5 Mistakes Middle School Volleyball Players Make—And How to Fix Them

Middle school is one of the most important times in a volleyball player's development. Skills are still forming, habits are starting to stick, and confidence can rise—or fall—fast. At Panther Volleyball Training, we see a few common mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? Every one of them can be fixed with the right coaching and support.

1. Serving Without a Routine

A lot of young players step up to the service line and just go for it—no rhythm, no focus, just hoping it works. But serving is part physical and part mental. A routine helps calm nerves, builds consistency, and creates confidence.

Fix It: Teach your player a 3-step routine they repeat every time (e.g., bounce, breathe, visualize). Practicing with a rhythm also helps them reset after a missed serve.

2. Standing Too Tall on Defense

It’s easy to spot: a player stands upright and watches the ball instead of staying low and ready to move. When this happens, they’re always a step too slow—and that can shake their confidence.

Fix It: Remind them that volleyball starts from the ground up. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and eyes up. We say “butt down, hands up!” at every clinic—and it works.

3. Avoiding Communication

Many middle school players are afraid to call the ball or talk on the court. They don’t want to be “too loud” or say the wrong thing. But silence causes confusion—and lost points.

Fix It: Practice calling the ball in drills ("Mine!", "I got it!") and teach simple, positive phrases like “Nice try” or “Right idea” to encourage team talk. Confidence grows with repetition.

4. Focusing on Playing One Position

Some players (and parents) think it's best to specialize early—especially if a coach always puts their child in one spot. But learning multiple positions helps players understand the game better and increases their chances of making future teams. The more you understand the game, the better you’ll be at it.

Fix It: Expose your player to all parts of the game—passing, setting, hitting, and serving. Panther Volleyball Training clinics give everyone a chance to grow in multiple roles.

5. Fearing Mistakes

The biggest mistake of all? Being afraid to make one. Fear keeps players from taking risks, trying new things, or speaking up on the court. Volleyball is a game of mistakes and corrections. It’s learning “on the fly.” 

Fix It: Remind your player that every great athlete fails—what matters is how they respond. We teach kids to correct mistakes through repetition, feedback, and encouragement. Growth takes time—and courage.

Final Thoughts

Middle school is a learning season. Mistakes are part of the process—but with the right mindset and training, your player can turn every one into a breakthrough moment. At Panther Volleyball Training, we’re here to help guide that journey.

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