I want to get to the next level!

Question
Hi Tom, I feel like I'm in a volleyball rut.  I am a decent player and I just want to hit that next level.  It's kind of hard because there aren't very many good open-gyms around here and I'm usually one of the best players on the court.  

I want to improve all around, whether it be passing, hitting, blocking, setting etc.  Are there things I can do on the court that can help me become a better player regardless of the skill?

Answer
Good morning Steven and welcome to www.allexperts.com.

If you sent this email to 10 coaches you'd probably get 10 different responses.  I've been thinking about what you said for a few hours.  Here is my opinion!  :)  

a) As a player, one way to get out of the rut is to hear/experience a new challenge, some new coaching, etc.  Are you playing on a club team?  Is boys club vball available in your area?  If so, then get on it!  

b) In probably 95% of the USA, the opportunity for boys to play vball is very limited.  But, you can't use that as an excuse.  Go out and find it!  Are there men in your area who play?  If you say no, are you 100% sure? Keep asking.  Maybe you can attend some of the girls' open gyms.  As long as you're there to play and not flirt, they will probably accept you gladly.  But, with both adults and girls, don't attend an activity that's a waste of your time.  You don't sound that desperate.  

c) Find someone to give you some lessons.  Here in Roanoke, I coordinate lessons for girls, boys, and even adults.  We give them nearly every Sat & Sun night.  That will give you the opportunity for your skills to be seen, to be tweaked, etc.  Some of my clients come to me every week for years.  Some come once and never come back.  huh.  You may want to try it out.  

d) Keep on the lookout for camps/clinics.  If you're a high school boy, keep in touch with the neighboring schools to see what clinics they are having.  Most high schools allow kids from other schools to attend their camps/clinics; especially, if your school isn't in the same conference.   To see where STAR site camps will be this summer, please check www.coachhouser.com occasionally.  The hosts usually don't mind if boys attend our camps.  

e) You mentioned open gyms. See if the high schools in your area are having some, then see if they will allow you to come.  If you know some girls on the teams, they can probably convince the coach to at least give you a "try out".  haha  

In my opinion, the best way to get out of the rut is to "get a breath of fresh air".  And if you're just hanging out with the same old people, doing the same old drills, restricting yourself to the same old activities, then yes that will create "the rut" feeling.  :)  

If we can do anything else for you, please contact us again.  Feel free to email me at [email protected].  And I hope you have time to visit www.coachhouser.com!  I think you'll really like what we have to offer players, coaches and parents!  

Have a great day!  Snowy here in Roanoke.  I'm a high school teacher, and school has been canceled!  
Coach Houser