In Episode 8, Brian and Chuck talk about some important topics when trying out for a Club Volleyball team. Special guests include 15U players Lea Ras and Ashlyn Kear, who provide inside from a player's perspective. We test them with questions from the Volleyball Mom's Facebook page, including "What is the best volleyball shoe to wear?"

In Segment 1, we answer the following questions:

Do all clubs choose their teams early and use tryouts as a cash grab?

Is it better to play on a 2nd or 3rd team at a club when you can play for the top team at another club?

Should I accept the loyalty offer or go to tryouts?

We finish the segment by reading a wonderful perspective written by an Anonymous Mom advising everyone to cherish the club volleyball years.

In Segment 2, we tackle the frequently debated topic: Should we tryout at our playing age, or should we "Play Up"?

We cite case studies and professional advice to give the pros and cons for each side, and of course, we provide our opinions on the subject.

Timeline:

Are tryouts just a cash grab, and teams are already chosen?- 2:43

Loyalty Offers - 4:45

How do players deal with stress of tryouts - 5:39

Should I play on a 2s or 3s team or play on a 1s team at another club? 7:52

Are 1s team girls scouted more than 2s and 3s players? 11:00

Should you stay with 1 club or try out at multiple clubs? 12:49

Do I need to play club for my school coach's team? 15:30

What are the best volleyball shoes to wear? and socks? 18:50

Benefits of "Playing up" 21:35

Play for the best coach for you 26:35

Mental and Psychological reasons to consider when Playing Up 30:05

The value of being the oldest player on the team 32:15

Why would you intentionally place a child at a disadvantage 34:20

Getting noticed by playing your age level 38:00

Be a leader on your team to get noticed 39:55

TNT Platinum Coaches announcement 41:30