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Get Scouted Scouting Careers“The box”. Every sport has a recruiting box. Volleyball is no exception. Not all athletes are a Division I fit. But no matter the level you want to play, college coaches check “the box” first to see if an athlete looks like a fit on paper. What box do you fit in?
In Division I, most front row attackers are 5’11″ and taller. If you are smaller, you need be explosive, quick, and have great ball control. As a hitter, a typical jump touch is 10’ and higher. Coaches will look towards a taller athlete in a position even if the jump touch is the same.
Another important factor, even if you touch 10’ during a jump touch test such as the Vertec, do you actually play at that height for a long period of time or did you just touch it once? College coaches are savvy, they can watch a player in a match and see where she’s touching and know if she actually plays at that height and maintains it.
In Division II, it’s really not that far from Division I. Front row athletes are typically 5’9″ and taller. You may see a smaller setter in the front row as long as she’s not a detriment to the blocking scheme. Most front row hitters are touching at least 9’8″, and middles are at 10’.
In Division III, their focus is so much more on overall skills, academics and the total person coming in vs the height and jump touch of the athlete. Most Division III schools are small, private, religious institutions so it’s important to find the athletes that are looking for a more balanced lifestyle in that environment.
In the NAIA, these athletes are comparable to Division II. Upper level NAIA programs compete and beat Division II programs all the time. Upper level NAIA programs have the same types of standards as Division II.
Don’t worry Liberos! I haven’t forgotten the ever important spark plugs of the team. Your height and jump touch is not part of “the box.” Your serve receive passing, defense, and leadership are things coaches need to see.
Yes coaches want a taller libero because of wing span and being able to cover more area, but really it’s all about the ball control. The only unfortunate part of your specialty position is that many college programs turn “small outsides” into liberos. So now you’re competing with all the other liberos AND outside hitters.
Remember, these numbers are just a typical starting point for college coaches. Every program is different. Coaches look for so much more than height and jump touch. What can you bring on and off the court to make a difference for a college program? As a former Division I volleyball athlete, Division I coach and long time club coach, I understand very well what the “box” looks like.
The great thing about being evaluated by an National Scouting Report scout is that the athlete can know what “box” they will fit in. A National Scouting Report scout can provide that evaluation and better assist an athlete and their family through the process.
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National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.