What High School Volleyball Players Should Focus on Now.

If you’re a high school volleyball player in America, March isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s Go-Time. Whether you’re in the thick of a high-stakes club season, preparing for spring showcases, or looking ahead to college recruiting, what you do right now determines how you’ll finish the year. Research shows that this middle-of-the-year stretch is the most critical window for building the explosive power and mental toughness needed to stand out.

Here is exactly what you should be focusing on this month to take your game to the next level.

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1. Focus on "The Big Three": Power, Speed, and Agility

By March, your body is used to the grind. To avoid plateauing, you need to transition from general fitness to volleyball-specific explosiveness. * The Science: According to a systematic review in the Journal of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, plyometric training is the single most effective way to increase vertical jump and agility in athletes under 18. Specifically, structured jumping programs can increase vertical height by up to 15%.

• The Move: Focus on "quality over quantity." Instead of doing 100 random jumps, perform 10 max-effort approach jumps.
• The Gear: To get those high-quality reps at home, use the Apex Sports Volleyball Spike Trainer. It allows you to practice your full approach and arm swing mechanics without needing someone to toss for you, ensuring every jump is technically perfect.

2. Sharpen Your "Out-of-System" Skills

In high school ball, the best players aren't just specialists; they are versatile. If the pass is off, can you still better the ball?

• The Science: Research published in SimpliFaster highlights that "availability" and versatility are key for high school athletes. Coaches look for players who can handle non-position-specific skills—like a Middle Blocker who can pass or a Libero who can set a clean out-of-system ball.
• The Strategy: Dedicate 15 minutes of every practice to your weakest skill. If you’re a hitter, work on your platform. If you’re a DS, work on your hand-setting.
• The Gear: You don't need a full team to get better at passing and setting. The Apex Sports Adjustable Volleyball Rebounder Net is perfect for solo wall-work drills. Its adjustable angle helps you practice everything from low-seam passes to high-arc sets.

3. Master the Mental "Hardiness"

March is often when burnout starts to creep in. The athletes who succeed are those who build Mental Toughness (MT).

• The Science: A study in the Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences found that mental toughness—specifically confidence and constancy—directly predicts an athlete's performance under pressure. Athletes with high "hardiness" see stress as a challenge rather than a threat, allowing them to recover from errors faster.
• The Strategy: Start using "Self-Talk" and "Imagery." Before a big point, visualize a successful serve or block. Research shows this "Mental Rehearsal" can actually improve physical execution on the court.

4. Jumpstart Your Recruiting (Junior & Sophomores)

If you want to play in college, March is a massive month for the "Contact Period."

• The Timeline: According to the NCAA Recruiting Calendar, Division I and II coaches are currently in a "Contact Period," meaning they are actively looking at tournament results and watching film.

• The Action Item: Update your highlight reel with clips from January and February tournaments. If you don't have a high-quality net at home to film skill demos, the Apex Sports Volleyball Training Net System is a pro-level setup that looks great on camera and lets you record high-repetition drills in your own backyard.

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The Bottom Line

Success in volleyball isn't about being the tallest person on the court—it’s about being the most prepared. By focusing on explosive plyometrics, versatile skill work, and a resilient mindset, you are setting yourself up for a massive finish to the season.

Ready to out-train the competition?
Check out the full Apex Sports Volleyball Training Collection to get the tools used by elite athletes to dominate the court.

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References:

• Sáez-Sáez de Villarreal, et al. (2010). "The Effect of Plyometric Training on Volleyball Players."
• SimpliFaster (2024). "Optimal Off-Season Training for Volleyball."
• NCAA (2025-26). "Recruiting Calendar and Guide."
• PMC (2021). "The Effect of Mental Training on Psychological Hardiness in Adolescent Athletes."