The Power of Body Language in Youth Volleyball
In volleyball, momentum can shift in a second. One point is lost, the next is won and in between, there’s a moment that says everything without a single word. That moment is body language.
Whether you’re on the court or watching from the sidelines, it’s easy to see how players carry themselves after a mistake or celebrate a success. Slumped shoulders, stomping feet, or hands on heads can send a message louder than anything a player says out loud. And while those reactions are human, they can quietly drain team energy and focus. (If you’re one of my athletes and you’re wondering if I wrote this post about you…. the answer is “yes”. 😉)
At Panther Volleyball Training, we coach skill, strategy, and strength… but we also teach presence. We want athletes who reset quickly, refocus fast, and recognize that every point is a fresh opportunity. That means replacing frustration with resilience, and body language that says “I’m still in this.”
Positive presence matters. A quick nod to a teammate, a small clap after an error, or simply standing tall after a tough play are little things that keep a team connected and mentally tough.
Because the truth is, we all make mistakes. What matters is how we respond. And in volleyball, that response starts before the next serve.
That’s a Wrap, Angier Elementary!
We just wrapped up our final session at Angier Elementary and our hearts are full. What an incredible few weeks it’s been. The kids showed so much growth — from their first underhand serve to their final high-five — and we could not be more proud.
To top it all off, Assistant Principal Ms. Grooms joined us on the court and jumped right into the action. Her energy was infectious. She kept the kids (and us) smiling the entire time.
A huge thank you to Principal McDonald, the entire AES staff, and the amazing parents who made this program possible. Your support helped create a space where kids could try something new, build confidence, and leave each day just a little stronger than when they arrived.
We loved every minute, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. Until next time, Angier — keep practicing those serves and cheering each other on.
❤️
The Panther Volleyball Team
Registration Now Open for our Summer Volleyball Tournament
Panther Volleyball Training is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for our Summer Tournament. This event is a way for our community to come together, support youth development, and help expand access to volleyball for students in our area.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: First serve at 9:00 AM
Location: Jack Marley Park, Angier, NC
Whether you’re an experienced player or just looking for a great way to support a local cause, we welcome teams and individuals of all skill levels. You can register a full team or sign up solo and we’ll help you find a team.
Why This Tournament Matters
This tournament directly supports Panther Volleyball Training’s mission to provide affordable, accessible volleyball opportunities for students in our community. Funds raised will go toward essential items like volleyballs, nets, and training equipment for our local schools and future community clinics.
Interested in Sponsoring?
We are currently welcoming local sponsors who want to make a visible impact. Sponsorship packages begin at $100 and include digital and event-day recognition. To learn more, visit PantherVolley.com/sponsor.
Register Today
Team spots are already filling, and we expect them to reach capacity quickly. Registration ends July 4! To sign up, donate, or learn more, visit PantherVolley.com/tournament.
Building Skills & Confidence: Inside Our After-School Volleyball Program for 5th Graders
In April, Panther Volleyball Training launched a meaningful new chapter in our mission to make volleyball accessible to all with an after-school program built specifically for 5th graders preparing to enter middle school. What began as a simple idea between friends has become a thriving space where kids learn the basics of volleyball and the building blocks of self-confidence.
Why We Launched This Program
This program was born out of a conversation with Laura Beltran, a local advocate for youth sports. She saw a gap: many students entering middle school had never touched a volleyball before tryouts. With her encouragement and Panther Volleyball Training’s commitment to community, we built a volunteer-led initiative focused on giving kids an early introduction to the sport.
What Kids Are Learning
The focus of this program is on teaching the mechanics of the underhand serve, basic passing skills, teamwork, and helping kids understand the importance of self-esteem in athletics. We don’t expect perfection. We celebrate progress.
We’ve already seen amazing growth from our 15 enrolled students. One player’s energy perfectly captures what makes this program so special. Each time she serves (even if it doesn’t make it over the net) she celebrates how much closer she’s getting. That kind of positive mindset is exactly what we’re here to nurture.
A Truly Accessible Program
One of our main goals is to focus on accessibility, this program is brought directly to the kids. There’s no signup scramble, no long drive after work, and no fee. It’s all made possible by a team of volunteers who believe in showing up for their community. Our goal is to plant a love for volleyball and teamwork where it might not have taken root otherwise.
What Makes It Different
This isn’t just a sports program. It’s a mentorship experience. By creating an encouraging space within the school day, we’ve been able to reach students who might otherwise never step onto a court. There’s no pressure to perform. There’s only a shared goal to grow, improve, and cheer each other on.
What’s Next for Panther Volleyball
Parents who want to keep the momentum going can register their athlete for our upcoming Summer Skills & Drills sessions. These were created specifically to provide extra instruction right after the school year ends. We’re also hosting a Skills Camp on June 23rd and our exciting Volley & Vibes community event, both of which offer incredible opportunities for growth and fun.
