The 17U athlete will be considered an intermediate athlete level III at Loudoun Elite Program. An even higher level of function specialization (than at 16U) is expected at this age, with players playing at the same position, but with slightly different characteristics that will enrich the team repertoire both offensively and defensively. At 17U it is expected that athletes not only make their (game-wise) decisions in a more independent way, but also the best decisions, being able to contribute to the team strategies. At this age it is expected that the athletes have developed a solid basic technique and a vast tactical repertoire so a new approach to the fundamentals development can take place: how to hide what you intend to do, how to deceive your opponent. Considering that the modern volleyball starts to get very physical at this age, the conditioning will have a major focus on protecting the athlete’s joints and develop power and specific game resistance. Athletes will be attending one extra strength & conditioning session (1h/week), a specific program that will be focusing on the general physical abilities that are necessary for the volleyball athlete (once athletes will already have developed general motor coordination, general strength and had the first power development programming at younger ages): lower body power, upper body speed, midline strength, joint protection, jump coordination, jump power, jump resistance and specific game resistance. Libero and defensive specialist players may be designated at the discretion of the coaching staff.