As volleyball rises in popularity, the options for places to train increase as well. With plenty of volleyball camps popping up around you, the importance of picking the right place to develop your skills and passion for the game can't be overstated.
Here are our 11 factors to consider when researching a volleyball camp for your child.
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Define your volleyball skill level.
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Consider the type of volleyball camps: summer, winter, beach, year-round, etc.
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Look for youth-friendly volleyball camp if searching for children.
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Take into account proximity and location.
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Assess what beginner volleyball camps offer.
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Understand the features of high school volleyball camps.
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Explore what contributes to a good beach volleyball camp.
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Evaluate camp facilities and the experience of coaches.
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Consider the camp's duration and how it fits into your schedule.
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Seek recommendations and check reviews of the camp.
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Consider your budget and the cost-effectiveness of the camp.
Lets dig into each item further.
1. Define Your Volleyball Skill Level
Not all volleyball camps are built the same – some cater mostly to beginners, others are geared towards intermediate players, and some focus on preparing high-school students for competitive games. Knowing your skill level helps you find a camp that can meet your specific needs without overwhelming or underwhelming you. If you have a daughter that has never played volleyball before in most cases you should find a beginner clinic. These can sometimes be found at local high school or even at established volleyball clubs. These could typically run about $50-$100.
2. Consider the Type of Volleyball Camp
The type of camp you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including the climate, your schedule, and your personal preferences. For example, if you're searching for "summer volleyball camps near you," you're likely to find many camps that take advantage of the sunny weather to host outdoor sessions.
However, if you prefer indoor games or want to continue training during colder months, you might find yourself googling "winter volleyball camps near me" instead. And if beach volleyball is your passion, you'll have to look into camps located near coastal areas. If you're lucky though perhaps your local volleyball facility has an outdoor beach volleyball court with sand.
3. Youth-Friendly Camps
If you're searching for "youth volleyball camps near me", make sure to find camps that create a fun, friendly, and safe environment for young learners. These camps should have additional safety measures in place and offer beginner-friendly lessons that introduce the basics of the sport. These camps or clinics are typically non competitive and most facilities offer recreational leagues in the off months.
4. Proximity and Location
Choosing a volleyball camp near your location can contribute to convenience and regular participation. The less time and energy you have to spend on travel, the more you can focus on improving your game.
This is a tricky one and depends a lot on how competitive you or your child is. In some cases your local facility isn't and a high enough level for your child. In this case you may find yourself driving 30 minutes or more to your preferred team practices.
5. Beginner Volleyball Camps
When you google "beginner volleyball camps near me" or "volleyball camps for beginners near me", you should be looking for camps that focus on teaching basic volleyball skills, rules, and strategies and building a solid foundation in the sport. Again, this can typically be found at your local volleyball facility or during the summer even at local schools.
6. High School Volleyball Camps
If you're a high school player dreaming of making it big in volleyball, you should look for a camp that offers competitive training. In your case, searching for "high school volleyball camps near me" will yield results that cater to your athlete development needs at this stage.
These camps will most likely be found at your cities volleyball facility. So if you're new to your area just search for your local volleyball club or clubs.
7. Beach Volleyball Camps
Looking for a unique volleyball camp experience? Beach volleyball camps combine the excitement of beach volleyball with the beautiful settings of the outdoors. Google "beach volleyball camps near me" and you'll find camps that offer experienced beach volleyball coaches and beach-specific training programs. Reach out directly to your local facility and see if they have a beach volleyball court. Alternatively look them up on google maps.
8. Evaluate Camp Facilities and Coaches
Good facilities can significantly enhance your training experience, so it's essential to find a camp with well-maintained courts and modern training equipment. Equally important are experienced coaches who know how to nurture players and help them achieve their volleyball ambitions.
9. Consider Camp Duration and Schedule
Whether you're looking for an intensive week-long training or a long-term program, a camp's duration and schedule should align with your personal commitments. Teams throughout the USA have club tryouts that start over the summer. So get in there early. Selections start during these tryouts and clinics. This is where coaches get to know the players and start scouting them for their teams. If you miss out on this selection process your child will only make the "leftovers" team.
Then practices are normally twice per week and tournaments about 1 weekend per month for about 6 months of the year. December through May.
10. Seek Recommendations and Reviews
Do your research on the camp's reputation and read past participants' reviews to ensure you're getting your time and money's worth. You can use these insights to compare various "volleyball camps near me."
11. Budget Considerations
One practical factor to consider when searching for volleyball camps is your budget. Fees for volleyball camps vary widely based on the reputation of the camp, its facilities, the quality of coaching, and the length of the program. Assessing camps based on their cost and how they fit into your budget can be an important step in your selection process. Volleyball club prices can range from $1000 to $4000 a season so do your research.
You would want to ensure that you're getting substantive value for the money you're investing. It's always advisable to compare the costs of different camps but also observe what is included in those costs - whether it is just training, or does it cover accommodation, meals, additional kit, etc.
Remember, while cost is a significant factor, it should not be the only factor considered. The benefits of the thoroughly researched camp, even if it's a little more pricey, could far outweigh its costs in the long run. Sometimes, investing a bit more could provide an enriched experience and route to better skills and techniques.
Choosing the right volleyball camp involves considering many factors, including skill level, type of camp, location, facilities, and more. By keeping these tips in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect volleyball camp near you that suits your needs, preferences, and aspirations in the best possible way. Happy volleying!
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