryouts.

If you are the backup JV DS on a high school team where the varsity hasn’t won a game all season? You might want to consider if tryouts are worth it.

I think what also contributes to the loyalty issues with club volleyball is that it seems to be part of the business model for a vb club to hedge its bets by insinuating that returning players will be given offers and it’s just a formality that they must try out. Comments being made and pulling them aside at try outs or pre-season clinics by adults towards teens set them up for disappointment and hurt feelings when that same adult doesn’t follow through and an offer is not made. Adults should be adults. You cannot expect a teen to have the same maturity and thought process as an adult. When an adult says “I want you on my team” but then doesn’t make an offer, that’s wrong.

Many clubs do this. I don’t understand why and it’s wrong. Year after year I’ve tried to explain to my daughter that until an offer is in writing, no matter what is said, it is not an offer. Promises mean nothing to clubs.

[Anonymous]

[mastodon] is

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is very unusual for someone to start playing volleyball at the club level u15. If you’re 6’+, sure. If you’re a truly extraordinary athlete, maybe.

It would be nice for girls who didn’t have their athletic dreams mapped out in time for u12 to be able to play volleyball as a positive experience.



Girl Dad 2X here. I agree with this. Not sure if I'm going to put them threw this next year. At least I'll be better informed, they'll be better prepared, and we can manage expectations.

Its not true that U15 is a rare age for players to start playing club volleyball -- its actually the opposite. The two most popular ages to start are U15 and U13. U15 because its often the first time players are introduced to the game in HS. U15 tryouts are returning club players + new HS players, and are always the largest tryout group at established clubs.

Yes, it helps to be a good athlete and/or physically gifted, but it is not a requirement. Lots of players without club experience make teams at U15 -- you just have to find the right club. You usually aren't going to make a 1s team at a good club where everyone has 3-4 years club experience and lots of physical/athletic ability, especially if you only have one season of JV volleyball. But you can make a 2s or 3s team at many different clubs in the area.

The key is to show that you can improve quickly during the pre-tryout clinics. If a coach is watching you and sees you get better when you are exposed to club-level volleyball, they'll usually make a note of it and sometimes come talk to you about it. Its very common for coaches to ask how long you've played, and if the answer is 3 months and you are already able to play close to a club level, coaches will notice. Players don't make club teams just on current ability -- they also make club teams on potential growth ability. Its where you'll be at the end of the season that matters the most.

On the other hand, if your DD played an entire season of JV volleyball and still can't consistently serve/pass/hit/set, then you will struggle to make a club team. If2+ months of 5 days a week practices didn't develop the ability to do any of the fundamentals, then its very doubtful you can make a club team.

Nope. Uncommon. This is how clubs rake in so much $$ at tryouts. The math doesn’t work. All those hundreds of girls at tryouts for very few spots. Most of them have played before. Those are not all novices showing up at u15. It’s possible. Not likely. To the extent they make it, they knock out another girl who has been playing for longer.

New players knock out existing players at every age group—that’s one reason why you hear so many parents (on this board especially) complaining about loyalty. It’s much more common at U15 than other groups because the pool is so large.

It’s not as uncommon as you might think for hitters to come into club at U15 for the first time. It’s more rare for DS and genuinely rare for setters. So if your player is tall, can jump or has a good arm swing, it’s probably not a money grab to go to tryouts.

If you are the backup JV DS on a high school team where the varsity hasn’t won a game all season? You might want to consider if tryouts are worth it.

I think what also contributes to the loyalty issues with club volleyball is that it seems to be part of the business model for a vb club to hedge its bets by insinuating that returning players will be given offers and it’s just a formality that they must try out. Comments being made and pulling them aside at try outs or pre-season clinics by adults towards teens set them up for disappointment and hurt feelings when that same adult doesn’t follow through and an offer is not made. Adults should be adults. You cannot expect a teen to have the same maturity and thought process as an adult. When an adult says “I want you on my team” but then doesn’t make an offer, that’s wrong.

Many clubs do this. I don’t understand why and it’s wrong. Year after year I’ve tried to explain to my daughter that until an offer is in writing, no matter what is said, it is not an offer. Promises mean nothing to clubs.

Butt why is that

[Anonymous]

Just received word that NVVA is offering two U15 “club level” teams (Red and a new team White), which they claim to be part of their “Club” but the teams never leave the facility and both teams only have “tournaments” at their NVVA facility. How is that any different than a Rec league like Galaxy?

