HP Parents
So, your son or daughter plays volleyball and you are interested in learning more about USA Volleyball’s Indoor High Performance Program? That’s great - thanks for visiting, and we hope that the information on this page is helpful. This page is designed to provide you with an overview of High Performance tryouts and summer programs, and to answer your principal questions on the goals, operation, costs and scheduling of HP.
Please feel free to contact us at indoorhp@usav.org or (719) 228-6800 if you still have questions- we are happy to help!
As you probably know, USA Volleyball is the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball in the USA, and we run the Men’s and Women’s National and Olympic Teams. We are also the national host organization for the majority of youth volleyball clubs in the nation, as well as most qualifying and national championship youth volleyball tournaments.
The High Performance Program bridges the gap between our USA National Teams and youth volleyball programs across the country. This is done through the implementation of a system of national tryouts, training programs, camps and youth and junior national teams. These programs are intended to improve all young volleyball players to their elite potential, and to grow the pool of talented young players who may someday compete for a spot on the USA National and Olympic Teams.
We believe in Olympic Dreams … and we believe in Gold Medals.
1. What is the “High Performance (HP) Program”?
The HP Program at USA Volleyball works to advance volleyball talent and build a broader and stronger pipeline of athletes and coaches for our U.S. Olympic Teams. The HP Program serves as the "athlete pipeline" for young volleyball players who aspire to reach the elite level of their sport and who dream to one day represent the USA on the National Men's or Women's Volleyball Team.
The HP Pipeline consists of four age groups, in each gender, that are based on the birth year of the athlete. Those age groups are referred to as Junior (oldest), Youth, Select, and Future Select (youngest). Each year, athletes attend tryouts held across the country and are evaluated by USA Volleyball HP Coaches. HP Coaches and staff then combine all tryout evaluations from each age group and rank players based on overall skill, positional skill, athleticism and potential. Based on this ranking system, athletes are then invited to attend one of our program levels. As athletes participate in our programs year-to-year, we keep track of their progression, hoping to help each athlete reach their potential and to help develop the next USA Volleyball Olympian.
2. How does my son/daughter get involved in the HP Pipeline?
Tryouts are the direct entry into the Pipeline. By attending one of the tryouts we hold yearly across the country, your athlete has access to a number of our programs. The tryout schedule is posted on the HP section of the USAV website, under HP Athletes. If you don’t see a tryout located near you or at a National Qualifier you will be attending, please contact our office to see if there are other available options for gaining entry to the Pipeline. Tryouts are usually held January-March for male athletes and February- April for female athletes.
3. Does my son/daughter have to be a USAV member to participate?
They can become a one-time event member on-site at the tryout for $5. If they are invited to participate in a program, they will need to pay an additional fee to cover a USAV membership for the duration of the HP program.
4. Why are the age groups for HP participation set up the way they are?
The age-group classifications are consistent with those established by the FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball). Those age-group classifications govern international competition and all levels of HP programs.
Please note that these age-group classifications differ from USA Volleyball Junior club age definitions and also from grade classifications of U.S. school systems.
2012 and 2013 Men / Boys' Age Groups
-Men's Junior- Men born in 1993 and 1994
-Boys' Youth- Boys born in 1995 and 1996
-Boys' Select- Boys born in 1997 and 1998
-Boy’s Future Select*- Boys born in 1999 and 2000
*Male athletes born in 2001 or later are welcome to try out if the family feels that the athlete will be comfortable playing with boys who are a bit older. Athletes born in 2001 or 2002 have the possibility to make a Future Select Program in 2012 and 2013, however they will remain in the Future Select Age Group until 2016.
2012 and 2013 Women / Girls' Age Groups
-Women's Junior- Women born in 1994 and 1995
-Girls' Youth- Girls born in 1996 and 1997
-Girls' Select- Girls born in 1998 and 1999
-Girls’ Future Select*- Girls born in 2000 and 2001
*Female athletes born in 2002 or later are welcome to try out if the family feels that the athlete will be comfortable playing with girls who are a bit older. Athletes born in 2002 or 2003 have the possibility to make a Future Select Program in 2012 and 2013, however know that they will remain in the Future Select Age Group until 2016.
