How to Not Be Timid in Volleyball

Volleyball, like any sport, requires a degree of confidence for optimal performance. It does not matter how skilled you are -- apprehension can hinder even the best athletes. This problem can stem from a variety of sources. You may feel judged by your teammates or simply underestimate your own abilities. Regardless of the reason, being timid is a serious obstacle. Understanding what causes this and how to overcome it can make a significant difference for both you and your team.

Instructions

    • 1

      Focus your mind. Also known as "getting in the zone," this involves putting yourself in a state where you are completely focused on the game. This is not necessarily a conscious process, but something you achieve gradually, or even accidentally. When it happens, reflect back on your mental state during that time and try to emulate it. Note your posture, thoughts, breathing and anything else that made you forget your anxiety.

    • 2

      Use your imagination. Create a mental image of you spiking the ball over the net to score the winning point. Imagine yourself returning the ball perfectly from across the court. Think about making a perfect serve. Push any thoughts of embarrassment or judgment out of your mind.

    • 3

      Be positive. Never highlight your mistakes or degrade yourself in any way. Everyone misses the mark at some point. Focusing on this will cause you to subconsciously perform poorly. Instead, think about all the excellent shots you made, or times when your actions helped turn the game around. Tell yourself that you can repeat these successes. If nothing comes to mind, tell yourself that you can and will improve.

    • 4

      Seek advice from teammates. After a game, ask your peers what they liked about your performance. Outside observers can notice things that you -- in your anxiety -- may fail to see. This will affirm the fact that you are better than you give yourself credit for.

    • 5

      Talk to your coach. Your coach is there to provide guidance. Speaking to someone knowledgeable will add reassurance and eventually make you less timid.

    • 6

      Set goals. If certain weaknesses are making you nervous, practice harder to overcome them. Using measurable objectives will force you to see when you succeed and improve your overall performance.

    • 7

      Practice relevant skills until you are confident in your technique. Observe a skilled player perform the technique, then practice the technique without the ball, mimicking the actions. Once you add a ball, break the process into small steps. For example, to improve your hitting skills, try to master the footwork first. Then, add the proper arm movements. After you are confident with the fundamentals, move on to more advanced aspects, like jumping and spiking.