Tips on Getting Better

Question
Recently my best friend dragged me to a volleyball training camp at our local highschool. I had a ton of fun, and I really enjoy the sport. However, most of the kids there have been going to said camp all summer, so I am the worst person there, which makes me super self-conscious. I still want to go back, though, and get better. Are there any excercises or drills I can do by myself that will help me improve? I have one ball, and no net, and most of it will be by myself. I need to work on serving, especially, it is my worst area. I usually make 1 out of 4 serves from half-court. Thanks!

Answer
Good afternoon August!

Welcome to www.allexperts.com!  

What you're feeling is normal.  If you had been "dragged" to a tennis camp or golf camp or chess camp, you'd be feeling the same way.  

I mention tennis, golf & chess b/c each of them is a highly skilled activity.  No one can pick up on the skills in a few hours or days.  It takes weeks and months, hundreds of hours.  The proof is in what you sent me:  "going to said camp all summer, so I am the worst person there".  They've put in the hours, you haven't; thus, they're much better than you.

No, there are no exercises.  You can take your ball and serve it onto the side of a building or side of garage or go to the local tennis courts and serve it against the board that most courts have. After someone teaches you the proper way to serve a volleyball (no twist, no lean, no stroll and no "softball" throwing motion), then practice, practice, practice is the way to a stronger/better serve.

But, if you had known that you wanted to play vball a few months earlier, I would have said:
a) go to that camp all summer
b) go to more camps in your area.  Many high schools offer camps.  Many rec centers or YMCAs or athletic clubs offer camps.  
c) go to open gyms at your school and neighboring school throughout the summer.  Most coaches don't care who come!  Even girls from other schools are welcome.

This would have gotten you more prepared to play with your friends.  Are you considering attending tryouts for your school?  What grade will you be in?  

Start planning next summer in March & April.  I imagine you can find 5 to 10 volleyball camps within driving distance.  Go to 2 or 3 or 4 of them.  And go to that every week camp that your friends are attending.  

I hope that you are successful in your efforts.  But, I'm sorry.  I have no magic dust.......like just I have no magic tennis dust, no magic chess dust, or magic golf dust either.  :(  

Have a great summer!
Coach Houser

p.s. Please visit me at www.coachhouser.com.  When you see all the smiling faces, you'll KNOW that you want to play this sport more!!