Sport-Specific Guides

How Volleyball Athletes Get Recruited (Highlight Video Tips Included)

Volleyball recruiting requires a unique combination of athletic ability, technical skills, and mental toughness. Unlike many other sports, volleyball emphasizes team chemistry and specific positional skills that must be showcased effectively to college coaches. This comprehensive guide covers the recruiting process, position-specific requirements, and crucial highlight video strategies that will help you stand out in the competitive volleyball recruiting landscape.

Understanding Volleyball Recruiting Fundamentals

The Current Volleyball Recruiting Landscape

Scholarship distribution:

• Division I: 12 scholarships per team (often divided among 15-20 players)
• Division II: 8 scholarships per team (typically split among 12-15 players)
• Division III: No athletic scholarships (academic and need-based aid only)
• NAIA: 8 scholarships per team (similar distribution to Division II)
• Junior College: 14 scholarships per team (more full scholarships available)

Recruiting timeline acceleration:

• Earlier commitments: Top players committing in sophomore/junior year
• Year-round recruiting: Club volleyball drives recruiting calendar
• Transfer portal impact: More opportunities but increased competition
• International recruiting: Programs actively recruit international players

Position-Specific Recruiting Dynamics

Premium positions (higher scholarship priority):

• Outside hitter: Primary attackers, most recruited position
• Middle blocker: Size and blocking ability highly valued
• Setter: Quarterback of the team, crucial for program success

Competitive positions (many quality candidates):

• Libero/Defensive specialist: High skill level required, fewer scholarships
• Right side/Opposite: Specialized role, fewer roster spots
• All-around players: Valuable for depth and versatility

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Academic Considerations in Volleyball

GPA requirements:

• Division I programs: 3.0+ GPA typically required for serious consideration
• Elite programs: 3.5+ GPA often necessary for academic clearance
• Division III: Academic performance often weighs heavily in recruiting decisions
• Academic scholarships: Can supplement athletic aid significantly

Position-Specific Recruiting Requirements

Outside Hitter

Physical Requirements

Height standards:

• Division I: 5'8"+ (elite programs prefer 5'10"+)
• Division II: 5'6"+ (top programs prefer 5'8"+)
• Division III: 5'4"+ (competitive programs prefer 5'6"+)
• Junior College: 5'5"+ (varies by program strength)

Athletic benchmarks:

• Vertical jump: 25"+ approach jump (28"+ for elite programs)
• Attack reach: 9'6"+ (10'0"+ for top Division I programs)
• Broad jump: 7'6"+ demonstrates power and explosiveness
• Agility: Quick lateral movement and direction changes

Technical Skills

Attack efficiency:

• Kill percentage: .250+ in competitive high school/club play
• Approach technique: Consistent three-step or four-step approach
• Shot selection: Variety of attacks (line, cross-court, off-speed)
• Block transition: Quick recovery from blocking to attacking

Passing ability:

• Serve receive: Consistent platform and ball control
• Dig percentage: Ability to keep balls in play defensively
• Court coverage: Understanding of defensive responsibilities
• Communication: Vocal leadership and court awareness

Recruiting Strategy

Skill development priorities:

• Power training: Plyometrics and strength training for jumping ability
• Technical refinement: Consistent approach and arm swing mechanics
• Game experience: Playing time against quality competition
• Leadership development: Captain roles and team responsibility

Middle Blocker

Physical Requirements

Height standards:

• Division I: 5'10"+ minimum (6'0"+ strongly preferred)
• Division II: 5'8"+ minimum (5'10"+ preferred)
• Division III: 5'6"+ minimum (5'8"+ preferred)
• Elite programs: Often recruit 6'2"+ athletes

Athletic benchmarks:

• Block reach: 9'8"+ (10'2"+ for elite programs)
• Vertical jump: 26"+ approach jump (29"+ for top programs)
• Lateral movement: Quick shuffling along net
• Reaction time: Fast response to setter and attacker cues

Technical Skills

Blocking technique:

• Timing: Reading attackers and jumping at proper time
• Hand positioning: Proper angle and penetration over net
• Footwork: Efficient movement along net for blocking assignments
• Transition speed: Quick change from blocking to attacking

