The quick nine-week Fall Ball season is an exciting time for young athletes and parents alike! It’s a unique opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills, enjoy the sport in a fun, supportive environment, and prepare for future volleyball opportunities. Whether your child is new to the game or has been playing for years, Fall Ball can be a stepping stone toward both personal growth and team success. As a parent, you play a key role in making this season a rewarding one. Here are some tips for volleyball parents to help your athlete get the most out of their Fall Ball experience—while keeping the fun alive!

1. The Importance of Fall Ball

Fall Ball is more than just another season; it’s the perfect time to focus on the fundamentals. Without the pressure of major tournaments, athletes have the chance to develop new skills, strengthen their technique, and build confidence on the court. Fall Ball lays the groundwork for future seasons, giving your child a chance to focus on growth in a relaxed environment.

At this stage, winning isn’t everything—so it’s a fantastic time for young players to take risks, try new positions, and refine their abilities without fear of making mistakes.

2. Supporting Skill Development at Home

You don’t need to be a volleyball expert to support your child’s skill development! Here are a few ways to help them improve during the season:

• Encourage Practice at Home: Simple drills like practicing serves or setting up a net in the backyard can help your child stay engaged outside of practice. We’ve assembled a video archive of drills players can practice at home here!
• Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Fall Ball is about learning, so focus on the small wins! Celebrate when your child masters a new skill or shows improvement in their technique.
• Stay Positive: Encourage a positive mindset by talking about what your child enjoys most about the game and how much they’ve improved since the start of the season.

Your support and enthusiasm can make a big difference in your child’s motivation and overall experience.

3. Balancing Fun and Progress

While it’s important for your child to work on their volleyball skills, Fall Ball should also be a time of enjoyment and team bonding. Striking a balance between progress and fun will keep your child excited about coming to practice and games each week.

• Make it About More Than Just Volleyball: Encourage your child to focus on friendships, teamwork, and personal growth. By taking the emphasis off the scoreboard, you allow them to enjoy the game more fully.
• Celebrate Team Milestones: Whether it’s a great rally during a game or a fun team outing, highlight the moments that strengthen team unity.

As a parent, you can help keep things light by emphasizing enjoyment and making sure your athlete feels good about their efforts, win or lose.

4. Building Strong Team Bonds

Fall Ball is a great time to focus on teamwork and building lasting relationships with teammates. Strong team bonds not only make volleyball more enjoyable but also enhance performance on the court.

• Encourage Good Sportsmanship: Teaching your child to respect their teammates and opponents fosters a positive atmosphere and a healthy competitive spirit.
• Get Involved: Support team events, whether it’s a post-game outing or a special team bonding event. Showing up for your child’s team builds a sense of community and strengthens the connection among players and parents alike.

Building these bonds now will help prepare your child for future seasons, where teamwork will play a big role in their success.

5. Looking Ahead to Tryouts

While Fall Ball is all about fun and learning, it’s also a great opportunity to start thinking about what’s next. As the season progresses, you may begin to notice how your child is improving and where they might fit best in the upcoming year. Whether it’s joining a Local or Travel team, Fall Ball is the perfect time to evaluate where they are and set goals for the future.

• Local Teams: If your child enjoys volleyball but prefers a more laid-back atmosphere, the Local program might be the best fit. It focuses on fundamentals, team camaraderie, and skill-building without the higher commitment levels of Travel teams.
• Travel Teams: For athletes looking for more challenging play and a higher commitment level, the Travel program is an excellent option. These teams are focused on advanced skill development, providing an exciting environment for players looking to push themselves.

Mark Your Calendar! Tryouts for 10-14U Travel Teams are coming up on September 28-29 (RSVP required here). Take a look at our 2025 Program details, meet the coaches, and get ready to take that next step in your child’s volleyball journey!

Final Thoughts

Fall Ball is a fantastic time for your child to grow as an athlete, make new friends, and have fun on the court. As a parent, you play a key role in making this season enjoyable and beneficial for them. By supporting their skill development, keeping the focus on fun, and building strong team relationships, you’ll help your athlete get the most out of this experience.

And as you enjoy the season, keep an eye on their progress and start thinking about the future—whether it’s joining the Local program or stepping up to the Travel team, we’re here to help your child thrive!

Interested in upcoming tryouts?
Check out our Travel Tryout Details for more information or reach out with any questions! Let’s make this Fall Ball season a great one!