Typically, Future Select athletes will not be separated into their own age group at HP Tryouts. Future Select athletes may be invited to participate in summer HP Programs with other Future Select athletes or potentially with Select athletes if appropriate.
5. My son/daughter plays multiple positions, what position should he/she try out for?
We recommend your son/daughter try out for the position they are most successful. If they would like to try out for more than one position, we recommend they attend multiple tryouts and an invitation would be made in the position they ranked highest on.
6. How many athletes try out yearly and how do you keep track of/remember everyone that tries out?
In 2011, approximately 1,025 males and 3,150 females attended tryouts.
At each of our tryouts, we have HP Coaches that are our Evaluators. We rely on these coaches to obtain the most comprehensive evaluation of all athletes as possible. Click on the following links to see samples of the MB, OH and SET evaluation form and a LIB evaluation form. We then compile the evaluations from all of the tryouts and create an athlete depth chart.
7. My son was invited to a BSA3 camp, but I have no clue what that means. What do all of the acronyms mean?
We use acronyms to help shorten the terminology of our programs- with 30+ programs run each year, spelling everything out would create a headache.
1. The first letter of the acronym refers to the gender of the athlete- male or female. Men’s programs start with a “B” (boys) or “M” (men’s), while women’s programs start with a “G” (girls’) or “W” (women’s).
2. The second letter of the acronym refers to the age group of the program:
- “J” for Junior
- “Y” for Youth
-“S” for Select.
-“FS” for Future Select
3. The final 2-3 letters refer to the program level (see the following question for program descriptions):
-“NT”, “NTT” or “A1”- top level of programs, “National Team” or “National Training Team”
-“A2”- second tier, the letters don’t stand for anything other than “A2”
-“CT”- third tier, “Continental Team”
-“A3”- fourth tier, the letters don’t stand for anything other than “A3”
-“TC”- fifth tier, “Training Camp”, final programming level on the boys’ side
-“DC”- sixth tier, “Development Camp”, final programming level on the girls’ side
8. What are the differences between all of the program levels?
A1 Programs
This is the National level of the USA Volleyball High Performance Program. This level consists of Men's and Women's Junior National Teams (MJNT, WJNT), Boys' and Girls' Youth National Teams (BYNT, GYNT) and Boys' and Girls' Select A1 camps (BSA1, GSA1). Junior and Youth Teams include the top 19 athletes per gender and age group chosen from High Performance Tryouts.
The MJNT, WJNT, BYNT, and GYNT represent the USA at the NORCECA Zonal Championships (even years), and, upon qualifying, at the FIVB World Championships the following year (odd years). These 4 teams usually train leading up to the event in the U.S. and then the top 12 athletes travel outside of the country to participate in the Championship event. The tryout and training specifics for these teams are subject to competition schedules for that year. USAV covers all program costs for these 4 programs.
Select A1 programs consist of the top 30 - 50 athletes per gender and age group from HP Tryouts. GSA1 and BSA1 teams train and compete at HP Championships (HPC's). In 2011, SA1 programs cost $1100, which includes everything except transportation to and from the tournament site.
A2 Programs
A2 Programs consist of the top 20-50 athletes per gender and age group who were not selected to their respective A1 Program. These groups all train together for a number of days and then typically participate in a competition experience. Most A2 Programs train in the city where US High Performance Championships are held and then compete in HP Championships. Check the HP Championships page to see where the event will be held this year. This is an international event with teams from the United States and abroad attending. In 2011, A2 programs cost $1100.
The MJA2 and FSA2 programs do not attend HP Championships. This group is usually invited to attend a 5-6 day camp.
