5 Things To Know Before Becoming A National Volleyball Player for Trinidad and Tobago.

When you’re just starting volleyball, you don’t know what you don’t know! That’s certainly how I felt at least and I had to learn a lot about volleyball fast. I am going to share with you some volleyball tips to help you get started. And don't mind when people say volleyball is dead in Trinidad that's not the case. Playing volleyball in Trinidad is still incredible and worth it. So let's go...

Learn The Basics

What are volleyball basics you might ask? It is serving, passing, setting, blocking and attacking. When I started on the national team the coach recognised that my footwork for attacking wasn't correct. It's one of the things we didn't change but made it work. In retrospect, I wish I'd made this change sooner. It would have made certain outcomes in my career simpler if I had done this. Knowing basic volleyball skills before joining the national team can make a big difference to your performance. It's important to have a strong foundation of the basics before moving on to more advanced skills.

Learn To Eat Everything!

But don't drink tap water lol! It's the only way to survive because in some of these tournaments the food isn't healthy, cooked properly or the conditions ain't too sanitary. You need to learn how to eat anything, even things you normally don't like. Eating a variety of different foods will help to keep you alive. I mean strong and healthy.

Have The Right Mindset

This is where you have to decide if you are willing to make sacrifices and put in the hard work to play volleyball for Trinidad and Tobago. That you are going to commit to going to practice every day, taking care of your body by eating right, going to the gym. You have to be prepared that it is not going to be fun all the time and you are going to miss out on all or most of the events (limes) hosted by friends and family. You have to be mentally prepared for all the negative stuff and the emotional roller coaster that comes with Trinidad and Tobago volleyball. In the end, if you are truly passionate about playing for Trinidad and Tobago, all the sacrifices will be worth it.

Find Volleyball Mentors

Playing volleyball back in my day was like jumping into the ocean without a life vest. Back then we were winning CVC and playing 4 to 5 tournaments in the summer. This was new territory for everyone so the resources in Trinidad were limited. Today there are many past and present volleyball players in Trinidad and Tobago that can provide guidance and support. Take advantage of resources from their clinics, coaching and social media accounts. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

The Physio Is Your Friend

There are certain things about volleyball that are non-negotiable! The physiotherapist is one of them. A physiotherapist can provide valuable information and advice on how to reduce the risk of injury and improve your game. They can also help you with rehabilitation if you suffer from an injury. What I recommend is seeking out a professional who is experienced in Sports Therapy.

These are my truths about volleyball. I am in a place to help others succeed from my mistakes and take their volleyball career to their next level. I hope you have learned something from these tips about becoming a national volleyball player for Trinidad and Tobago.