When to Quit Playing Volleyball
Many players of all ages and levels have considered quitting the sport competitively at some point or another. And, chances are that if you haven’t yet considered it, you probably will at some point in the future. So when should you actually quit? When should you keep playing? This article might help you decide. Obviously, use your discretion as every situation is different.
When to Quit Playing Volleyball
Life-Changing Injuries: If you have an injury that is severe enough to keep you from not only playing the sport but also simple actions like walking around campus, it is probably time to give up the sport. ACL tears are common injuries that take players out of the sport simply because they require surgery to repair and then after that, a brace must be worn during athletic activity. Some players are able to come back from this injury, but many are not, and some that do end up tearing their ACLs again.
Lack of Passion or Effort: If you are only giving 50% of your best in practice and games, you are letting your team down. The coaches are spending time on you that could be better spent on players that give 100% all the time. Playing just to play is not fair to your team or your coaches.
When to Keep Playing
Personality Issues: Quitting a team simply because you do not like the other players on it is not a reason to quit. In the huge scope of life, you will be often thrust into situations that require you to work in close contact with people that you do not like. This might happen in school, other sports, jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships, and many more situations. Learning how to deal with people that you are not fond of is an essential life skill.
Monetary Hardship: If you are unable to afford the sport, there are many other options available. Recreational gyms and community centers often offer volleyball classes and open gyms for minimal fees. The number of Volleyball Lite clubs is also on the rise, which allows for club playing at a decreased fee. You might have to shop around, but you are bound to find some way to keep playing the sport you love.
Physical Demands: Being sore after a practice means that you are working hard and improving. Just because you don’t like the feeling of being sore doesn’t mean that you should give up. Exercising is part of a healthy lifestyle and if you can get in your exercise playing the sport you love, even better.
Playing Time Issues: Just because you aren’t getting the playing time you feel you deserve does not mean that you should quit a team. Work hard to beat out that player who starts over you. It will help you build character. Furthermore, an essential life-lesson to learn is that everyone has their place on a team. You might not be able to start every game, but you are the loudest player on the bench cheering on your team, or you are the spark-plug sub that comes into the game when your team needs to be fired up.