What to Wear & Bring: Be Ready to Play Your Best

When you walk into the gym, your focus should be on the game — not on what you forgot at home. Whether it’s a tryout, clinic, or first team practice, being prepared helps you feel confident, calm, and ready to show what you can do.

Here’s your complete checklist (and why it matters).

👟 What to Wear

• Court Shoes Volleyball is all about quick movement — short sprints, lateral steps, and sudden stops. Court shoes are designed for traction on gym floors, helping prevent slips and protecting your ankles. Running shoes can be too soft or unstable for side-to-side movement, so true court shoes are the way to go.

• Kneepads Kneepads are a must! Even if you don’t think you’ll be diving much, volleyball has a way of surprising you. Protecting your knees not only prevents bruises but helps you play fearlessly, knowing you can go all-out for every ball.

• Comfortable Athletic Wear Choose breathable, flexible clothing that moves with you. Most players wear spandex or athletic shorts and a fitted T-shirt or tank. Avoid baggy clothes — they can get in the way when you’re setting, serving, or passing.

🎒 What to Bring

• Water Bottle Hydration is performance fuel. Bring a refillable water bottle and take small sips often — staying hydrated helps your muscles work efficiently and keeps your mind sharp during long sessions.

• Snack Bring something small and energizing, like fruit, trail mix, or a granola bar. Volleyball clinics and tryouts can be fast-paced with short breaks, and having a healthy snack on hand helps you stay focused instead of fatigued.

• Hair Ties & Headbands Keeping your hair up isn’t just about looks — it’s about visibility and comfort. A loose ponytail or hair in your eyes can distract you at key moments. Pack extra hair ties so you’re not scrambling if one breaks mid-drill.

• Jewelry Off Safety is non-negotiable in volleyball. Take off all jewelry before you start — earrings, necklaces, bracelets, even rings. They can snag, scratch, or get caught during play.

  
  

💡 Why Being Prepared Helps Reduce Stress

When you’re prepared, you give your brain one less thing to worry about. Forgetting kneepads or realizing you left your water bottle in the car can throw off your focus before you even touch the ball.

Being ready builds confidence. It’s a small but powerful signal to your mind (and your coaches) that you take your time on the court seriously. It allows you to warm up, connect with teammates, and absorb instructions instead of playing catch-up.

And when the inevitable nerves hit — especially during tryouts — having all your gear in place and knowing you’ve done everything you can to be ready helps calm those jitters. Preparation creates mental space for excellence.

💪 A Final Tip: Preparation Is a Skill Too

Just like passing and serving, preparation is something you can practice.Lay out your gear the night before, check off your list, and walk in ready to focus on the fun part — playing volleyball.

When you show up prepared, you’re telling your coaches, teammates, and yourself:

“I’m here. I’m ready. Let’s go.”