BEING A ROCKSTAR BLITZ VOLLEYBALL PARENT
Let’s be honest - being a volleyball parent is practically a full-time job! You’re the chauffeur, the snack supplier, the emotional support system, and the ultimate cheerleader. We want to help our volleyball families start the season strong and set up for long-term success.
Here are a few key tips to help you and your athlete get the most out of your volleyball experience - on and off the court!
1. Be Their Safe Space, Not Their Coach
Sometimes it’s tempting after a game to give a full tactical breakdown in the car ride home. But chances are, your player is already replaying every missed serve or shanked pass in their head.
What they really need is support, not strategy. Try saying, “I love watching you play.” It tells them you care, without making their performance feel like an evaluation. Give them the space to process and vent without adding pressure.
Instead of replaying the mistakes, celebrate their effort, recognize their positive attitude or qualities of being a good teammate. They’re still growing, and the last thing they need is a third coach (aka you) turning into the post-game critic.
2. Playing Time
When it comes to playing time, one thing that sometimes frustrates parents is feeling like their child isn't getting enough time on the court. Fair playing time does not always mean equal playing time, especially when it comes to a third set. There is much more going into the decision of a tie-breaker lineup than parents often realize. Athlete development is a marathon, not a sprint.
You might feel like your child should be out there for every minute, but rememember, there are lessons to be learned as well from the sidelines. Encourage them to stay positive and engaged, even when they’re on the bench.
Being a great teammate is more important than being a star player. The character building moments off the court will teach resiliency and make them stronger in the long run. A positive, dedicated attitude is something coaches notice!
3. Trust the Process
Volleyball is a game of mistakes. Double contacts, shanked passes, net touches - it’s all part of the learning curve. Your player won’t get everything right, and honestly, neither will the officials, they are human too.
Sometimes, the most frustrating moments can turn into the biggest breakthroughs down the line. Yes, it’s tough to watch your child struggle, but they’re going to learn more from these moments than from scoring the game-winning point. It’s about the grit, the determination, and the ability to bounce back stronger. Coaches often have to keep players focused on the bigger picture. Sure, they might be upset after a missed serve, but what can they learn from it and how can they apply that in the future is an important skill to develop.
Volleyball has so many ups and downs, and the best players don’t just win games; they embrace failure as part of the journey. Teaching athletes to trust the process is key for both individual and team growth.
4. Let the Coaches CoacH
We love to hear parents cheering! Please remember to keep it positive! The last thing your player needs is to hear their parent groaning from the stands after a missed hit. And please—don’t coach from the bleachers. It’s like trying to tell a surgeon how to operate from the waiting room. A little self-check now and then can help ensure we’re all being the best sports parents we can be.
Maybe you see something your child could do better and you want to help, but during the game, coaching is the coach’s job - not yours. Yelling instructions from the stands can confuse the players and might even contradict what the coach is saying.
Volleyball is fast, and from the sideline, you might miss a key detail or two. You may not always agree with the coach’s decisions, like who’s playing or the strategies they use. But criticizing the coach, especially during the game, can cause conflict and disrupt team unity.
Being critical and discussing your issue with other parents in the stands is also not a good look. Support your athlete and the team with positive energy and trust that the coach has it covered!
5. Model Good Sportsmanship
It’s natural to be protective of your own child, but it’s important to avoid negative talk about other players - whether it’s their performance or their behaviour. Gossip spreads quickly and can create unnecessary tension among parents and players. Gossip also tends to take on a life of its own. The original story itself changes or is embellished as it moves naturally from person to person.
Keep your focus on supporting the team as a whole and celebrating everyone’s efforts. Your child isn’t out there alone - they’ve got a whole team working together. Cheer for everyone, not just your own athlete. When you show support for all the players, it creates a positive environment where everyone feels appreciated and valued. Your behaviour in the stands sets the tone for your child.
Show good sportsmanship whether your team wins or loses. Congratulate the other team, coaches or parents, and encourage your child to do the same with the players. It’s a great life lesson in handling both victory and defeat with grace. That’s what team spirit is all about!
photo by: Mark Kuhlmann
6. Remember, It’s Their Journey
This one is big. Your athlete’s success isn’t a reflection of your worth as a parent. Their playing time, their mistakes, their wins - it’s their story to write. Your child is carving their own path, and sometimes that means not following the exact steps you’d take.
Trust the process and trust them. They’ll thrive because of your support, not your athletic expectations.
We all want to see our children make amazing memories with their teams and grow a lifelong love for the sport of volleyball. Following these guidelines will help parents do their part to help their athletes succeed on and off the court!