Preparing for USAV Nationals and Summer Club Volleyball: A Guide for Players and Parents

Introduction

USAV Nationals is one of the biggest tournaments in junior volleyball, bringing together top teams from across the country to compete at the highest level. Whether you're a player looking to showcase your skills or a parent supporting the journey, preparation is key to making the most of this experience. And if you're not attending Nationals but are still playing club this summer, this guide applies to you, too! The habits and mindset of elite-level preparation can benefit all athletes, regardless of the tournament they’re competing in.

For Players: Training Like a Champion

1. Physical Preparation

• Conditioning & Strength Training – Nationals is a grueling multi-day event, so endurance matters. Stay consistent with your workouts, focusing on explosive movements, agility, and core strength. My training program, Juice Club is a great place to start.

• Skill Repetition – Fine-tune your passing, setting, hitting, and serving. The small details separate good players from great ones.

• Recovery & Injury Prevention – Stretch, hydrate, and listen to your body. Ice baths and mobility exercises can help prevent fatigue.

  
  

2. Mental Preparation

• Game Visualization – Picture yourself succeeding on the court. Mental rehearsal builds confidence and focus.

• Handling Pressure – Nationals is intense! Learn breathing techniques and positive self-talk to stay composed.

• Studying the Game – Watch film of yourself and high-level players to learn tactics and decision-making strategies.

  
  

For Parents: Supporting Your Athlete

• Encourage Healthy Habits – Ensure proper nutrition, hydration, and rest for peak performance.

• Stay Positive & Patient – The pressure is high, and athletes might feel stress. Encourage them, but don’t overwhelm them with expectations.

• Plan Logistics in Advance – Know game schedules, venue details, and travel plans to keep things smooth.

For Club Players Not Attending Nationals

Even if Nationals isn’t on your calendar, summer club volleyball is a valuable time to grow. Here’s how you can apply these lessons:

• Build Strong Training Habits – Treat your practices and games with the same level of focus as a national tournament.

• Prepare for Future Opportunities – Many players use the summer to get ready for next club season, high school or college-level play. Nationals isn’t the only stage where improvement matters! If you are local to AZ, check out my all skills upcoming clinics here!

• Embrace the Process – Whether it’s Nationals or a local league, every experience contributes to your development. Show up, work hard, and have fun.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Regardless of where you’re competing this summer, the approach to preparation remains the same—commitment, focus, and a willingness to improve. Nationals is an incredible opportunity, but growth happens everywhere, from big tournaments to everyday training. Keep pushing yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!