2008 information left here for reference

Dear Players and Parents,

We are continuing to build a successful volleyball club.

For more information or paper copies of the following contact Terry Melick - Director 309-275-6350.

2008 Costs:
14/13U $110 (7th and 8th graders)
11/12U $110 (5th and 6th graders)
10U $100 (4th grade and under)
ALL FEES are due the first practice after the completion of tryouts.

Information:
Bring the following to the Club Tryouts
- Each participant and parent must complete the Membership Form. Both participant and parent must sign.
- Oly Ice Registration form
  You can right click on the hyperlinks and choose "Save as" to then open and print these forms.
  You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open these files. This is a free program. See bottom of page.
  If you have any problems email or call with your address and we will send them to you.

Team Size and Game Philosophy
Team size will generally remain at 10 players. Given the dynamics of the sport and specifics of a position “equal” playtime will not always be possible. All coaches will attempt to play each player for an entire game per 3 games or equivalent with multiple game rotations.

What is expected from the players trying out?
This is a general outline and could vary in format.

The following is a list of categories we will evaluate the players on. A group of coaches will for the younger players start with some instruction and then evaluate each player. The kids trying out for the older teams will have less instruction. Each skill will be reviewed. There will be players trying out who have never done these skills before - most or all of the younger players for instance – that is fine and expected at all age levels. The coaches will take these and other factors into consideration.

Skills are usually demonstrated individually in single file lines with 2 to 4 players going at a time or with all players at the same time (i.e. half the players tossing to a partner).  The players are assigned a number pinned to their shirt on front and back.

* Underhand Pass close – (often referred to as bump) a controlled pass 3 to 5 feet straight forward
* Underhand Pass over the net – ball tossed over the net, player is asked to pass to a target
* Move & Underhand Pass – ball tossed one or two steps from the player, pass to target
* Overhead Pass close – (similar to a set) a controlled pass 3 to 5 feet straight forward
* Overhead Pass over the net – ball tossed over the net, player is asked to pass to a target
* Move & Overhead Pass – ball tossed one or two steps from the player, pass to target
* Pass from Serve – the ball is served near the player to pass
* Setting – (we know not everyone sets) move to the net and set
* Hitting – approach and hit (spike)
* Blocking – blocking a hit
* Serving – often a shorter distance from the net the first time looking for form
* Serving – full distance (as per rules, younger kids do move up)
* Spirit – catch-all for sporting a winning attitude, coach-ability, encouraging other players, cheering on team, hustle to and from drills (this IS the edge for making yourself standout) At the younger ages we demonstrate and coach our expectations

Notice, especially the older kids playing and practicing right now, we have over half of our evaluation on controlled passing. Also there should be extra *’s in front of Spirit.

The “tryouts” are very light at the younger ages. If we can, we place all the girls. If we have 20 players tryout for an age group, we will create two teams of 10. There are some limits, like we will have at most one 14s team, one 13s team, and two 12s teams.

The younger teams last year had a lot of fun and were a blast to work with. Oly Ice is not interested in winning; we cheer the fundamentals and those in incremental stages. Our goal is three touches: pass, set, attack. Last year our youngest teams were very impressive with lots of outstanding comments from the referees and league coordinators – though our record was not an undefeated one.

You will see coaches cheering and jumping for joy the first time the team passes to the setter, the setter sets, and the ball gets hit - into the net, over the net, or even out of bounds. The same will occur when a player after the third tournament weekend gets her first overhand serve in. Trying to “win” every game will “burn out” the spark in kids. The younger players and parents get to watch the older players. That’s the game play they are heading towards – very fun to watch and play.

Another question we often get is on the ages of players.
We try to place the players by grade in school. 14U – 8th, 13U – 7th, 12U – 6th, 11U 5th, 10U 4th and under. We are able to make some age exceptions, not always as this is a league rule not ours. 13, 14, and 16s play in the USAV (USA Volleyball Organization), where the younger ages play AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) – both sites are linked on our website. This is just how the tournaments are setup locally. On the 10 and under team we have had several 3rd graders. Sometimes after the tryouts we ask the younger players to wait a year and try again. We want the experience to be a positive one.

• Every player will play a game per match

• Great volleyball players are involved in other activities - plays, band, especially other sports

• Any questions or concerns bring to Terry or David - we are always learning and trying to improve

• Thank you for your time and dedication

• Enjoy our 8 weeks!  We have a blast coaching your kids.

If you have any questions, just contact Terry Melick or David Ross.