But this might fit the description of what some parents are looking for? No travel and less financial commitment with a higher level of play?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[mastodon] is

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is very unusual for someone to start playing volleyball at the club level u15. If you’re 6’+, sure. If you’re a truly extraordinary athlete, maybe.

It would be nice for girls who didn’t have their athletic dreams mapped out in time for u12 to be able to play volleyball as a positive experience.



Girl Dad 2X here. I agree with this. Not sure if I'm going to put them threw this next year. At least I'll be better informed, they'll be better prepared, and we can manage expectations.

Its not true that U15 is a rare age for players to start playing club volleyball -- its actually the opposite. The two most popular ages to start are U15 and U13. U15 because its often the first time players are introduced to the game in HS. U15 tryouts are returning club players + new HS players, and are always the largest tryout group at established clubs.

Yes, it helps to be a good athlete and/or physically gifted, but it is not a requirement. Lots of players without club experience make teams at U15 -- you just have to find the right club. You usually aren't going to make a 1s team at a good club where everyone has 3-4 years club experience and lots of physical/athletic ability, especially if you only have one season of JV volleyball. But you can make a 2s or 3s team at many different clubs in the area.

The key is to show that you can improve quickly during the pre-tryout clinics. If a coach is watching you and sees you get better when you are exposed to club-level volleyball, they'll usually make a note of it and sometimes come talk to you about it. Its very common for coaches to ask how long you've played, and if the answer is 3 months and you are already able to play close to a club level, coaches will notice. Players don't make club teams just on current ability -- they also make club teams on potential growth ability. Its where you'll be at the end of the season that matters the most.

On the other hand, if your DD played an entire season of JV volleyball and still can't consistently serve/pass/hit/set, then you will struggle to make a club team. If2+ months of 5 days a week practices didn't develop the ability to do any of the fundamentals, then its very doubtful you can make a club team.

Nope. Uncommon. This is how clubs rake in so much $$ at tryouts. The math doesn’t work. All those hundreds of girls at tryouts for very few spots. Most of them have played before. Those are not all novices showing up at u15. It’s possible. Not likely. To the extent they make it, they knock out another girl who has been playing for longer.

New players knock out existing players at every age group—that’s one reason why you hear so many parents (on this board especially) complaining about loyalty. It’s much more common at U15 than other groups because the pool is so large.

It’s not as uncommon as you might think for hitters to come into club at U15 for the first time. It’s more rare for DS and genuinely rare for setters. So if your player is tall, can jump or has a good arm swing, it’s probably not a money grab to go to tryouts.

If you are the backup JV DS on a high school team where the varsity hasn’t won a game all season? You might want to consider if tryouts are worth it.

I think what also contributes to the loyalty issues with club volleyball is that it seems to be part of the business model for a vb club to hedge its bets by insinuating that returning players will be given offers and it’s just a formality that they must try out. Comments being made and pulling them aside at try outs or pre-season clinics by adults towards teens set them up for disappointment and hurt feelings when that same adult doesn’t follow through and an offer is not made. Adults should be adults. You cannot expect a teen to have the same maturity and thought process as an adult. When an adult says “I want you on my team” but then doesn’t make an offer, that’s wrong.

Many clubs do this. I don’t understand why and it’s wrong. Year after year I’ve tried to explain to my daughter that until an offer is in writing, no matter what is said, it is not an offer. Promises mean nothing to clubs.

Butt why is that

Why is what? That adult men and women lead teenagers on? You tell me. The adults are the coaches. What they should say is: “I cannot promise any offer and an offer isn’t an offer until you receive an email. Good luck.” That’s it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just received word that NVVA is offering two U15 “club level” teams (Red and a new team White), which they claim to be part of their “Club” but the teams never leave the facility and both teams only have “tournaments” at their NVVA facility. How is that any different than a Rec league like Galaxy?

But this might fit the description of what some parents are looking for? No travel and less financial commitment with a higher level of play?

My daughter will play for NVVA on a different team and we looked into these, if they ended up being what they offered. They seem similar to Galaxy. The only difference is that you are with the same team for the entire season and there is one additional tournament.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just received word that NVVA is offering two U15 “club level” teams (Red and a new team White), which they claim to be part of their “Club” but the teams never leave the facility and both teams only have “tournaments” at their NVVA facility. How is that any different than a Rec league like Galaxy?

But this might fit the description of what some parents are looking for? No travel and less financial commitment with a higher level of play?