Attacking skills:

• Quick sets: Ability to hit 1's, 31's, and slide attacks
• Approach timing: Fast approach to beat blockers
• Shot placement: Finding gaps in block and defense
• Deception: Keeping blockers honest with varied attacks

Recruiting Considerations

Development timeline:

• Late bloomers: Many middle blockers develop size later in high school
• Technical emphasis: Coaches recruit based on technique and potential
• Versatility: Ability to play multiple middle positions
• Academic standards: Often strong students recruited for academic fit

Setter

What Coaches Look For

Physical attributes:

• Height: 5'6"+ (taller setters preferred for blocking and attacking)
• Hand speed: Quick ball-handling and decision-making
• Court vision: Awareness of all attackers and defensive positioning
• Mobility: Movement to chase passes and set from various locations

Mental attributes:

• Leadership: Natural ability to direct team and make decisions
• Volleyball IQ: Understanding of offensive systems and rotations
• Composure: Maintaining performance under pressure
• Communication: Clear, confident instruction to teammates

Technical Skills

Setting technique:

• Hand position: Consistent platform and ball release
• Footwork: Proper movement to ball and setting position
• Set distribution: Variety of sets to all attackers
• Tempo control: Managing pace of offense

Ball-handling statistics:

• Assist-to-error ratio: 3:1 or better in competitive play
• Setting percentage: .900+ in serve receive situations
• Attack efficiency: .200+ when setting dumps and attacks
• Dig statistics: Ability to play defense and contribute in all rotations

Recruiting Strategy

Position-specific development:

• System knowledge: Understanding multiple offensive systems
• Two-handed training: Ambidextrous ball-handling development
• Leadership training: Captain responsibilities and team management
• Game management: Understanding of rotation and substitution strategies

Libero/Defensive Specialist

Physical and Mental Requirements

Athletic attributes:

• Speed: Quick reaction time and court coverage
• Agility: Lateral movement and direction changes
• Endurance: Ability to maintain intensity throughout matches
• Mental toughness: Resilience after missed digs or errors

Height considerations:

• No minimum height: Success based on skill rather than size
• Advantage for shorter players: Lower center of gravity for digging
• Reach limitations: Must compensate with positioning and anticipation

Technical Skills

Defensive statistics:

• Dig percentage: .300+ in competitive play (elite level .400+)
• Serve receive: .300+ passing average (elite level .400+)
• Error rate: Minimal passing and digging errors
• Court coverage: Understanding of defensive systems and responsibilities

Specialized skills:

• Platform consistency: Identical arm angle and ball control
• Anticipation: Reading attackers and predicting ball direction
• Communication: Calling plays and directing defensive positioning
• Serve receive specialization: Handling tough serves consistently

Recruiting Challenges and Opportunities

Competition level:

• High skill requirement: Must be exceptional to earn scholarship consideration
• Fewer roster spots: Typically 2-3 liberos per college team
• Walk-on opportunities: Strong liberos can earn playing time as walk-ons
• Transfer opportunities: Proven college liberos often transfer for playing time

Right Side/Opposite

Unique Position Requirements

Physical attributes:

• Height: Similar to outside hitters (5'8"+ for Division I)
• Left-handed advantage: Natural arm swing for right side attacks
• Blocking ability: Strong blocking skills against outside hitters
• Versatility: Ability to play multiple positions if needed

Technical skills:

• Back row attack: Hitting from behind ten-foot line
• Serve receive: Passing skills from right side of court
• Blocking technique: Reading and stopping outside hitters
• Emergency setting: Ability to set when setter is in front row

Creating Effective Volleyball Highlight Videos

Video Content Strategy by Position

Outside Hitter Highlight Video

Essential clips (60-70% of video):

• Kill montage: 8-10 best kills showing variety (cross-court, line, tool)
• Dig-to-kill sequences: Defensive play leading to attack
• Serve receive to attack: Good pass leading to kill
• Block-to-attack transition: Quick transition plays
• Game-winning points: Clutch performance moments

Supporting clips (30-40% of video):

• Defensive highlights: 3-4 spectacular digs or saves
• Serve receive: Consistent passing under pressure
• Block assists: Contributing to team blocking effort
• Leadership moments: Celebrating with teammates, encouraging others

