A Field Guide to Recruiting Volleyball Players by T. Pettit

We have been fortunate to have a string of players able to play college volleyball.  More are in the pipeline. I have kept this and reread it many times since this summer when I found it in a volleyball coaching magazine I read.  It is written from a coach to coaches.  Keep that in mind as you read.  I will put a couple of these up every few days.  Enjoy.  

1.  Does the player have size?  Size is talent.  Most young women have reached their adult height by the end of their sophomore year.  Size is better than vertical jump because size does not tire with repetitions.  In women's volleyball, size can be subbed out when it becomes a vulnerability.  In women's volleyball, everything can be subbed out when it becomes a vulnerability.  ​

2.  Does the player have a solid shoulder rotation with arm-speed?  In high school volleyball, this may even be more important than size.  Do not believe that you can develop great arm-speed if a player does not already have it after reaching puberty.  A player is more likely to develop wings than a shoulder rotation after their junior year of high school.  

3.  Does the player have a part time job?  One of the greatest predictors of leadership potential is a job before puberty.  A job teaches responsibility, a work ethic, showing up and being on time.  If the potential recruit hasn't had a job, you will be responsible for trying to teach them these things.  Good luck.  

4.  How does the player interact with her parents, especially in your presence?  No respect; keep moving.