You can explore all upcoming events and register directly at PantherVolley.com/upcomingclinics
Elevating the Game: Highlights from Our Attacking and Blocking Volleyball Clinic
At Panther Volleyball Training, we specialize in giving players the tools to grow their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game. Our recent Attacking and Blocking Clinic was a perfect example of how focused training can transform an athlete’s performance at the net.
Mentorship That Matters: Learning from D1 Athletes
What made this clinic truly unique was the presence of Maddie Converse (setter) and Abby Tuyo (outside hitter). These standout athletes spent time mentoring, encouraging, and demonstrating techniques during live play sessions. (IG: @_maddieconverse_ @abbytuyo)
Skill Development with Purpose
Our athletes trained hard over two days, receiving hands-on coaching and individual feedback tailored to their level. Each session focused on building a solid foundation while introducing advanced strategies for game-time execution.
Key training areas included:
Explosive approach and footwork patterns
Swing mechanics for consistent, powerful hits
Reading the set and making smart attacking decisions
Proper body and hand positioning for effective blocking
Transition drills to build speed from block to attack
Players also participated in scrimmage style scenarios to practice timing, spacing, and communication skills that separate good players from great ones.
These are advanced concepts that often get overlooked with younger players, but our athletes left with a better understanding and a stronger presence at the net.
More Than Just Skills: Building Confidence & Community
Beyond technique, this clinic helped players build confidence in their abilities and grow more comfortable in a competitive environment. They cheered each other on, learned how to give and receive feedback, and discovered the joy of pushing past their limits.
And that’s what Panther Volleyball Training is all about… developing the whole athlete.
What’s Next?
If your athlete missed this clinic, don’t worry there’s more to come. We offer position specific and all skills clinics, plus summer camps, an after school program, and community events. Spots fill quickly, so we encourage early registration to reserve a place.
The Power of Mindset: What Our February Mindset Clinic Taught Us About Mental Strength in Volleyball
At Panther Volleyball Training, we understand that success on the court isn't solely about physical prowess It's equally about mental resilience. That's why our February Mechanics and Mindset clinic focused on cultivating mental toughness, confidence, and focus, featuring insights from mindset coach Brad Marshall.
In a sport like volleyball, your mindset can be the difference between reacting and rising. This clinic showed our athletes how to do just that.
The Importance of Mindset in Youth Volleyball
While technical skills are vital, an athlete's mindset can be the determining factor in performance. During the clinic, Brad Marshall guided our athletes through exercises designed to:
Maintain composure under pressure
Recover swiftly from mistakes
Communicate effectively with teammates
Embrace a growth-oriented approach
Visualize success before stepping onto the court
These strategies are essential for young athletes aiming to elevate their game and personal development.
About Coach Brad
Brad Marshall is the founder and head coach of Greater Culture CrossFit, a fitness community dedicated to helping individuals build confidence in their mental and physical capabilities. His coaching philosophy emphasizes mental resilience and personal growth, making him an excellent resource for athletes seeking to develop both on and off the court.
Beyond his coaching endeavors, Brad serves on the Board of Directors for the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his commitment to community development.
Join Us for Future Clinics
Missed the February clinic? Don't worry—we have more events planned that focus on whole athlete development, including mental conditioning. Visit our website to explore upcoming clinics and programs designed to help your child thrive both mentally and physically.
Why Volleyball Is a Great First Sport for Kids
Choosing your child’s first sport can feel like a big decision. You want something that keeps them active, helps them make friends, and teaches valuable life skills—all while being fun and safe. At Panther Volleyball Training, we believe volleyball is one of the best starter sports for kids, and here’s why:
1. It’s Safer on Growing Bodies
Unlike high-contact sports, volleyball is low-contact with peers and doesn’t require aggressive physical contact. That makes it a great option for younger athletes who are still developing coordination and strength, without the added risk of frequent hard collisions.
2. Teamwork Is Built Into Every Play
Volleyball is the ultimate team sport. You literally can’t play alone. Every successful point requires communication, trust, and collaboration. From the first practice, kids learn to encourage others, listen, and rely on their teammates—all essential skills for school and life.
3. It Builds Hand-Eye Coordination and Motor Skills
Volleyball helps develop hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and balance. These physical skills easily transfer to other sports and activities, giving your child a strong athletic foundation no matter what they pursue next.
4. It’s Social and Inclusive
Because volleyball is played on a small court and in rotating positions, kids interact with every teammate—not just a select few. At Panther Volleyball Training, we intentionally create an environment where kids of all skill levels feel welcome, included, and valued.
5. Early Success Builds Confidence
We structure our clinics so that kids experience early wins—whether it’s learning to serve over the net, making their first bump pass, or scoring in a scrimmage. These small victories build big confidence and encourage kids to keep showing up and trying new things.
