Too shy to join my school volleyball team?

[Rachbat]

So the school year just began and there was volleyball tryouts a few weeks ago. Deep down I know I would have been good enough to make it, but I didn't even try out. I was just too shy to go to the tryout. Generally, I don't have a lot of self confidence, and I'm always afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing. But all my friends have been asking me why I didn't try out, so I just say I'm not good at volleyball. But most of them know I'm good and will respond with "Yes you are! You have a wicked serve!" Or something like that.

Now I really wish I could play but of course I'm not on the team, and I would have to wait till next year to join.

Why do I feel this way?

Why didn't I want to try out?

Any advice on how to get over this?

[heartchu564]

Trust me I am the same exact way. Like I play softball and I did the same thing as you for travel teams. Eventually I got over it though. My best advice for you is that especially since you believed you would have made it, it so worth being on a team. I play college softball at a small school where I knew nobody and being on that team helped me make friends and gain confidence. Obviously we can't go back in time but my advice is just tell yourself "who cares" I constantly tell myself this when I'm about to do something I'm afraid to (approach a guy, try out, things like that) just tell yourself you're making a bigger deal out of something because chances are that you are freaking out over nothing (I know its hard and I wish I could take my own advice but after you take that risk you just feel so much better) If you ever want to do something but convince yourself you can't just remember that lifes too short to worry about those little things. Go out and do what you want. It'll be super hard at first but little by little you'll get there. I;m still working on it but I'm a lot happier now than I was before.

[ninetynine]

Oh my gosh, I was in such a similar situation. Soccer used to be my life (I started playing when I was five, and then joined my first competitive travel team when I was like eight). A huge part of me wanted play on my high school's team, but I ended up changing my mind when the tryout dates got closer because I was way too nervous about the idea of not fitting in. I'm sure you were probably nervous about that, too.

Being in new environments around new people can be extremely intimidating, especially for someone shy with low self-esteem. Just know that it's not the end of the world. Yeah, it sucks that you let your shyness prevent you from trying out for a sport that you're good at and love, but there is always next year. This feeling of regret will pass with time. Just imagine how much less free time you would have if you had joined the team! Maybe you could get involved with other things going on at your school to get your mind off the whole volleyball thing.

[MaskofInsanity]

Sounds like a bit of social anxiety or something, which I can totally sympathise with you on. It's a pain in the ass but you have to learn how to control it.

It might sound too simple, but my trick is to just not over-think things. If I want to do something, I'll just do it. I might get nervous, shaky and want to puke - but I'll just suck it up and do it. It might be awkward for a little while, but after that transition period you'll get into it and be happy you took the leap.

Next year just sign up and do it. Don't think about it and just deal with the nerves.

[steveguitar]

girls are usually really good at understanding peoples emotions and learning to connect with people who are shy, you should try it, girl teams often become pretty close especially if there is travelling involved

[OnceUponADream143]

I understand. I have social anxiety and by not joining things I really wanted or no talk to people even if they are very interesting. I miss out on oppertuintes and fell disappointed and unhappy. I try slowly getting out of my shell by joining, talking, ect, and I feel so proud of myself happy, and raises my confidence. So I suggest next year you try out. Meanwhile, do little things slowly day by day to get out of your shell. It will take time, but in the end, it'll be worth it. :)

[Anonymous]

if a guy was shy he would have been insulted . girls have it so easy