Middle Blocker Highlight Video

Essential clips (70-80% of video):

• Blocking montage: 6-8 solo blocks and block assists
• Quick attack kills: 1's, 31's, slides, and other quick sets
• Read blocking: Anticipating and stopping attackers
• Transition attacks: Quick middle attacks off of defense
• Stuff blocks: Blocks that result in immediate points

Supporting clips (20-30% of video):

• Court coverage: Defensive play away from net
• Communication: Directing blocking schemes
• Versatility: Playing different middle positions or rotations

Setter Highlight Video

Essential clips (60-70% of video):

• Assist montage: 8-10 sets leading to kills by different attackers
• Difficult sets: Making good sets from poor passes
• Dump kills: Attacking second balls when appropriate
• Jump setting: Athletic setting to create better attacking angles
• Game management: Running plays and directing offense

Supporting clips (30-40% of video):

• Defensive play: Digging and playing back row
• Leadership moments: Communicating with teammates
• Serve receive: Passing when not in setting position
• Versatility: Setting different tempos and offensive systems

Libero/DS Highlight Video

Essential clips (80-90% of video):

• Dig montage: 10-12 spectacular digs and saves
• Serve receive: Consistent passing under pressure
• Diving plays: Athletic defensive saves
• Court coverage: Reading and reacting to different attacks
• Transition digs: Defensive play leading to counterattack

Supporting clips (10-20% of video):

• Communication: Directing defensive positioning
• Serve tough serves: Demonstrating serving ability if applicable
• Leadership: Encouraging teammates and court management

Technical Video Production Tips

Equipment and Setup

Camera equipment:

• Phone cameras: Modern smartphones provide adequate quality
• Tripod use: Stable footage is crucial for evaluation
• Multiple angles: Film from endline and sideline perspectives
• Lighting: Ensure adequate gym lighting for clear footage

Filming positions:

• Court level: Primary angle for most skills
• Elevated position: Useful for showing court positioning and movement
• Net-level: Excellent for blocking and attacking footage
• Corner angles: Show full court play development

Editing Guidelines

Video length:

• Total duration: 3-4 minutes maximum (coaches have limited time)
• Clip length: 3-8 seconds per clip (long enough to show full play)
• Pacing: Quick transitions between clips maintain engagement
• Music: Optional background music should not overpower action

Organization structure:

• Opening: Name, position, graduation year, contact information
• Skill sections: Group similar skills together (kills, blocks, digs)
• Statistics overlay: Include relevant statistics if impressive
• Closing: Contact information and academic achievements

Game Footage vs. Practice Footage

Competition footage advantages:**

• Realistic pressure: Shows performance under game conditions
• Quality opposition: Demonstrates ability against good competition
• Game situations: Various scenarios (timeouts, close games, comebacks)
• Team integration: Shows how you fit within team systems

Practice footage uses:**

• Skill development: Technical improvements and training intensity
• Specific drills: Demonstrate particular skills in controlled environment
• Consistency: Multiple successful attempts at same skill
• Communication: Easier to capture communication and leadership

Recruiting Strategy and Timeline

Year-by-Year Development Plan

Freshman Year

Skill development focus:

• Fundamental technique: Master basic skills for your position
• Physical development: Begin strength and conditioning program
• Club volleyball: Join competitive club team for exposure
• Academic foundation: Establish strong GPA early

Recruiting activities:

• Research programs: Begin identifying colleges of interest
• Basic highlight video: Create simple skill demonstration video
• Camp attendance: Local and regional skill development camps
• Coach awareness: Introduce yourself to high school and club coaches

Sophomore Year

Advanced skill development:

• Position specialization: Focus on specific position requirements
• Competition level: Play at highest level possible (varsity, top club teams)
• Leadership roles: Take on more responsibility within teams
• Academic planning: Ensure you're on track for NCAA eligibility

Recruiting escalation:

• Improved highlight video: Professional-quality video with better footage
• College camps: Attend camps at target schools
• Initial coach contact: Email introduction to college coaches
• Tournament exposure: Play in recruiting-focused tournaments

Junior Year

Peak development phase:

