How to Become a Professional Volleyball Player
Becoming a professional volleyball player is an unbelievable dream for many young athletes. Imagine traveling the world, getting paid to play the sport you love, and competing against the best in the game. While it’s a fantastic goal, turning pro requires serious dedication, a clear strategy, and years of hard work. If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way from a passionate amateur to a professional volleyball player.
1. Start Young and Build a Strong Foundation
The earlier you start honing your volleyball skills, the better. A plethora of professional players begin their athletic journeys in their early teens, sometimes even younger. However, volleyball doesn’t have to be the first sport you try. Numerous top athletes recommend starting with various sports during childhood. Multi-sport training develops well-rounded athletes and can prevent burnout.
Focus on fundamental skills early on
Mastering the basics—serving, setting, passing, and blocking—is crucial. Small-sided games like doubles help develop essential skills, such as reading the opponent and anticipating plays. The earlier you start practicing these moves, the more second nature they’ll feel as you advance in the game.
Get comfortable with competition
You should play a lot against strong competitors as a young player. Search for opportunities to compete in tournaments or high-level local games, where you’ll be constantly challenged to improve.
2. Join a Volleyball Club and Play in High School
Once you’ve mastered the basics and developed a passion for the game, it’s time to join a volleyball club. A competitive volleyball club is one of the most effective ways to develop your skills, as it provides access to top-tier coaching, regular tournaments, and exposure to college scouts.
Playing for your high school team is also crucial, and the combination of high school and club volleyball gives you year-round competition. High school seasons are typically shorter, so club volleyball fills the gap with more frequent practices, higher-level tournaments, and better competition.
Attend volleyball camps
Volleyball camps, mainly those run by college programs, are an excellent way to get noticed by scouts. Many future college and professional players are scouted at these camps.
Build relationships with coaches
Building strong relationships with high school or club coaches is vital to getting noticed. These coaches often have connections in the volleyball world and can be critical advocates in your journey toward a college or professional career.
3. Get Noticed by College Scouts
If your goal is to play professionally, the path almost always goes through college volleyball. The competition level in the NCAA is among the best in the world, and college volleyball is a critical stepping stone toward playing pro. That’s why getting noticed by college scouts during your high school and club volleyball years is so important.
Create a highlight reel
Creating a highlight video is one of the best ways to grab a scout’s attention. This should feature your best plays during competitive matches. Scouts seek consistency, athleticism, and how well you handle pressure. Be sure to upload matches that demonstrate your skills against top-level teams.
Attend college showcases and tournaments
College coaches often attend these events, and playing in them increases your visibility. Contact coaches beforehand, expressing your interest in their program and sharing your highlight video.
Stay academically strong
College coaches also look for academically eligible athletes. Ensure that your grades and test scores meet the NCAA’s eligibility requirements so that you can play for any program you desire.
4. Excel in College Volleyball
Once you’ve secured a spot on a college volleyball team, the real work begins. College volleyball is intense, with training, practices, and matches that will push you physically and mentally. But this is also where you’ll learn to refine your game.
Take advantage of the coaching and facilities
Colleges have access to excellent facilities, trainers, and coaches, which can elevate your game to the next level. Focus on developing your skills and working on areas where you might be weaker.
Network with pro scouts
College volleyball is a major scouting ground for professional teams, both domestically and internationally. Keep performing well, and build connections with agents, scouts, and coaches who can help you take that next step into the pro leagues.
5. Explore Professional Opportunities Overseas
While there are growing opportunities for professional volleyball in the United States, many players start their careers abroad. European and Asian volleyball leagues are highly competitive and provide a solid platform for American players. The European leagues, such as those in Italy, France, and Germany, offer great opportunities, and most American players who make it professionally do so overseas.
Understand contract expectations
Salaries for overseas players can vary widely. First-year contracts may offer anywhere between $10,000 to $25,000 per season. In addition, most contracts will include housing, meals, and sometimes even transportation, so you’ll have fewer living expenses to worry about.
Learn the ropes of finding an agent
While you don’t need an agent to start playing abroad, a good one can make the process smoother and help you land better contracts. Your agent will guide you, ensuring you find the right team and league that fits your skill set and goals.
Know the perks
Teams often provide free apartments, cars, or meals at local restaurants. These can save much of your salary, especially in your first few years of playing abroad.
6. Mental and Physical Preparation is Key
Turning pro is a marathon, not a sprint. The physical and mental demands of playing volleyball at a high level are significant. You’ll need to stay in top physical condition throughout your career. Conditioning, strength training, and injury prevention routines are essential.
Focus on mental toughness
Pro volleyball can be emotionally and mentally challenging, especially if you live you’re in a foreign country, far from family and friends. You must stay focused, keep your motivation high, and develop resilience to handle the ups and downs.
Stick to a structured training plan
A bunch of top professional volleyball players emphasize the importance of having a structured, long-term athletic development plan that includes physical fitness, recovery, diet, and mental health.
7. Choosing Between Indoor and Beach Volleyball
As you advance, you’ll eventually need to choose between indoor and beach volleyball. Both offer different career paths, and your decision will depend on where your passion lies and which skills you’re stronger in.
Indoor volleyball
Indoor volleyball is usually played on a larger scale, with more established professional leagues, especially in Europe and Asia. If you enjoy playing with a full team, indoor volleyball might be the right fit.
Beach volleyball
If you love the sand and prefer playing in smaller teams, beach volleyball could be your future. The AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) is one of the premier beach volleyball leagues in the U.S., and opportunities are growing for players to turn pro.
8. Tips for Landing Your First Pro Contract
Getting your first professional contract can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to boost your chances:
- Upload full match videos. Pro scouts prefer watching full matches rather than just highlight reels. Include footage from your best games, even if they were losses, as long as you played well.
- Reach out to former teammates. Networking is critical. Contact former teammates who are already playing professionally abroad. They may have connections to help get you started.
- Don’t be afraid to start small. Your first contract might not be glamorous, but it’s a foot in the door. Use it as a chance to prove yourself and build your career.
Conclusion: Chase Your Dream, Stay Focused
Although becoming a professional volleyball player is challenging, the dream is achievable if you’re passionate, persistent, and patient. Whether dominating the high school courts or aiming to go pro overseas, staying focused, working hard, and building connections will take you far.
So keep practicing, strengthen your skills, and follow your great dream. The professional volleyball world is waiting for you!
