Volleyball Pre-game Preparation Tips
Participating in a volleyball game can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether a seasoned player or a beginner, proper preparation is essential to perform at your best and make the most of this exciting opportunity. This blog will explore a comprehensive guide to preparing for a game, focusing on physical training, mental preparation, teamwork, nutrition, and recovery from my experience playing at the highest international volleyball level (World League, Nations League European and World Championship). Following these tips and strategies can increase your chances of success and have the best game performance possible.
1. Volleyball Pre-game Physical Preparation
Physical training is essential to prepare for volleyball games properly and to develop the necessary attributes for the sport, such as strength, power, agility, and endurance.
Here are some key components and exercises that professionals do for practical volleyball physical training:
Cardiovascular Conditioning:
- Running: Incorporate aerobic exercises like running or jogging to improve endurance and stamina.
- Interval Training: Alternate between high-intensity sprints and periods of active rest to simulate the stop-and-start nature of the game.
Strength Training:
- Squats: Strengthen the lower body and core with squats, focusing on proper form and gradually increasing weight as you progress.
- Lunges: Work on lunges to target leg muscles and improve stability and balance.
- Deadlifts: Develop strength in the posterior chain to enhance jumping and hitting power.
- Bench Press: Strengthen the chest, shoulders, and arms to improve hitting and serving.
Plyometric Exercises:
- Box Jumps: Increase explosive power in the legs by performing box jumps.
- Depth Jumps: Step off a box and immediately jump vertically or horizontally upon landing to enhance reactive strength.
- Medicine Ball Throws: Incorporate various medicine ball exercises, such as overhead and rotational throws, to improve upper body power.
Agility and Speed Training:
- Ladder Drills: Use agility ladder drills to improve footwork, quickness, and lateral movement.
- Cone Drills: Set up cone drills for players to work on their change of direction and acceleration.
Core and Stability Exercises:
- Planks: Strengthen the core with planks, side planks, and variations to improve stability and balance.
- Stability Ball Exercises: Use stability balls for various exercises to target core muscles and improve balance.
Flexibility and Mobility:
- Stretching: Incorporate static and dynamic stretching routines to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
- Foam Rolling: Use foam rollers for self-myofascial release to alleviate muscle tightness and improve mobility.
Vertical Jump Training:
- Plyometric Box Jumps: Perform box jumps to increase vertical jumping ability.
- Jump Rope: Incorporate jump rope exercises to enhance foot speed and calf strength.
Recovery:
- Rest and Sleep: Allow sufficient rest between training sessions and ensure you get enough sleep for proper recovery and muscle repair.
Progress Gradually
Remember to progress gradually in your training and prioritize proper form and injury prevention. A well-rounded physical training program will help you become a stronger, faster, and more agile volleyball player, enhancing your overall performance on the court.
In most professional teams, they will do a minimum of 2 weight sessions a week before a game (in-season), usually on Monday and Thursday if the game is on Saturday. One fitness session will include heavier lifting. However, the second one is focused more on speed.
2. Pre-game Practice Schedule and drills
Volleyball drills are essential for developing and refining the skills required to excel at volleyball games. Most Professional teams have at least 7 pre-game volleyball practices, running various drills.
Here is a guide to some effective volleyball drills for various aspects of the game:
Warm-up:
- Rolling, mobility and running: Having a good 15-30 warmup is a must in today’s sports. Use a foam roller and elastics, do mobility and running exercises, and you will be well prepared for a 2-hour practice.
Serving And Receiving Drills:
- Target Serving: Set targets on the opposite court and have players aim to serve the ball in specific areas.
- Serving Relay: Divide the team into two groups. Each player serves, then quickly moves to the back of the line after their turn.
Pepper Drills:
- Passing in a group of three: Form groups of three players. Players pass the ball to each other, focusing on accuracy and control, setting spiking and digging the ball.
- Passing in pairs: Have a coach or another player hit controlled balls to the other player, encouraging proper passing techniques.
Hitting Drills:
- Hitting Lines: Set up hitting lines on both sides of the net and have setters deliver sets to hitters, working on different hitting techniques.
- Blocker vs. Hitter: Pair hitters and blockers against each other in a controlled one-on-one situation, simulating game-like scenarios. Put targets on the ground.
Setting Drills:
- High Ball Setting: Players work in pairs, with one player spiking and the other passing the ball above him/her and setting the high ball to the net back to the attacker.