Continental Teams
The Continental Team program involves both boys' and girls' teams that will participate in the HP Championships. Athletes for these teams will be exclusively from USAV Regions that do not field teams in this age group and gender for the HP Championships. Head coaches will be assigned by USAV from its Coaches Pipeline and assistant coaches will be assigned by recommendations from Regions. In 2011, these programs cost $1100.
A3 Camps
A3 Camps are the third tier of the HP Program. In 2011, approximately 350 volleyball athletes attended camps at this level, which held across the country during the months of June and July. In 2011, these camps cost $600. Please visit the 2012 HP Programs page for more information.
Training Camps
Training Camps are the fourth tier of program selection for Girls who participate in an HP Tryout. In 2011, approximately 230 athletes attended Training Camps held in Long Beach, Geneva and Vernon Hills for boys and Hempstead, Colorado Springs, Grand Rapids and Greensboro for girls. In 2011, these camps cost $600. Please visit the 2012 HP Programs page for more information.
Development Camps
Girls' Development Camps are the fifth tier of USAV HP Camps. Athletes in the Select or Youth age groups may attend. In 2011, these camps cost $600. Please visit the 2012 HP Programs page for more information.
9. What are the differences between USAV programs and other (collegiate or local) camps?
-USAV Programs have a 1:8 coach to athlete ratio.
-None of our coaches are student-athletes.
-All levels of USA HP Programs are based on HP tryout results and selection.
-Through the HP tryout process, athletes are placed in HP Programs at their highest evaluated level.
-Comparably-skilled athletes are assigned to each HP Program providing the optimal environment for learning and improvement.
-HP Programs for more experienced players are not diluted with beginning players.
-Camps are located throughout the US, at host sites to provide broad geographic coverage, ease of travel, family-vacation destinations, etc.
-Athletes attend camps from across the country, facilitating diverse friendships and volleyball-skill transfer.
-USA Volleyball High Performance tracks the progress and development of pipeline athletes throughout their HP careers. Likewise, athletes can use the evaluations to monitor their strengths and weaknesses from year to year.
-Coaches instruct based on the training systems and techniques of USA Volleyball National Teams.
-HP Coaches work multiple levels within the HP Program and are well versed in the specific needs required for athletes to advance up the Pipeline.
-HP Coaches, at all levels, are charged with not only training the players, but also to identify high-potential athletes for advancement consideration.
-All athletes receive a two page evaluation 2-3 weeks following the conclusion of their program.
-College coaches recognize that USAV programs are based on national level invitations and it is something that can be included on an athlete’s athletic resume.
10. My son/daughter wasn’t invited to the program level I think they should have been. Can I question the tryout evaluation and program invitation? Will this hurt them at tryouts in future years?
You are welcome to question the program invitation, but please take into consideration that there are usually multiple evaluators at our tryouts, which means that we get feedback from a couple of coaches on all athletes. Also, if your son/daughter attends the program level they were invited to and stands out, there is a greater chance possibility that they will move up in the Pipeline. Each year, there is an approximate 25% movement of athletes between program levels.
11. We are thrilled that our son/daughter was invited to a summer program, but unfortunately he/she won’t be able to attend. Will this affect him/her next summer when he/she gets invited to a program?
No, each year we essentially wipe the slate clean. Tryout evaluators do know whether or not an athlete participated in the previous year, but it is not helpful nor hurtful for athletes if they are invited and decide not to attend for one reason or another.
12. Can we request roommates for summer programs?
We strongly prefer that you do not request roommates. By allowing USAV to choose roommates, we pair your son/daughter up with athletes from across the country. This allows them to branch out and meet other athletes who share the same passion for the sport of volleyball. They will be able to meet up with their friends during meal times and before/after training sessions.
13. How does my son/daughter get from the airport to the camp site?
As long as they fly into the specified airport during the designated times, we will have a coach stationed at the airport ready to shuttle them to/from the camp site. For specific airports, click here and find the respective camp/program. For arrival/departure times and dates, click here.
