Measuring Jumps

Question
QUESTION: My son just had his jumps measured.  How can we tell if he is Division 1 or 2 material based on his results?  We have no idea if his measurements are in the ballpark...

ANSWER: Terri,

Only the most elite athlete will have a chance to play men's DI.  I'm not sure of the exact number of schools that offer volleyball at the DI level but my guess is that it is in the twenties.  So your son either has to be very tall or have a great leaping ability.  At the very least he should be able to dunk a basketball (that would be about 10' 6".  For DII it would depend on the school and the money they have to offer, but most school will still look for a 10' plus touch.  

Schools also look for quickness in a libero or a DS and if he is a great passer the vertical may come down a little because a coach may need passing a little more in a certain year.

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Steve for the quick response.....I assume a "10' plus touch" means his approach jump as well as his block jump?  His vertical was 29".  Is that in the ballpark?  He is 6'2".  Also, we have sent a tape of his play (edited by Mom...includes his serves, blocks, kills, passing) to some Div 1 and 2 schoools....response has been so, so. (We sent in the middle of the season....bad timing!)  I am wondering if "Mom's" video was ok to send or do people do more?

Answer
Terri,

A so so response is better than a no no response....so that is good.  When I look at tape I would rather see an unedited tape for a number of reasons.  I don't want to see an "all-star" tape because he may have had 10 great kills in 50 swings.  I also want to see what the player does AFTER they make a mistake.  Does the player still swing hard or do they start tipping.  After a bad pass do they nail the next one or does he have a confidence problem.  So the next tape you send send a skills portion and his best game unedited.

I coach women so it is hard for me to say if 6'2" with a 29" vertical is what a coach is looking for.  Each program is different.  Some want power, others speed and most both.  Keep on sending tapes, and send them to everyone.  The more schools that get a tape the better your chances.

If you have a 6"2" daughter with a 29" vertical PLEASE call me.

Steve