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L.E.A.P. youth league
Learn. Enjoy. Achieve. Play.
Introducing l.e.a.p.
Cincinnati's new youth volleyball league
starting fall 2026 (august - October)
A better way to introduce 2nd & 3rd grade girls and boys to the game of volleyball.
*Future leagues will incorporate 4th grade players.*
L.E.A.P. was created with one goal in mind: help young players fall in love with volleyball while learning the game the right way from the very beginning.
Traditional volleyball matches can sometimes be difficult for young athletes. Full-size courts, high nets, and too many players on the court can limit how often athletes actually touch the ball. In many games, young players spend more time watching than playing.
L.E.A.P. changes that.
Unlike traditional formats, L.E.A.P. emphasizes smaller-sided play, more touches, and age-appropriate court dimensions to accelerate skill development. The L.E.A.P. model is a combination of Smashball (details below), Tripleball, and the European model of youth volleyball training. Our goal is simple: teach the game correctly, build strong fundamentals, prioritize technique, and create smarter, more confident players who are bound for long-term success.
L.E.A.P. focuses on player development rather than early pressure to win.
At this age, the goal is not standings or trophies. It's about building a strong foundation of fundamental skills, confidence, teamwork, and enjoyment. By removing the pressure to win at such an early stage, young athletes are free to experiment, learn from mistakes, and develop a genuine love for the sport.
For many young athletes in Cincinnati, L.E.A.P. will be their very first experience with volleyball - and the goal is to make that experience positive, exciting, and developmentally correct.
Because when the game is taught the right way from the start, the future of volleyball becomes even brighter.
WHAT MAKES L.E.A.P. DIFFERENT?
Smaller courts
L.E.A.P. uses pickleball courts, which are identical to volleyball courts, just smaller. Players move more and stay involved in every play.
Lower Nets
Nets will be lowered to approximately 5 feet for 3rd graders and lower for 2nd graders. Young athletes can develop proper serving and attacking skills.
LIGHTer balls
L.E.A.P. uses lighter weight VolleyLite balls. This allows beginner or younger players to build confidence and develop skills, especially ball control.
Fewer players
L.E.A.P. uses a 3v3 format, which means every player touches the ball more often. That means less watching and more playing!
more player reps
While more touches is obviously more fun, it also means more opportunities for learning and skill development. L.E.A.P.'s focus is development and fun, not winning.
Coach Development
L.E.A.P. is a great opportunity for coaches to learn new teaching techniques and bring new skill development to their own gym.

SEE THE L.E.A.P. MODEL IN ACTION!
comparing l.e.a.p. to MOST youth volleyball LEAGUES/MATCHES
Below is a side-by-side comparison of common youth volleyball development models to L.E.A.P.'s.
Development Area | L.E.A.P. Model | Traditional Youth Volleyball Matches | Why L.E.A.P. Develops Better Players |
|---|---|---|---|
Starting Age | Athletes introduced to game through simplified version | Athletes introduced to game through scaled versions of original | L.E.A.P. adapts the game to the child, not forcing the child to adapt |
Players on Court | 3v3 formats for younger athletes | Usually moves quickly to 6v6 | Fewer players means that each child touches the ball far more often |
Court Size | Smaller courts for younger players | Often close to full-size courts | Smaller space keeps players engaged and allows more successful rallies |
Net Height | Lower nets appropriate for age and strength | Often too high for young players | Lower nets allow players to attack and develop complete skills earlier |
Ball Contact | Very high number of contacts due to less players | Many players may only touch the ball a few times | More contacts accelerate skill development |
Skill Development Focus | Passing, setting, ball control, and reading the game | Winning matches, rotations, and team systems | Early skill mastery builds better athletes long term |
Training Philosophy | Long-term athlete development | Short-term competitive results | Building players for future levels |
Game Play | Constant involvement in rallies | Players often stand in base positions waiting for ball | Active involvement improves learning and confidence |
Pressure to Win | Lower emphasis on winning at young ages | Early emphasis on winning tournaments | Removing pressure allows players to experiment and learn |
Player Creativity | Encouraged through game-like learning | Systems and structure emphasized early | Creativity helps players adapt and solve problems during play |
Long-Term Impact | Technically skilled, versatile players | Some players specialize early but lack broad skill | Well-rounded athletes transition better to higher levels |
Read why fewer players on the court can accelerate player development
LEAGUE INFORMATION

check out L.E.A.P. SKILL SESSIONS!
GIRLs & BOYS | 2ND-3RD
L.E.A.P. is designed for young players just starting out in volleyball. Matches will be divided by both grade and gender.
SATURDAYs | 9-10:20AM
Game days will start with a 30 minute skill session, followed by two 20 minute scrimmages led by L.EA.P. staff.
AUGUST 22-OCTOBER 10
L.E.A.P. will run on Saturdays starting August 22nd, with the last day of the league being October 10th. There will be no league on September 5th for Labor Day.
cost: $120/player
Schools enrolled in L.E.A.P. will collect the $120/player fee and submit to the league
OPVC FACILITY
All league programs will be held at RG Sports Academy.
7950 E Kemper Road
Cincinnati, OH 45249
QUESTIONS?
If you would like more information about L.E.A.P., you can contact Zoe Conway-Kear, League Director at
zoe@ohiopremiervc.com or 765.591.3152
registrATION
SIGN UP FOR L.E.A.P. ONE OF TWO WAYS:
OPTION 1:
THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL
- Players will sign up through their youth volleyball organization/school.
- Youth coordinators then submit their 2nd & 3rd grade teams using the form on the right (maximum 5 players/team).
- Coordinators/schools will collect fees ($120/player) and submit to L.E.A.P.
OPTION 2:
INDIVIDUAL SIGNUPS
*COMING SOON*
- Don't have a school volleyball program? No problem!
- L.E.A.P. is currently working on a signup option for individuals.
More details coming soon!
Hear from the athletes!

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