Would love this happy compromise ^^
With siblings and a tight budget, I can't afford pricey clubs nor drive (or fly) everywhere and juggle my other kids' activities.

So is NVAA casting a wider net? Will there be more invites? We didn't hear from them so I assume we weren't offered a spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[mastodon] is

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It is very unusual for someone to start playing volleyball at the club level u15. If you’re 6’+, sure. If you’re a truly extraordinary athlete, maybe.

It would be nice for girls who didn’t have their athletic dreams mapped out in time for u12 to be able to play volleyball as a positive experience.



Girl Dad 2X here. I agree with this. Not sure if I'm going to put them threw this next year. At least I'll be better informed, they'll be better prepared, and we can manage expectations.

Its not true that U15 is a rare age for players to start playing club volleyball -- its actually the opposite. The two most popular ages to start are U15 and U13. U15 because its often the first time players are introduced to the game in HS. U15 tryouts are returning club players + new HS players, and are always the largest tryout group at established clubs.

Yes, it helps to be a good athlete and/or physically gifted, but it is not a requirement. Lots of players without club experience make teams at U15 -- you just have to find the right club. You usually aren't going to make a 1s team at a good club where everyone has 3-4 years club experience and lots of physical/athletic ability, especially if you only have one season of JV volleyball. But you can make a 2s or 3s team at many different clubs in the area.

The key is to show that you can improve quickly during the pre-tryout clinics. If a coach is watching you and sees you get better when you are exposed to club-level volleyball, they'll usually make a note of it and sometimes come talk to you about it. Its very common for coaches to ask how long you've played, and if the answer is 3 months and you are already able to play close to a club level, coaches will notice. Players don't make club teams just on current ability -- they also make club teams on potential growth ability. Its where you'll be at the end of the season that matters the most.

On the other hand, if your DD played an entire season of JV volleyball and still can't consistently serve/pass/hit/set, then you will struggle to make a club team. If2+ months of 5 days a week practices didn't develop the ability to do any of the fundamentals, then its very doubtful you can make a club team.

Nope. Uncommon. This is how clubs rake in so much $$ at tryouts. The math doesn’t work. All those hundreds of girls at tryouts for very few spots. Most of them have played before. Those are not all novices showing up at u15. It’s possible. Not likely. To the extent they make it, they knock out another girl who has been playing for longer.

New players knock out existing players at every age group—that’s one reason why you hear so many parents (on this board especially) complaining about loyalty. It’s much more common at U15 than other groups because the pool is so large.

It’s not as uncommon as you might think for hitters to come into club at U15 for the first time. It’s more rare for DS and genuinely rare for setters. So if your player is tall, can jump or has a good arm swing, it’s probably not a money grab to go to tryouts.

If you are the backup JV DS on a high school team where the varsity hasn’t won a game all season? You might want to consider if tryouts are worth it.

I think what also contributes to the loyalty issues with club volleyball is that it seems to be part of the business model for a vb club to hedge its bets by insinuating that returning players will be given offers and it’s just a formality that they must try out. Comments being made and pulling them aside at try outs or pre-season clinics by adults towards teens set them up for disappointment and hurt feelings when that same adult doesn’t follow through and an offer is not made. Adults should be adults. You cannot expect a teen to have the same maturity and thought process as an adult. When an adult says “I want you on my team” but then doesn’t make an offer, that’s wrong.

Many clubs do this. I don’t understand why and it’s wrong. Year after year I’ve tried to explain to my daughter that until an offer is in writing, no matter what is said, it is not an offer. Promises mean nothing to clubs.

Butt why is that

Why is what? That adult men and women lead teenagers on? You tell me. The adults are the coaches. What they should say is: “I cannot promise any offer and an offer isn’t an offer until you receive an email. Good luck.” That’s it.

In fairness, some coaches speak this carefully and are clear that no offer is guaranteed. But it seems that’s a small minority of coaches.

We’ve encountered some making offers before tryouts (red flag!), and pressuring children to go back on acceptances to other clubs and take theirs instead (even bigger red flag!)

[Anonymous]

i have seen moco pull girls out mid-tryout to tell them they’ve got an offer before first tryout session half way done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate to say it, but if more parents + girls understood what they were getting into, there would probably be far fewer at tryouts.
if you make a team: the amount of time spent at tournaments (all day!), the number of tournaments (most week ends!) the cost of hotels + travel. Costs go far beyond club fees.

