How to Become the Most Valuable Player on the Volleyball Court

Part of what makes sports great is that feeling of being part of a team, the sense of accomplishment one gets from doing their part. Like any team sport, the success or failure of a volleyball team relies on the performance of each individual. You can become a vital part of your team and assist them in great success; all it takes is desire and the right preparation.

At volleyball practice coaches have their players focus on volleyball drills, technique and game situations to prepare them for a game. This is obviously a huge part of what every volleyball player needs to know. However, the difference between a good volleyball player and a great volleyball player is the amount of time they spend training their bodies for the game of volleyball. In order to excel at the sport of volleyball, a player needs to develop certain athletic abilities not just master a few volleyball drills. They need to have a good vertical jump, they need explosive arm power and swing speed, they need quickness, flexibility and fast reaction time and they need balance. Unfortunately these aspects of volleyball training are overlooked a majority of the time.

Understanding the need for volleyball specific athletic traits is the first step. Think about the different positions and game situations that a volleyball player faces. They need to travel very short distances quickly to get to a ball; this requires quickness and reaction. They need to jump high at the net to block a ball; this requires spring-like power in the legs. A volleyball player needs to spike and serve the ball; this requires explosive arm power. They need to dig for the ball; this requires flexibility. Of course, like any other athlete, volleyball players also need a strong core and balance to provide them with power and keep them stable during play. Drills alone cannot provide these strengths. A player who trains to improve these abilities will be the most valuable player on the court every time.

Strength training for volleyball is not about lifting tons of weight while lying or sitting down.

Instead, creating workouts that mimic the movements a volleyball player makes on the court and adding flexible resistance and balance challenges into those moves great results are ensured. Another great thing about this type of training is that the athletes actually look forward to it unlike ‘hitting the weights’ or running. This makes it all that much more rewarding.

It is not enough for a volleyball player to know how to play the game. It is safe to assume that every player on the court knows how to play and what is expected of him or her. To be the player that stands out it is necessary to not only know the game but to be prepared physically for its demands. This is where functional training comes into play.