- Setter-Target: Set up targets on the opposite side of the net and have setters work on placing their sets accurately.
Blocking Drills:
- Block Jump Technique: Focus on proper footwork and timing for effective blocking without the ball.
- Block and Defense: Combine blocking with defensive movements, teaching blockers to transition quickly after a block attempt. Run situations where a 2-man block or 3-man block can be setup.
Defensive Drills:
- Digging Lines and Diagonal: Create lines of players on both sides of the court and have coaches or players hit balls for the diggers to defend.
- Defense-to-Hit Transition: Work on transitioning from defense to hitting by quickly moving from a defensive position to an attacking position.
Team Drills:
- 6v6 Scrimmages: Play full-court games with six players on each side, implementing different offensive and defensive strategies.
- Game Situation Drills With Free Balls and High Balls: Simulate specific game scenarios, like being down by a few points or defending a set point, playing free ball and high ball situations.
Drills have to be adjusted based on the skill level of the players and adapted for different volleyball positions. The atmosphere has to be positive and encourage constructive feedback to help players improve. Consistent and purposeful practice is key to success in volleyball, so ensure you have a well-structured training program covering all aspects of the game.
If you are a player and don’t have the opportunity to practice as many times per week, try to do additional workouts at home.
3. Study your opponents
Studying your opponents in volleyball can significantly improve your team’s performance and increase your chances of winning matches in tournaments. Here are some strategies and steps to effectively study your volleyball opponents:
Watch & Scout Game Footage:
Obtain video footage of your opponents’ previous matches if possible. Analyze their playing style, formations, serving techniques, offensive and defensive strategies, and individual player tendencies. Pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses. Having a scout who is making the statistics can help immensely!
Identify Key Players:
Identify the key players on the opposing team who have the most significant impact on the game. Understand their attack directions, serve tendencies, reception efficiency etc. This information can help your team devise specific strategies to counter them effectively.
Analyze Serving Patterns:
Take note of the serving patterns used by your opponents. Are they favoring specific zones or players? Understanding their serving strategy can help your team better prepare for receiving serves.
Study Offensive Plays:
Analyze your opponents’ offensive plays and attacking patterns. Look for repetitive actions, hitter preferences, and setter tendencies in each rotation (how they play after 20 points when the game is on the line). This knowledge will allow your team to set up proper defensive and blocking formations.
Observe Defensive Strategies:
Pay attention to how your opponents set up their defense during various situations, such as receiving serves or facing specific offensive plays. Knowing their defensive strengths and weaknesses can help your team exploit vulnerabilities.
Identify Transition Opportunities:
Study how your opponents transition from defense to offense and vice versa. Recognizing the moments when they may be vulnerable can help your team take advantage and gain the upper hand.
Note Rotation and Substitution Patterns:
Pay attention to rotation patterns and substitution choices. Understand the roles of specific players in certain rotations to exploit any weak links or mismatches.
Take Notes and Share Insights:
As you study your opponents, take detailed notes and share insights with your team. Collaborate with coaches and teammates to develop effective strategies and game plans.
Practice Scrimmages:
Use the information gathered to simulate your opponents’ playing style during practice scrimmages. That will help your team adapt to countering their tactics and develop appropriate responses.
Stay Focused on Your Team’s Strengths:
While studying your opponents is crucial, stay focused on your team’s strengths and continue improving your skills and teamwork. Understanding your opponents is just one aspect of winning; executing your game plan is equally essential.
By studying your volleyball opponents thoroughly, you’ll be better prepared to face them during matches and have a higher chance of outmaneuvering and defeating them.
Most professional teams will have at least one video session about studying the opponent; every player gets their papers so they can properly prepare at home before a game. Video sessions are about an hour long.
4. Volleyball Pre-game nutrition
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for volleyball players to perform at their best and maintain optimal health. Here are some guidelines for volleyball nutrition and hydration and what I eat on a day-to-day basis:
Balanced Diet:
Include a variety of foods from all food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables.
- Carbohydrates: They provide the primary source of energy for volleyball players. Choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to sustain energy levels during training and matches.
- Proteins: Necessary for muscle repair and growth. Include lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, beans, and low-fat dairy products.
- Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to support overall health and joint function.
- Fruits and Vegetables: They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Aim to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables daily.
Timing of Meals:
- Breakfast:
- Pre-Game Lunch: Consume a balanced meal rich in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat about 3-4 hours before the game to ensure proper digestion.
