How To Start Playing Volleyball: A Guide for Vegas Moms and Beginners

Vegas moms! Kickstart your child's volleyball journey! Learn essential steps, local resources and my tips on how to start playing volleyball here in Las Vegas.  

Learn Here How To Start Playing Volleyball In A Short Amount Of Time: Here's all the Volleyball Information Found On Improve Your Volley.com Website Pages (Ralph Arvesen)

Hey there, Las Vegas volleyball moms!

Are you ready to help your child dive into the exciting world of volleyball?

As a seasoned volleyball coach right here in Vegas, I'm thrilled (read further to understand why i used that word!) to guide you through the process of getting your young athlete started in this fantastic sport.

Whether you're in Henderson, Summerlin, or even as far as St. George, Utah, or Phoenix, Arizona, this guide will set you and your child up for volleyball success!

As a seasoned volleyball coach right here in Vegas, I'm thrilled (read further to understand why i used that word!) to guide you through the process of getting your young athlete started in this fantastic sport. (photo Dan Morgan)

Before we jump into the "how," let's talk about why volleyball is an excellent sport for kids, especially here in the Southwest:

1. Year-round play:

With the increase of large indoor facilities, like Its All Volleyball combined with our fantastic weather, indoor and outdoor volleyball is possible all year!

2. Team building:

Volleyball teaches crucial teamwork and communication skills.

The Vegas Mom's Guide On How To Start Playing Volleyball: Volleyball team building activities on Tutu Day at one of my Volleycats Elite volleyball club practices for Panthers 15s.

3. Physical fitness:

Volleyball requires a full-body workout that improves upper and lower body coordination, speed and agility.

4. Accessible:

You can start with minimal equipment and find courts in many parks around the city.

Now, let's get into how to start playing volleyball!

Before your child steps onto the court, it's helpful for both of you to understand the fundamental rules and objectives of volleyball:

Physical fitness: Volleyball requires a full-body workout that improves upper and lower body coordination, speed and agility. (photo Dan Morgan)

- The game is played with two teams, typically of six players each.

- The goal is to send the ball over the net and ground it on the opponent's side.

- The goal is to send the ball over the net and ground it on the opponent's side. (photo Dan Morgan)

- Each team is allowed three touches to return the ball over the net.

- A point is scored when the ball touches the ground on the opponent's side or if they fail to return it properly.

To start playing volleyball, your child will need:

- A volleyball:

For beginners, a lighter volleyball is often easier to handle.

Look for youth volleyballs online at Amazon (ad)or at local sporting goods stores like Dick's Sporting Goods or Big 5.

- Comfortable athletic clothes:

Volleyball shorts (ad) and a t-shirt work great.

- Proper shoes:

Volleyball-specific shoes offer the right support, (ad) but to start, any non-marking athletic shoe will do.

For beginners, Volleyball shorts and a t-shirt work great. Volleyball-specific shoes offer the right support, (ad) but to start, any non-marking athletic shoe will do.

- Knee pads:

These protect your child's knees when diving for the ball. (ad)

Local Tip:

Check out Amazon online for a great selection of volleyball gear. (ad)

Volleyball involves six basic skills that a player will need to learn.

Here's a quick rundown:

1. Serving:

When a player starts the rally by contacting the ball from behind the service line sending the ball over the net.

2. Passing:

When a player uses their forearms to control and contact the ball, often on the first of three contacts in a rally

When a player uses their fingertips to push the ball up in the air towards a teammate so they can hit it over the net (Dan Morgan)

3. Setting:

When a player uses their fingertips to push the ball up in the air towards a teammate so they can hit it over the net

4. Hitting (Spiking):

When a player attacks the ball over the net.

Hitting (Spiking): When a player attacks the ball over the net.(photo Dan Morgan)

5. Blocking:

When a player jumps at the net while extending the arms over it to stop or deflect an opponent's attack.

6. Digging:

When a player prevents the ball from hitting the ground when the opponent attacks the ball

As a beginner, I highly recommend for beginners to focus on serving and passing to start.

These are the two basic skills that form the foundation for the majority of all volleyball plays.

You don't need a full court to start practicing! Try these at-home drills:

- Wall Ball Drills:

Have your child bump or set the ball against a wall repeatedly. Check my volleyball drill section for instructions on various wall drills and how to do them

- Serving practice:

Set up a target in the backyard and practice serving to it.

- Pepper:

If you have two players, they can practice bumping and setting to each other.

Remember, consistency is key.

Even 15 minutes of practice a day can make a big difference!

Las Vegas and the surrounding areas offer numerous opportunities for young volleyball players:

- YMCA of Southern Nevada: Offers youth volleyball programs for various age groups.

- City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation:

I ran my award-winning Boot Camp Classes and clinics for years for the City of Las Vegas  until I moved to Henderson.

Depending on which part of the city you live in lots of clubs have quality tweens programs also known as Fall Ball that begin 6 to 8 week clinic programs starting in August after school starts.  Check out clubs like Tstreet Vegas, Top Flight, Vegas Aces and Dig This Volleyball websites for more information.

For those in nearby areas:

-St. George:

Check out the Washington County Recreation Center for youth programs.

- Phoenix:

The Arizona Region of USA Volleyball has extensive youth offerings.

As your child progresses, they'll learn about different positions:

- Setter:

The playmaker who sets up attacks.

- Setter: The playmaker who sets up attacks. (photo Dan Morgan)

- Outside Hitter:

Attacks from the left side of the court.

- Outside Hitter: Attacks from the left side of the court. (photo Al Case)

- Middle Blocker:

Plays at the net, focusing on blocking and quick attacks.

- Middle Blocker: Plays at the net, focusing on blocking and quick attacks. (photo Al Case)

Opposite Hitter:

Plays opposite the setter, often a strong attacker.

- Libero:

A defensive specialist who wears a different colored jersey.

- Libero: A defensive specialist who wears a different colored jersey. (Erik Drost)

Don't worry about specializing early. It's great for beginners to try all positions!

Volleyball has a strong culture of sportsmanship. Teach your child to:

- Respect teammates, opponents, and officials.

- Celebrate points with enthusiasm but without taunting opponents.

- Take responsibility for their actions on the court.

- Communicate clearly and positively with teammates.

In our hot desert climate, hydration is crucial. Ensure your child:

- Drinks plenty of water before, during, and after play.

- Wears sunscreen for outdoor play.

- Takes breaks in the shade during outdoor practices.

Your support is crucial to your child's volleyball journey:

- Attend games and cheer positively.
- Help with at-home practice.
- Volunteer with local leagues or clubs.
- Network with other volleyball families for carpooling and support.

Remember, the primary goal is for your child to enjoy the sport.

Encourage effort over outcome, celebrate small victories, and keep the atmosphere positive.

Starting volleyball can be an exciting journey for both you and your child.

Here in Las Vegas and the Southwest, we're lucky to have great weather, fantastic facilities, and a vibrant volleyball community.

Whether your child dreams of playing in college or just wants to have fun and make friends, volleyball offers something for everyone.

Remember, every great player started as a beginner.

With patience, practice, and the right support, your child can develop a lifelong love for this amazing sport. So, are you ready to get started?

Grab a volleyball, head to the nearest court, and let the games begin!

If you have any questions or need more personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out. As a local Vegas coach, I'm always here to help our community's budding volleyball stars shine!

Here are three options: 

1. Learn more about the volleyball information on Improve Your Volley.com in the Related Links below.  
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page  Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the Information section in the drop down menu at the top of the page. 

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