Signs of Burnout- What to Do

Burnout can be a real challenge for young athletes, and our volleyball players are no exception. With the demands of practice, games, and schoolwork, it’s important for us as parents to spot the signs of burnout and know how to tackle it. In this post, we’ll point out what to look for.  We’ll talk physical and emotional burnout, share some tips to help prevent it, and invite you to share how you keep the fun alive for your young volleyball star.

Reading the Tea Leaves: The Signs of Burnout

Physical Burnout:

• Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Injury Susceptibility: Frequent injuries or prolonged recovery times.
• Decreased Performance: A noticeable decline in skills or game performance.

Emotional Burnout:

• Lack of Enthusiasm: Reduced excitement and interest in playing volleyball.
• Irritability: Increased frustration or irritability, both on and off the court.
• Withdrawal: Avoiding practices, games, or social activities with teammates.

It’s important for parents to understand that burnout among serious athletes is common.  I have an athlete who has been playing volleyball since third grade. She’s now heading to play the game she loves in college. However, around the midpoint of her career, I noticed signs of physical burnout. The most noticeable signs for us were constant tiredness and increased injury susceptibility, which became evident after she was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her foot. I sensed a moment of relief from her when we discussed the issue. This led me to talk to her coach about taking a longer break, and the coach agreed that it would help her both physically and mentally. As John Dunning, a renowned former Stanford University head coach, once said, “Recognizing when an athlete needs a break is just as important as pushing them to improve. Balance is key.”

How to Prevent Burnout in Volleyball Players

1. Prioritize Rest and Recovery Rest is essential for both physical and mental recovery. Ensure your child gets adequate sleep and has rest days built into their training schedule. According to Karch Kiraly, the head coach of the USA Women’s National Volleyball Team, “Proper recovery is critical. Overworking young athletes can lead to injuries and burnout. Adequate rest helps them come back stronger and more focused.” 2. Diversify Activities Encourage your child to engage in a variety of activities outside volleyball. This can help prevent monotony and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Playing different sports or engaging in non-sport-related hobbies can provide a mental break and develop a well-rounded skill set.  For my daughter,  it’s playing golf, baking for friends and family and boating that makes up her life balance.  Russ Rose, retired head coach of the Penn State Women’s Volleyball Team: “Balance in life is essential for any athlete. They need to have time for family, academics, and other interests to keep volleyball in perspective and maintain their passion for the game.” 3. Keep Volleyball Fun Volleyball should be enjoyable!  It should always include creative and fun drills, team-building activities, and informal games to keep the joy in playing. If you’re not hearing that these things are happening in your player’s practices, you should be concerned.  Consider a meaningful dialog with the coaches or club directors.  As Hugh McCutcheon, former USA Men’s National Team coach, notes, “Athletes who enjoy what they do are more likely to stay committed and perform better. Fun should always be a part of the game.” 4. Communicate Openly About Burnout Maintain open lines of communication with your child. Encourage them to share their feelings and concerns about volleyball. Understanding their perspective can help you support them better and make necessary adjustments to their training and competition schedule. Who are they really playing the game for? You or themselves? Listening to their responses will help you understand their feelings. 5. Set Realistic Goals Help your child set achievable and realistic goals. This can prevent the overwhelming pressure to perform at an exceptionally high level constantly. Try encouraging mindfulness techniques to help them manifest the results they want to achieve. Celebrate their progress and milestones, no matter how small.

Conclusion

By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can help your child maintain a healthy and enjoyable relationship with volleyball. Remember, the ultimate goal is for them to love the game and develop lifelong skills that go beyond the court.

Share Your Experiences With the Signs of Burnout

We’d love to hear from you! How do you ensure your child enjoys volleyball while preventing burnout? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Or head to our Conversations Forum ( click the button on the sidebar on this page) and start a new topic!