I want my kid to be on the best team. How can I help them do that?

First, let’s rephrase the question, “I want my kid to be on the best team for them.” This is an important distinction because as a young athlete this is a time for your child to gain significant knowledge about what it takes to be a great player and fall in love with the sport.  Making any club team means that your child will have the opportunity to get lots and lots of volleyball touches and develop teamwork and leadership skills. These things are not limited to the top team and tryouts are just the starting point for every player.

I’ve never been a part of club volleyball and don’t know what to expect.

It can be very overwhelming heading into something new with your child. If you aren’t sure about the time commitment you and possibly your significant other can give, check out this FAQ link and this link to learn about different team levels.  Keep in mind that Silver State Volleyball Club does make an effort to help parents set up carpools with other parents on the same team or with similar schedules.

It's the night before tryouts and I’m making dinner, is there something specific I can make to help my kid(s) perform well at tryouts the next day?

Yes! Check out this article written by RDN Shavawn Forester about nutrition and hydration the 24-hours leading up to tryouts, includes quick and easy recipes.

Check-in/Registration opens an hour before tryouts, what time should we show up?

Show up closer to the beginning of check-in than to the end. Your kid(s) are going to be nervous and high strung today so do what you can not to add extra stress on either of you.  After you go through registration, the extra time will give your kid(s) a chance to try on uniforms, warm up, and play around a little. That way they can get their willies out before tryouts start.

Should I stay and watch tryouts?

If you want to stay then why not? I would suggest keeping it casual, chatting with other parents, club admin and coaches. You don’t need to be a hawk making sure you can find your kid(s) every minute, even bring a book or something to read to make it come off like you aren’t always watching. This might help your player stay calm too, be there for them but act like you aren’t there just for them. 

On the other hand if your kid(s) say they don’t want you there then accept that too, let them have this day, you can even come back early and watch a little that way they win and you win.

The car ride home after tryouts

Show that you are open to the conversation, but let them bring up how they played. If they feel like talking about their play, then they will. You can bring up the tryout drills or other girls you know even chats you had with other parents and club people. But if you push it and they don’t want to talk or are upset, just keep it light, my dad’s favorite joke was, “well collegiate bowling is always a good option.”

Most importantly of all

Enjoy the moment, along with walking and talking this is a rite of passage for you and no matter what happens at tryouts there will be growth for you and your child. 

Good luck to you both.