From High School Hopeful to Pro Volleyball Player: Your Journey Begins Here 🚀

From High School Hopeful to Pro Volleyball Player: Your Journey Begins Here 🚀

Matt Nikishin

Matt Nikishin

•

6th August, 2025

1. Master the Fundamentals Inside & Out

Top-level players excel at the basics—and so should you. Every rep counts.

  • Serving: Start with a reliable jump float or jump topspin serve. Perfect ball toss, consistent contact point, and follow-through matter.
  • Passing: Drill platform angle control and footwork until they’re automatic. A great pass can turn a good teammate into a pro-caliber setter.
  • Setting & Hitting: Learn to set from anywhere even in a pinch and develop a varied hitting arsenal with line shots, roll shots, and power attacks.
  • Defense: Master defensive reads, fearless dives, and fast recoveries. A relentless defender earns trust and playing time.

Daily Drills You Can Start Today:

  • Wall passes: 100 reps/day (forearm and overhead)
  • Serving targets: Hit 10 consistent zones (1, 5, etc.)
  • Agility work: Ladder drills and plyometrics three times a week

✅ Bonus Tip: Track your accuracy—serve success % and clean pass rate—to measure progress over weeks.

2. Build Pro-Level Athleticism

A group of male volleyball players celebrates enthusiastically on the court, wearing Lexington jerseys. They appear joyful and energetic, with one player's fist raised in the background.

Physical strength and mobility are non-negotiable at higher levels.

  • Vertical Jump: One-liner: squat jumps and box jumps build takeoff power.
  • Explosive Strength: Lunges and Bulgarian split squats develop unilateral power for hitting and landing stability.
  • Core Work: Planks, Russian twists, and med-ball slams support hitting power and injury prevention.
  • Shoulder & Rotator Care: Daily band work (external rotations, T/Y/w) protects your arm from fatigue.

Weekly Routine Blueprint:

  • 3–4 sessions of strength training
  • 2 days of agility/cardio drills
  • 1–2 rest or active recovery days

âś… Bonus Tip: Test your vertical jump and core hold times monthly to track gains and adjust training.

3. Learn Volleyball Like a Coach

A girls' volleyball match in progress, with a player in a purple jersey preparing to hit the ball. Teammates and opponents are actively watching and positioned on the court. Spectators are seated on blue bleachers in the background.

Understanding strategy is what makes an average player extraordinary.

  • Study Pro Matches: Pay attention to setter decisions in the Volleyball Nations League—why a ball goes to outside vs. middle.
  • Ask Questions: “Why did the setter choose this option?” “How did they beat the block?”
  • Know Every Position: Whether you set, hit, or pass, versatile players are in demand.

✅ Bonus Tip: Pause match video when your team is on defense—notice how blockers adjust and how digs shift—then replay with your observations.

4. Develop a Pro-Level Mental Game

Five volleyball players in black uniforms celebrating on the court with fists raised, showing enthusiasm and unity.

Skill alone isn’t enough. Mindset sets pros apart.

  • Resilience: Embrace mistakes as lessons. Bounce back fast and show consistent effort.
  • Work Ethic: Be the first one on the court and the last one off. Train even on off-days.
  • Leadership: Encourage teammates and set a positive tone—even during losses. High-energy presence speaks volumes.

âś… Bonus Tip: Keep a training mindset journal: note daily wins, setbacks, and how you responded.

5. Get Exposure & Opportunities to Shine

A volleyball player in a black uniform is joyfully tossed into the air by a crowd after a game, with photographers capturing the moment.

Talent matters but visibility makes it happen.

  • Join a Strong Club: Play high-level, year-round volleyball—not just school ball.
  • Attend Camps & Tryouts: College ID camps and national team tryouts showcase your skill directly to scouts.
  • Record & Share: Create highlight reels and full-match clips. Start contacting college and pro coaches by sophomore year.
  • Network Actively: Reach out to coaches with a short but professional introduction and your best video.

âś… Bonus Tip: Upload your top deuce or play-of-the-day clip with a voice note explaining your role and what coaches should notice.

📝 Sample Weekly Training Schedule

  • Monday: Strength training + passing drills
  • Tuesday: Team practice + serving & core work
  • Wednesday: Plyometrics + agility + scrimmage
  • Thursday: Skill refinement + positional drills
  • Friday: Light practice + film study
  • Saturday: Match or tournament performance
  • Sunday: Active recovery (stretching, mobility)

âś… What You Should Do Next

  • Choose and start one daily fundamental drill this week.
  • Add two athletic sessions next week (strength or jump).
  • Begin scrimmaging with intentional communication (“Mine!” “Help!”).
  • Schedule a video strategy session with a coach or mentor.

Watch This Inspirational Player From High School:

🎯 Want Coach Feedback Before You Step On Court?

Upload your training or match video to Rewind and get a FREE 15-minute video review tailored to high school athletes aiming for pro-level play. You'll get expert input on:

  • Position-specific techniques
  • Movement quality and jump mechanics
  • Communication and leadership presence
  • Pro-level drills relevant to your goals

📥 Claim your free review here: 👉 https://www.tryrewind.co/
📸 Kickstart your pro journey today—show the world you're ready.

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