There are many. But let’s just focus on one.

While I'm sure that we could talk about MANY differences between club vs college volleyball, one topic that kept coming up while I was in Vegas last week was this notion of the difference between club and college.  In general, you practice, play matches, travel, have friends, go to school, and have little to no downtime.  But the structure of these two seasons is vastly different.  

Practice at the college level can be long, stressful, and repetitive.  Not every coach trains the same way.  But the time spent training and practicing at the college level is vastly different than at the club level.  The phrase that several coaches used with me last weekend was, "We practice more than we play."  

This is in direct contrast with club. Most club teams practice 2 days a week for 2 hours, and maybe they will have a strength program tied in there as well once a week. That is a grand total of possibly 5 hours a week at the club level.

At the college level during the fall season, you will have several days where you lift for an hour and then practice for close to 3.  2.5-hour practice multiple times a week and throw on top of that your serve and pass at the facility the day of a match.  At the college level, you are typically practicing or lifting 13-14 hours a week.  

Matches are also in contrast with one another.  Some club teams might play 9 matches at a qualifier in one weekend.  6-7 maybe at a local tournament.  Roughly 50 matches in one club season.  Compare that with 2 matches a week during conference play and maybe 3 in a weekend during the preseason.  Club volleyball plays more than they practice, and college volleyball practices more than they play.   

I only share this because so many coaches have been emphasizing the idea of "training" and wanting to know HOW athletes are practicing.  Because if you aren't willing to put in the work and effort 14-16 hours a week at practice, then your playing time will be minimal.  

Coaches are looking for athletes who are willing to put in the work.  How can you show college coaches that you're willing to put in the work during practice on the court, during matches on the court, and potentially off the court as you work to improve your all-around volleyball game?