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Sand Volleyball
Using the beach to develop your skills and become a more complete player
Sand volleyball has many advantages. More and more indoor players are improving their game by learning
how to play on the beach.
Developing all your skills
The big advantage of playing beach volleyball is the fact that it forces you to develop all your skills. This is why it's usually a good idea to play volleyball in the sand.
If you've been playing sand volleyball for awhile, you may have noticed that when an indoor player comes and plays on the beach for the first time, they really struggle. This is
because it's much harder to take your indoor skills to the beach.
Playing in the sand is very challenging because you're on an unstable surface. The sand makes it harder to move and get in position to make plays. It's even more challenging if you're
playing doubles or fours because you aren't used to having to cover that much court. The strategy for doubles and four
person is much different and it's not that surprising many indoor
players have trouble making the transition to the beach.
There is mixed opinion among most coaches on whether or not playing on the beach is good for indoor. Many coaches don't want their player's playing on the beach because they believe they'll develop
bad habits.
For example, when playing doubles, you're often out of position and must use unorthodox techniques to make plays.
Then there are coaches that actually encourage their indoor player's to play beach volleyball. Many coaches believe that learning those techniques will only improve their performance indoor.
Advantages to learning the beach game
Learn by coaching
When you play sand volleyball, you likely won't have a coach. This can be a really great thing because it forces you to coach yourself and
work with your teammate.
By not having a coach, you could actually be more motivated, efficient,
and active due to lowered inhibitions and an increased sense of purpose.
Become a complete player
Playing doubles forces you to develop your weak skills.
For example, if your partner passes the serve, you must go set the ball.
If you can't set very well, your opponent will likely serve your partner often, forcing you to set. You must learn how to set or you'll lose.
Learning to have a plan
Doubles forces you to learn strategy and create a game plan.
For example, after just a few serves, you can likely tell which player is the weaker passer.
One strategy would be to serve the weaker passer, forcing her partner
to set the bad pass.
Another strategy would be to see which player is the weakest setter.
If one player can't set their partner very well, it might be best to
serve forcing the bad setter to set. These are examples of learning to play volleyball with a game plan.
Having a plan is going to give you confidence and make the game much easier to play.
When you transition back to playing indoor, your team will benefit from your new
found confidence and ability to scheme.
The beach game is fun
Playing on the beach can be a nice break from indoor. You're out in the sun, playing volleyball with your friends.
Another advantage of sand volleyball is the fact there isn't pressure of performing well or letting your team down like you have with the indoor game.
Also, with indoor volleyball almost being a year round sport these days,
sand volleyball is a great way to get away and relax playing the sport you love.
Sand Volleyball to Beach Volleyball
From Beach Volleyball to Strength and Power for Volleyball
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