• Elite competition: Seek highest level of competition available
• Physical peak: Continue strength and conditioning advancement
• Technical refinement: Polish skills with advanced coaching
• Academic testing: Take SAT/ACT tests multiple times for best scores

Intensive recruiting:

• Active communication: Regular contact with college coaches
• Campus visits: Unofficial visits to top choice schools
• Recruiting services: Consider using recruiting services if beneficial
• Social media presence: Professional social media showcasing achievements

Senior Year

Performance consistency:

• Maintain level: Continue high-level performance throughout season
• Leadership demonstration: Captain role and team leadership
• Academic completion: Finish strong academically
• Injury prevention: Stay healthy for recruiting and college preparation

Commitment process:

• Official visits: Use five official visits strategically
• Scholarship negotiations: Compare offers and make informed decisions
• Signing periods: Understand early and regular signing period deadlines
• Backup plans: Have multiple options in case of coaching changes

Club Volleyball and Recruiting

Choosing the Right Club

Competition level:

• Age group placement: Play at highest level where you can contribute
• Tournament schedule: Clubs that play in major recruiting tournaments
• Coaching quality: Experienced coaches with college connections
• Player development: History of improving players and college placements

Travel considerations:

• Budget impact: Balance cost with recruiting opportunities
• Academic impact: Ensure travel doesn't hurt school performance
• Tournament quality: Target tournaments where college coaches attend
• Geographic reach: Exposure to programs in desired regions

Maximizing Club Exposure

Tournament strategy:

• Coach attendance: Research which coaches attend specific tournaments
• Performance consistency: Play your best when coaches are watching
• Professional behavior: Character and attitude matter to coaches
• Team success: College coaches notice players on successful teams

Communication opportunities:

• Coach introductions: Club coaches can introduce you to college coaches
• Recommendation letters: Club coaches' opinions carry significant weight
• Network connections: Utilize club's connections to college programs
• Playing time: Ensure adequate playing time for skill demonstration

The Mental and Character Aspects

Demonstrating Character to Coaches

On-court behavior:

• Positive body language: Maintain composure during difficult moments
• Teammate support: Encourage teammates and celebrate their success
• Respect for officials: Professional interaction with referees
• Competitive spirit: Show intensity while maintaining sportsmanship

Off-court character:

• Academic performance: Maintain strong grades throughout high school
• Community involvement: Volunteer work and community service
• Leadership roles: Captain positions and responsibility
• Work ethic: Demonstrate commitment to improvement and team success

Mental Toughness in Recruiting

Handling rejection:

• Multiple options: Apply to various levels and program types
• Continuous improvement: Use setbacks as motivation for growth
• Realistic expectations: Understand the competitive nature of recruiting
• Support system: Maintain family and coach support throughout process

Pressure management:

• Performance consistency: Maintain level despite recruiting pressure
• Decision-making: Make thoughtful choices about camps, visits, and commitments
• Time management: Balance recruiting activities with academics and athletics
• Communication skills: Professional interaction with coaches and recruiters

The Bottom Line

Volleyball recruiting success requires exceptional skill development, strategic exposure, and professional presentation of your abilities. The combination of technical proficiency, physical capabilities, and mental toughness determines your recruiting potential.

Key success strategies:

• Position mastery: Excel at your specific position's requirements
• Video excellence: Create compelling highlight videos that showcase your best abilities
• Academic achievement: Maintain strong grades for maximum opportunities
• Character demonstration: Show coaches the type of person they want in their program
• Strategic exposure: Play for quality clubs and attend recruiting-focused events

Remember: Volleyball recruiting is highly competitive, but opportunities exist at all levels for dedicated athletes. Focus on continuous improvement, maintain realistic expectations, and present yourself professionally throughout the process.

Essential reminders:

• Start the recruiting process early but don't rush important decisions
• Quality of highlight video can significantly impact recruiting interest
• Character and academics matter as much as athletic ability
• Have multiple options and backup plans throughout the process
• Stay committed to improvement regardless of recruiting outcomes

For more information about creating effective volleyball recruiting materials, see our article on Best Practices for Highlight Videos: Sport-by-Sport Breakdown. For guidance on communicating with coaches, check out Our Top Email Templates for Recruiting.