From the article: Sports Profile: Youth Volleyball
When your child starts playing a new sport, you both have a lot to learn. As a volleyball mom (or dad), what have you discovered about helping your child succeed, and have fun? What advice would you give to parents of new players? Share your tips on post-game snacks, morale-boosting pep talks, or dealing with difficult teammates or coaches. What do you love—or hate—most about being a volleyball mom? Share Your Tip
Volleyball is Like High School Sports
- My daughter played volleyball on the varsity team for her high school and it wasn't much different than her basketball team. I found in our area that the sport wasn't as popular as basketball because it was played in the fall when many were playing soccer. But it was competitive and you need to have athletic ability to play.
- —Guest Libby
Living the Volleyball Life
- My daughter started playing volleyball in elementary school, and now plays year round for high school, travel club and beach league. Volleyball can be a very consuming sport if you want to be successful. In our area, you won't make the team school unless you play competitively with a travel club, which requires 3x week practice, 2x week conditioning, and travel to tournaments 2x month in season. But it's a very fun and exciting team sport. It's addicting to watch. "Real" volleyball - with assigned positions, plays and game strategy is so different from the casual game you might remember. It's important to learn the intricacies of the game to understand what's going on (what is a libero? what are the ref calls? Check out About.com Volleyball for lots of info.) It can be a very consuming sport, and as a parent I am constantly checking to be sure my daughter still LOVES playing. We really try to enforce balance in her life because she is so passionate.
- —Guest Paula