14. Where do athletes stay while at their camp/program?
Most camps are held on college campuses, so athletes will stay in dorm rooms. The size of the room and number of athletes per room vary site-to-site. If attending HP Championships, athletes usually stay in a hotel located nearby the training and competition site.
15. What does the registration fee include?
For camps, the registration fee covers housing, meals, training, shuttle to/from the designated airport and 3 training t-shirts. Athletes do not need to bring any spending money- except to do laundry or if they want to visit the college store while on site. For 2011 HP Championships, the $1100 registration fee covered housing, meals (only during training), training and gear.
16. How does my son/daughter know what to pack for the program?
We will send out a specific packing list approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of camp/program. This email will also include emergency contacts, a schedule and airport information.
17. Who are the coaches working HP Programs?
High Performance Team and Camp coaches are selected and trained by USA Volleyball in a pipeline process similar to athletes. Most are current or former coaches (college, club, etc.); and many of these coaches have been involved with HP for a number of years. The criteria that we use for selecting, ranking and promoting HP Coaches can be found here.
18. What is the difference between a Region High Performance Program and the US National High Performance Programs? If my son/daughter is invited to both, which should he/she attend?
USA Volleyball has forty regions across the US. Of these forty regions, eighteen ran Region HP programs in 2011. These programs are a part of the National HP programs, but the tryouts and summer programs are run separately. Region HP programs usually hold Region tryouts, select a team, train and then compete at the USAV High Performance Championships. Athletes interested in participating in a National HP program will need to attend a National tryout, be selected to participate in a program and the program dates are inclusive (there are no training sessions that take place outside of the 5 or 10 day program).
We want athletes to be able to compete against top athletes in the country. Depending on what program your athlete is invited to at the National level will depend if he/she should play for the Region or USA. Below will help you and your athlete make the decision; however, these are just USAV’s recommendations:
-If they are invited to a Regional HP program and a National HP A1 or A2 program, we suggest that they attend the A1 or A2 program.
-If they are invited to a Regional HP program and a National HP A3, Training or Development camp, we suggest they attend the Regional HP program.
19. Do you have any information on NCAA rules and regulations?
Please check out these two brochures that the NCAA publishes yearly.
Your Path to the Student Athlete Experience
Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
20. My son or daughter is too old to participate in HP programs. Are there any other ways he/she could stay involved in the pipeline?
On the Men’s side, athletes need to contact the Men’s National Team Head Coach, Alan Knipe, to be considered for the Men’s WUG and National Team. We hope to have a formal process in place within the next few years.
On the Women’s side, USAV holds an annual National Team open tryout in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the Olympic Training Center. The tryout is usually held in late February and usually fills up quickly. By attending this tryout, athletes have access to participate in the following programs:
USA Women's Volleyball National Team Program – Athletes that have concluded their college eligibility and who wish to be invited to be a member of the USA Women’s Volleyball National Team on a full-time basis. This program could begin as early as the spring of that year, or when an athlete’s scholastic or professional club season has concluded.
Also considered for training with this group will be athletes that have remaining college eligibility. Their participation will begin in mid-May or when their scholastic calendar ends for the year (usually May).
USA Women's Senior A2 Teams – Athletes in college and with collegiate eligibility remaining for their collegiate season not selected to join the USA Women’s National Team may be invited to participate with the USA Senior A2 program. A projected 24 athletes will be invited to participate in the program, which will include training and competing in the US Open Championships.
