Age Groups

10U-12U Overview

This is the Foundation Phase, also nicknamed the “Romance State” when players truly develop their love for the sport of volleyball. The overall goals for this age are to develop individual skills, understand basic team tactics, and grow a passion for modeling the game.

The impact of a role model is very important at this stage of development. Hero worship, identification with successful teams/players, and hunger for imaginative skills typify the mentality of this age. This is a time of transition from self-centered to self-critical. Players of this age have a high arousal level in relation to the training of basic skills. This is the “golden age of learning” and the most important age for the development of skill and love of the game. A demonstration is very important and the players learn best by “doing.” This is also an important time to introduce and teach principles of team play and teamwork. It is critical to establish discipline from the beginning.

13U-14U Overview

This is the Commitment Stage, when players work on developing individual skills, individual tactics and team tactics. The overall goals for this age are to build a strong base, develop individual skills under the pressure of time, space, and an opponent, and increase the tempo of the player’s skill development and training regimen.

During this stage, adult standards and formal rules become applicable. The pace of development quickens at this time due to the acceleration of physical and mental maturation. The demands of skill training as well as training loads increase, thus provoking improvement in mental toughness, concentration and diligence. Awareness of tactics within the game becomes an important facet of the learning process as well. Players tend to be self-critical and rebellious, but show a strong commitment to the team.

15U-16U Overview

This is the Fervid Phase, also nicknamed the “Dedication Stage”. The overall goals for this age are to strengthen the foundation of an athletes’ volleyball skills, both mental and physical. During this phase, the development of individual skills and execution, and individual, group, and team tactics are important.

This is a critical time in the player’s development. This is generally the largest group involved in club volleyball. Many players believe the only way to solidify and elevate their position on their high school team is to participate in a club program. Players at this age still tend to lack mental toughness and self-confidence. They tend to be self-critical and struggle with their desire to be competitive or the need to be more competitive. There is a need for attention and security. A great focus on team spirit, gym culture, leadership and discipline should be fostered within the team.

17U-18U Overview

This is the Elite Phase, also nicknamed the “The Full Bloom Stage” when the focus is on the development of advanced team play. The goal of this phase is to expose the players to a playing and training culture that extends their mental, physical, tactical and technical capabilities to the limit.

Athletes should have an understanding of the games’ principles and concepts, and should show emotional stability when confronted with pressure situations. Demanding and challenging training sessions and matches are recommended.

The essential 3 goals for each athlete’s success at the 18U level are: 

1. Be able to work on their own game in a mindful manner. 
2. Be in charge of their own confidence 
3. Mastered 1st contact skills