- Pre-Match Snack: Give a light snack, such as a banana or an energy bar, about 30-60 minutes before the match to boost energy.
- Post-Game: After the game, consume a meal or snack that includes carbohydrates and protein to aid recovery.
Hydration:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day to maintain proper hydration levels.
- During Training and Matches: Hydrate before, during, and after training sessions and matches. Drink water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes to replenish sodium and potassium lost through sweat.
- Signs of Dehydration: Pay attention to signs of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness.
Snacking:
- Healthy Snacks: Keep nutritious snacks on hand for quick energy boosts during long tournaments or training sessions. Examples include granola bars, fruit, yogurt, and nuts.
Avoid Overeating:
- Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Overeating can lead to discomfort during training or matches.
Recovery Nutrition:
- After intense training or matches, focus on replenishing carbohydrates, proteins, and fluids to support muscle recovery.
Supplements:
- Most volleyball players can obtain all the necessary nutrients through a well-balanced diet. Consult with a sports dietitian before considering any supplements.
Alcohol and Caffeine:
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can impair performance and dehydration. Consume caffeine in moderation, as excessive intake can also lead to dehydration.
Always remember that individual nutritional needs may vary based on factors such as age, gender, body size, training intensity, and health status. For personalized nutrition advice, consider consulting with a registered dietitian or sports nutritionist who can create a tailored nutrition plan to optimize your volleyball performance and overall well-being.
5. Mental preparation
Mental preparation is a crucial aspect of volleyball that can significantly impact a player’s performance on the court and tournament. Here are some of my strategies for adequate mental preparation in volleyball:
Remember that mental preparation is an ongoing process and requires consistent practice. By incorporating these mental strategies into your volleyball training and competition routine, you can enhance your mental game, boost performance, and enjoy the sport to the fullest.
6. Recovery and rest
Recovery and rest are essential aspects of a volleyball player’s training routine. Proper recovery allows the body to repair and adapt to the physical demands of volleyball practices or games, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall performance. Here are some of my guidelines for volleyball recovery and rest:
Adequate Sleep:
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is crucial for muscle repair, hormone regulation, and mental well-being.
Post-Game/Match Nutrition:
Consume a balanced meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein within 30-60 minutes after training or a match. This helps replenish glycogen stores and supports muscle recovery.
Hydration:
Stay hydrated throughout the day, not just during training or matches. Proper hydration aids in recovery and helps prevent cramps and injuries.
Active Recovery:
Engage in light, low-impact activities on rest days, such as walking, swimming, or stretching. This helps improve blood circulation and reduce muscle stiffness.
Foam Rolling and Stretching:
Use foam rollers and perform stretching exercises regularly to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility.
Ice Baths or Cold Therapy:
Use ice baths or cold compresses on sore or tired muscles to reduce inflammation and promote recovery.
Massage Therapy:
Regular massages can help reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and aid in recovery.
Rest Days:
Schedule regular rest days in your training program to allow the body to recover fully. Avoid overtraining, as it can lead to decreased performance and increased risk of injuries.
Listen to Your Body:
Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your training intensity and volume accordingly. If you’re feeling fatigued or experiencing pain, give yourself extra rest or consult with a healthcare professional.
Mental Rest:
In addition to physical rest, allow time for mental relaxation and stress reduction. Engage in activities you enjoy outside of volleyball to recharge mentally.
Recovery Between Volleyball Games/Tournament:
During multi-day tournaments or competitions, prioritize recovery between matches. Use ice, compression garments, and proper nutrition to aid in recovery.
Injury Management:
If you sustain an injury, seek medical attention and follow the prescribed rehabilitation program. Don’t rush back to full training until you’re fully recovered.
Recovery and rest are as crucial as training itself in improving performance and preventing injuries. A well-balanced approach that includes proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and recovery strategies will help you stay at the top of your game and enjoy volleyball to the fullest.
Conclusion
Preparing for a volleyball game requires dedication, discipline, and commitment. Following the tips and strategies outlined in this article can significantly improve your physical and mental performance. Remember that success in volleyball, like any sport, is a continuous improvement journey; the lessons learned from preparing for this tournament will undoubtedly contribute to your growth as an athlete and individual. So, train hard, stay focused, and enjoy the thrill of competing on the volleyball court! Share your thoughts. Do you have any game preparation tips that I didn’t Include?