21. What is U.S.’s record with the Junior and Youth National Teams in the International Tournaments they participate in?
|
GYNT |
|
|
2011 |
9th Place- 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship |
|
2010 |
1st Place- 2010 NORCECA Girls Youth Continental Championship, U-18 |
|
2009 |
12th Place - 2009 FIVB Girls' Youth World Championship |
|
2008 |
1st Place- 2008 NORCECA Girls Youth Continental Championship, U-18 |
|
2007 |
10th Place- 2007 FIVB Girls' Youth World Championship |
|
2006 |
1st Place- 2006 NORCECA Girls Youth Continental Championship, U-18 |
|
2005 |
4th Place- 2005 Youth Girls' Under 18 World Championships |
|
2004 |
1st Place- 2004 NORCECA Women's Continental Championship, U-18 |
|
2003 |
4th Place- 2003 Girls' U18 World Championship |
|
2002 |
1st Place- 2002 NORCECA Girls Youth Continental Championship, U-18 |
|
2001 |
15th Place- 2001 FIVB Women's Junior World Championships (played for WJNT team) |
|
2000 |
2nd Place- 2000 NORCECA Girls' Youth Zone Championship, U-18 |
|
1999 |
6th Place- 1999 FIVB Girls' Youth World Championship |
|
1998 |
1st Place- 1998 NORCECA Girls Youth Continental Championship, U-18 |
|
BYNT |
|
|
2011 |
3rd Place- 2011 NORCECA Pan American Cup |
|
2010 |
2nd Place-2010 NORCECA Boys Youth Continental Championship, U-19 |
|
2009 |
10th Place - 2009 FIVB Boys' Youth World Championship |
|
2008 |
1st Place- 2008 NORCECA Boys Youth Continental Championship, U-19 |
|
2007 |
15th Place- 2007 FIVB Boys' Youth World Championship |
|
2006 |
2nd Place-2006 NORCECA Boys Youth Continental Championship, U-19 |
|
2005 |
did not attend WC's- site conflict |
|
2004 |
1st Place- 2004 NORCECA Boys Youth Continental Championship, U-19 |
|
2003 |
1st Place- 2003 National Teams Challenge Cup- Canada |
|
2002 |
3rd Place- 2002 NORCECA Boys Youth Continental Championship, U-19 |
|
2001 |
did not attend WC's |
|
2000 |
3rd Place- 2000 NORCECA Boys Youth Zone Championship, U-19 |
|
1999 |
1st Place- 1999 National Teams Challenge Cup-Canada |
|
1998 |
4th Place- 1998 NORCECA Boys Youth Continental Championship, U-19 |
|
WJNT |
|
|
2011 |
4th Place- 2011 FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship |
|
2010 |
1st Place- 2010 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship, U-20 |
|
2nd Place- 2010 Youth Olympic Games |
|
|
2009 |
12th Place - 2009 FIVB Women's Junior World Championship |
|
2008 |
1st Place- 2008 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship, U-20 |
|
2007 |
4th Place- 2007 FIVB Women's Junior World Championship |
|
2006 |
1st Place- 2006 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship, U-20 |
|
2005 |
Tied for 11th Place- 2005 Junior Women's U20 World Championship |
|
2004 |
1st Place- 2004 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship, U-20 |
|
2003 |
didn't attend WC's- site/ date conflict |
|
2002 |
2nd Place- 2002 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship, U-20 |
|
2001 |
15th Place- 2001 FIVB Women's Junior World Championship |
|
2000 |
2nd Place- 2000 NORCECA Women's Junior Zone Championships, U-20 |
|
1999 |
8th Place- 1999 FIVB Women's Junior World Championship |
|
1998 |
1st Place- 1998 NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championship, U-20 |
|
MJNT |
|
|
2011 |
4th Place- 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship |
|
2010 |
1st Place- 2010 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
|
2009 |
8th Place- 2009 Men's U21 World Championship |
|
2008 |
3rd Place- 2008 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
|
2007 |
7th Place- 2007 FIVB Men's Junior World Championship |
|
2006 |
2nd Place- 2006 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
|
2005 |
8th Place- 2005 Men's U21 World Championship |
|
2004 |
2nd Place- 2004 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
|
2003 |
didn't attend WC's |
|
2002 |
3rd Place- 2002 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
|
2001 |
didn't attend WC's |
|
2000 |
4th Place- 2000 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
|
1999 |
Argentina Tour |
|
1998 |
3rd Place- 1998 NORCECA Men's Junior Continental Championship, U-21 |
