Volleyball Camp

Finding the right volleyball program—particularly for male athletes—often feels like navigating a landscape of extremes. On one side, you have casual recreational clinics that may lack structure; on the other, high-pressure “recruiting showcases” geared exclusively toward college placement. For families evaluating summer options, the challenge is finding a program that sits comfortably in the middle: a place where athletic rigor meets character development.

At Maccabi Sports Camp, we have engineered a volleyball experience that bridges this gap. We provide high-level technical instruction within a supportive, co-ed environment that values personal growth as much as court performance.

A Holistic Approach to Volleyball Training

We understand that you aren’t just looking for drill repetition; you are looking for a program that develops the whole athlete. Our curriculum is designed to serve campers entering grades 3–11, a critical window for athletic development. Research suggests that the ages of 10 to 12 are optimal for structured skill progression, making this the perfect time to introduce correct mechanics before bad habits set in.

Our program is proudly co-ed. In a regional market where volleyball opportunities can be heavily skewed toward girls’ clubs, we offer a genuinely inclusive environment where boys and girls train together. This co-ed dynamic mirrors the realities of collegiate intramurals and adult leagues, fostering mutual respect and camaraderie that extends beyond the net.

As part of the Oshman Family JCC, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that sports are a vehicle for building Jewish identity and community. We don’t just teach the jump serve; we teach the resilience required to attempt it, miss, and try again.

Elite Facilities at Cal State East Bay

Environment plays a massive role in an athlete’s development. A day camp in a middle school gym cannot replicate the immersive feeling of a collegiate atmosphere. Located in Hayward on the campus of Cal State East Bay, our campers train in university-level athletic facilities.
Access to these courts allows us to run multiple drills simultaneously, ensuring high-repetition training with minimal downtime. Campers experience the lifestyle of a collegiate athlete—living in dorms, eating in the dining hall, and training in top-tier facilities—which creates a sense of independence and maturity that day camps simply cannot offer.

The Skill Development Pathway

We structure our coaching to accommodate varying experience levels, from the absolute beginner to the varsity starter. Our low camper-to-coach ratio ensuring that every athlete receives personalized feedback.

Fundamentals (Grades 3–6)

For our younger or newer athletes, the focus is on mastering the “kinetic chain” of volleyball movements.

Passing: Establishing a solid platform and footwork for serve receive.
Serving: Developing a consistent overhand serve (moving away from underhand as strength allows).
Setting: Introduction to hand positioning and weight transfer.

Advanced Tactics (Grades 7–11)

For experienced players, we shift focus to game IQ and complex mechanics.

Offensive Systems: Understanding rotations (5-1, 6-2) and court positioning.
Attacking: Approach timing, arm swing mechanics, and shot selection (tipping, rolling, power).
Defense: Reading the setter and blocking schemes.
Beyond the Court: The Overnight Experience

While the volleyball instruction is intensive, the “magic” of Maccabi Sports Camp happens in the moments between drills. As a Jewish overnight camp, we leverage the residential experience to build deep social connections.

When the whistle blows and practice ends, campers aren’t just going home to play video games. They are participating in evening programs, celebrating Shabbat with joy, and building friendships with bunkmates from across the Bay Area and beyond. This immersion builds “soft skills”—leadership, communication, and empathy—that are essential for any team sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

My son is interested in volleyball but has never played on a club team. Is this camp appropriate?
Absolutely. Because volleyball is a late-specialization sport, many boys do not start playing competitively until middle school or high school. Our coaching staff is expert at integrating beginners, ensuring they learn proper fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed by more experienced peers.

How does this differ from intense “college prep” camps?
While we take volleyball seriously, we are not a recruiting showcase. Our primary goal is player development and love for the game, rather than ranking athletes for college scouts. We compete with the standard of excellence found at camps like URJ’s Six Points, focusing on holistic growth rather than just metrics.

Is the program strictly for Jewish campers?
While we are a Jewish camp rooted in values like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Kehillah (community), we welcome campers of all backgrounds. The values we teach—sportsmanship, kindness, and community—are universal.

What is the coaching staff’s background?
Our volleyball staff consists of experienced high school and club coaches, as well as collegiate players. They are selected not just for their volleyball IQ, but for their ability to mentor and connect with young people.

Have more questions? We’d love to answer them. Contact Our Camp Director today!