6. It’s Easy to Try Without a Huge Commitment
With no expensive gear required, volleyball is a great entry point into sports. You don’t have to sign up for a full season or commit to travel—our 2-day clinics and 4 day camps are a perfect way to test the waters.
7. It Encourages a Growth Mindset
In volleyball, improvement is visible and measurable—whether it’s serving further, passing cleaner, or reacting faster. That kind of progress helps kids understand that effort (both physical and mental) leads to growth, which is a lesson they’ll carry with them everywhere.
Ready to Try Volleyball?
Whether your child is shy, full of energy, or somewhere in between, volleyball gives them a place to belong, grow, and have fun. At Panther Volleyball Training, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly kids fall in love with the game—and how much they grow in just a weekend.
Check out our upcoming clinics to see if your child is ready to give it a try—we’re here to welcome them to the court.
More Than a Game: Teaching Sportsmanship and Inclusion at Panther Volleyball Training
At Panther Volleyball Training, we’re not just building better volleyball players—we’re helping shape better teammates, classmates, and leaders. While we teach passing, serving, and movement on the court, we place just as much value on what happens between the plays: the high-fives, the encouragement, the way a player reacts after a mistake—or a win.
Because in our gym, sportsmanship and inclusion aren’t optional. They’re part of every drill, every scrimmage, and every conversation.
What Sportsmanship Looks Like Here
For us, sportsmanship is about more than shaking hands after a game. It’s about how our athletes treat each other during every moment:
Cheering for a teammate who’s struggling
Owning mistakes instead of blaming others
Listening to feedback and showing respect to all coaches
Giving 100% effort regardless of the scoreboard
We talk about these behaviors openly at our clinics and reward them just like we reward hustle and improvement. Because character is part of the game.
Creating an Inclusive Space
Volleyball should be for everyone. That’s why we make sure our courts are welcoming to players of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels. We are teaching pre-teens and teenagers. You don’t have to look a certain way, know all the rules, or have expensive gear to belong here.
We group players by skill (not just age), so beginners don’t feel left behind—and more advanced athletes still feel challenged. And we intentionally feature a diverse blend of coaches and role models so that every child sees someone that inspires them leading the way.
Why It Matters
When kids experience an environment of inclusion and positive competition early, they carry that mindset into everything they do—school, sports, and friendships. They learn how to lead, how to support others, and how to believe in themselves.
That’s the kind of impact that lasts longer than any season.
Want your child to grow as a player and a person?
Join our next clinic and experience what makes Panther Volleyball more than just a training program.
What to Expect at a Panther Volleyball Training Clinic
Whether your child is brand new to volleyball or has been playing for a few seasons, stepping into a clinic can come with questions. Will they be grouped by age or skill? What if they’ve never served before? Will they have fun and learn something new?
At Panther Volleyball Training, we make sure every player leaves more confident, more skilled, and more excited about the game than when they walked in. Here’s exactly what to expect when you join one of our clinics:
A Warm Welcome and Skill Assessment
We start every clinic by welcoming our athletes and getting them moving with a fun warm-up. Then, we assess each player’s skill level—nothing intense, just quick drills so we can group players appropriately. Our goal is for every kid to be challenged without being overwhelmed.
Small Groups, Big Feedback
We keep our coach-to-player ratio low (no more than 12 athletes per coach) so every child gets individual attention. Coaches give real-time feedback throughout each drill, and players get the chance to repeat skills until they do them correctly and confidently.
Drills That Actually Translate to Game Play
We don’t believe in wasting time with drills that don’t teach real game skills. From passing to serving to communication, everything we do is intentional. Players leave understanding the “why” behind what they’re doing—not just how to do it.
Scrimmages with Coaching in Real Time
Each day ends with gameplay. That’s what this is all about, right? Our scrimmages include live coaching. We pause when needed to explain, correct, and reinforce lessons so players can apply what they’ve learned immediately.
Encouragement, Not Pressure
Panther Volleyball Training is a judgment-free zone. Whether your child misses every serve or nails every hit, they’ll be encouraged to keep learning. We celebrate progress—not perfection.
What to Bring
Water bottle
Knee pads
Athletic shoes
A positive attitude!
Let’s Grow Together
Our clinics are designed to meet kids where they are and grow them into more confident, capable players—on and off the court. We want them to continue to come and build on the skills they’ve been working so hard to attain. Over the course of a season, we monitor growth and improvement and constantly adjust training to meet your player where they are. If you’re looking for a program that teaches real skills in a positive, supportive environment, you’ve found it.
Want to see it in action?
View our upcoming sessions or Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for photos, videos, and real parent reviews!
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.
Want more volleyball tips and updates?
Subscribe to our newsletter or Check out our upcoming clinics to get your player the support they need to grow.