THIS. It is easily $10,000+, for just all the costs of a mid-low level regional team. People have NO idea.

Wait, how in the world you you guys figure that? We are going to pay $3,000 for DD's club fees (including uniforms, coach travel, and general fees). There will be 2 overnight tournaments involving hotels (1 is "stay to play" rooms are under $200; other we do Airbnb for under $100), and sure food, gas, maybe another hotel for a 2 day tournament if we don't feel like driving an hour each way twice... but even assuming $4,000 for all of that, where in the world are you saying another $6,000 comes in? And this is for one U14 club team, and another DD in U16 (maybe $500 more expensive than U14 for us). And this is a high demand club. Where are you saying the other $6,000 is we'll have to pay?

[Anonymous]

Copied from a post in another site:

“Somebody once said "Whatever your club fees are, double them for your travel expenses." For us, $3,400 fees = $6,800 travel expenses = $10,200/yr

2-3 lessons/week * 46 weeks/year @ $50/lesson = $5,750

Personal Trainer 38 weeks/year @ $35/session x 2/week = $2,660

3-4 Camps/Summer (including travel) = $3,400

Equipment, Shoes, etc. $400/year

Total: $22,410/year for national/open level team, Power5/D1 aspirations

[Anonymous]

For us, the travel costs go way up when there are flights involved and multiple family members go.

Flights, rental car, some big team activity or sightseeing, eating out and convention center prices, etc.

Then there’s the 3 pairs of shoe per season, PT, injuries, strength training, the knee pads, the hoodies and tournament gear that signals to others where they are in the pecking order, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Copied from a post in another site:

“Somebody once said "Whatever your club fees are, double them for your travel expenses." For us, $3,400 fees = $6,800 travel expenses = $10,200/yr

2-3 lessons/week * 46 weeks/year @ $50/lesson = $5,750

Personal Trainer 38 weeks/year @ $35/session x 2/week = $2,660

3-4 Camps/Summer (including travel) = $3,400

Equipment, Shoes, etc. $400/year

Total: $22,410/year for national/open level team, Power5/D1 aspirations

This must be for a high level. We are paying a little over 3k. There will be 4 hotel tournaments we can drive to, 2-3 hours away. No personal training or extra lessons happening. I don’t think we will come close to 10k. It’s the first year in club so I’m naive, what equipment is needed besides shoes? The uniform was included.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Money grab. That place was an absolute zoo this weekend both days of tryouts. 3 courts FULL of girls. It’s probably for the hefty tryout fee.

Mojo is advertising the tryout as free.

Is it not really free? If you show up to try out for Mojo, what do they start charging you for?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aftermath thoughts:

1. Its basically pay to play.
2. Its better to start young to develop skills early. Start at 12 years old if your child is interested
3. Tryouts are not truly open, girls are preselected. Its a joke to have 100 girls on a court at a time for evaluation.
4. There are not enough teams in the DMV area. Specifically DC. VB needs a Rec component here.
5. Height plays a huge factor and since the average height is 5'3 or 5'4. Libero will be the toughest position to compete for.
6. Height and athletic potential outweigh playing experience. I.E. they'll take someone that is 6'2 before someone that understands rules, rotations, and fundamentals.
7. CHRVA needs revamping or create a new organization for the DMV area.
8. It's very expensive to play club.

I think that about covers it from my perspective.

Agree with all you said EXCEPT the bolded. Maybe there is a club or 2 that have pre-selected their rosters. But we have 2 DDs, this is the 2nd year for each of them playing (now playing U15 & U16), and for the 2nd year in a row they each got offers at clubs they'd never played for before, and different clubs from each other (thank goodness both of us parents can transport to different practices/tournaments if necessary). Main point being, for 2nd year in a row they each got an offer from a club that had NEVER seen them before. 4 different teams over the 2 yrs between them, and all of them saw our DD's for the 1st time at tryouts.

So everyone saying the teams are preselected, if they're preselected why are so many players who tried out for their same teams again now "team-less" because they didn't get any offers, including from their team from last year? Why are my 2 DD's getting offers from clubs who never knew they existed before tryouts this year? Maybe a team or a few preselect, or preselect a few players, but NO, most of the teams really are seeing girls for the first time at tryouts. And they've done the best they can to really notice them, and move them from court to court as they see playing they like/are looking for.

Do some good and some really good players fall through the cracks of being noticed? Absolutely, we know a couple, and that absolutely sucks. But the teams who didn't take them still took other players we know for the 1st time.