Okay, so you wanna know what I actually do before a volleyball game. It’s not some magic formula, just stuff I’ve figured out works for me over the years. Helps get my body moving and my head in the right place, you know? It’s become a bit of a ritual.
The Prep Starts Early
Honestly, it usually kicks off the night before. I gotta pack my bag then. Seriously, there’s nothing worse than that panic realizing you forgot your lucky socks or your ankle braces right before you need to leave. So, I lay it all out: jersey, shorts, shoes, knee pads, braces, water bottle – the whole lot. Check, double-check.
Then comes game day morning. Food is key. I try to eat something solid a few hours before, but not too heavy or greasy. Learned that lesson the hard way once, felt awful mid-game. Usually stick to something simple like oatmeal, maybe some eggs or toast. Just decent fuel.
Hydration and Headspace
Water, water, water. Can’t say this enough. I start sipping water pretty much from when I wake up on game day. Not chugging gallons right before, just steady intake throughout the hours leading up. You lose so much fluid playing, gotta be topped up. Used to cramp up loads, way better now I actually hydrate properly.
Getting my head right is just as important. Sometimes, driving to the game, I’ll blast some upbeat music, something with energy to get me hyped. Other times, if it’s a really important match or I’m feeling scattered, I prefer quiet. I’ll just think through some plays, visualize serving zones or hitting angles. Try to push out any work stress or other noise. Gotta be focused when you step on that court.
Getting Loose
Before the proper team warm-up, I do my own little routine. Sometimes at home before I leave, or just when I get to the gym. Just some light stuff to wake the muscles up. Arm circles, leg swings, maybe some dynamic stretches like walking lunges. If my back or legs feel tight, I might use a foam roller for a bit. It’s nothing intense, just getting the body ready to move.
Arrival and Team Warm-up
I like to get to the venue with decent time to spare. Not super early, but enough time to get changed without rushing, tape my fingers if needed, and just soak in the atmosphere. Say hi to the team, catch up quick, see how everyone’s feeling. Little bit of casual chat helps ease the nerves.
Then we get into the proper team warm-up. This part is pretty structured:
- We usually start with some light jogging around the court, then dynamic stuff like high knees, butt kicks, shuffling.
- Then grab a partner for passing. Forearm passing first, focusing on control. Then move to setting, getting the hands ready.
- Next, we move to the net. Work on blocking footwork and jumps. Then hitting lines, first easy, then building up power and working on placement.
- Serving practice is vital. I take a bunch of serves, focusing on my routine, hitting different spots on the court. Trying to get that rhythm.
This whole sequence gets the heart rate up and sharpens the skills. Touch on the ball is everything.
Final Moments
Right before the whistle, we usually have a quick team huddle. Quick reminders on strategy, maybe point out something about the opponent, but mostly it’s just about positive energy. “Let’s go!”, “Play smart, play hard!”, you know the drill. One last sip of water, adjust the knee pads, take a deep breath. Then it’s time to play. All that prep leads to this moment.
