2025 New Parents Guide to Volleyball

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Introduction

Welcome to the 2025 season! Whether you’re new to volleyball or a seasoned parent, this guide will walk you through the essentials of the game, how to support your athlete, and how to navigate the season like a pro. Starting a new journey with your child can be scary, but we hope this extensive guide will give you enough knowledge and immediate help for your new volleyball adventure.

1. Understanding the Game

• Volleyball is 130 years old and an American-made game. For more on the History of the game, please check out our New to Volleyball: A Beginner’s Guide to Volleyball.
• Basic Rules and Scoring
  • Rally Scoring System
  • Teams rotate clockwise after winning a point, where the opponent served
  • Three touches permitted per side
  • A player cannot hit the ball twice in succession
  • A player can not hold onto the ball or catch and release it. The ref would call a “lift.”
  • A block touch does not count as one of the team’s 3 touches.
  • A player can not touch the net.
  • The Antennae are out of bounds
  • The line mark is in bounds
• Positions and Responsibilities
  • Outside Hitter (Left Side)
  • Opposite Hitter (Right Side)
    • A “Pin” Hitter on the right side of the net. Lefties have more advantage in this position as they can be open to where the ball is coming from. Opposite Hitters or the Right Sides are usually strong blockers.
  • Middle Blocker
    • Middle Blockers are typically taller than others and better blockers. Have a lot of responsibility on defense of blocking all 3 options on the other side.
  • Setter
    • The Setter is the quarterback on the court. They are in charge of taking every second contact to distribute it to a hitter to attack (spike).
  • Libero (Defensive Specialist)
    • Libero is a designated defensive player who can only play in the back row. They do not require to use of a formal substitution to enter the game. Whoever they go in for must be the same person who enters back onto the court.
  • Defensive Specialist (DS)

2. What Parents Should Know About Volleyball

Volleyball is the 5th most popular sport globally and is growing faster than ever. There is a lot to learn between school volleyball and club volleyball season structure, from tournament etiquette to supporting your child through the politics and expectations of this world.

School Volleyball Season Structure

Depending on location, the volleyball season happens in the fall of the school year. Though it is a fall sport, a lot of the lead-up and preparation for the season will take place in the summer. Summer practices, workouts, trainings to practices and games in the fall. The season will end in the October or November timeframe.

Club Volleyball Season Structure

The Club Season can run from Late November to Early July, depending on the club team’s level.

• National Level: The season runs from Late November or December to Early July. There are 9 to 11 tournaments, several of which are 3-day tournaments, including a 4-day national tournament.
• American Level: Season runs from January to May, 7-9 tournaments that are mostly 1 or 2 day tournaments that aren’t much of a drive or local
• Regional Level: Season runs from January or February to May, 5-8 tournaments that are mostly 1-day tournaments, which are local to your area.

3. Supporting Your Volleyball Player

4. Volleyball Gear and Equipment Checklist for Practices and Tournaments

5. Volleybal Game Day 101

6. Navigating Club Volleyball

7. Resources and Links

Conclusion

Volleyball is an exciting journey for both players and their families. The volleyball community is a wonderful community of families all wanting the best for their children. It can create lifelong friends, memories, and even scholarships or careers. By staying informed, supportive, and engaged, you’ll help create a positive and rewarding experience for your athlete.

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