What to Expect at Club Volleyball Tryouts (And How She Can Prepare)
Tryout day causes more nerves — for the girl and the parent — than almost anything else in club volleyball. Most of that anxiety comes from not knowing what’s actually going to happen. Here’s a clear walkthrough.
What actually happens at tryouts. Tryouts are usually a single evening, one to two hours, held at the club’s regular practice facility. Coaches run players through a warm-up, then a series of skill stations — passing, setting, hitting, serving — followed by controlled scrimmage play. Coaches are watching fundamentals, coachability, and how a player moves and communicates, not just raw power. At Team Illinois Volleyball, tryouts are held at the Wood Dale Park District. There’s a one-time $25 tryout fee, and the format is straightforward: come dressed and ready to play.
What coaches are actually looking for. It’s not just who hits the hardest. Coaches are watching for fundamentals — can she pass a serve to a target, set with consistent hands, approach and hit with proper footwork. Coachability — does she take a correction and apply it on the next rep. Communication on the court — calling the ball, talking to teammates. And attitude between reps — how she handles a missed serve or a bad pass says a lot about how she’ll handle a tough set in December.
How she can prepare in the weeks before. Get touches on the ball regularly — passing and setting reps against a wall or with a partner, even 15 minutes a day, sharpens timing fast. Work on serving consistency over serving power. Show up rested — sleep the two nights before matters more than any last-minute drill. And bring the right gear: knee pads, indoor court shoes, a water bottle, and comfortable athletic clothes.
What to expect after tryouts. Most clubs communicate results within a few days, by email or phone call, not posted on a wall. A club that communicates results privately and personally — win or not — is showing you how it treats families all season.
The nerves are normal — and okay. Almost every girl walking into tryouts is nervous, including the ones who make it look easy. The goal isn’t a perfect tryout — it’s showing up, competing, and letting her coachability and fundamentals speak for her.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do coaches look for at volleyball tryouts? Coaches primarily evaluate fundamentals (passing, setting, hitting, serving), coachability, on-court communication, and attitude — not just raw athleticism.
What should my daughter bring to volleyball tryouts? Knee pads, indoor court shoes, a water bottle, and comfortable athletic clothing. At Team Illinois Volleyball tryouts, players should come dressed and ready to play.
How much does it cost to try out for a volleyball club? Tryout fees vary by club, typically $25–$50. Team Illinois Volleyball’s tryout fee is $25, one time.
When will we hear tryout results? Most clubs, including TIV, communicate results privately within a few days rather than posting them publicly.
Tryouts for our 2026/27 season open this fall. Get on the list and you’ll be the first to know the date — before it’s announced anywhere else. Get Tryout Updates →
Want to walk into every club open house with the right questions? Download the free Club Volleyball Parent’s Checklist →
Team Illinois Volleyball · Where every girl matters — small club, big heart. · Wood Dale, IL · teamillinoisvbc.com
