Archive for the ‘Beach Volley’ Category

How to Improve your Beach Volleyball Serve

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

For some people, beach volleyball is a great way to enjoy time with friends. Other people have a love of indoor volleyball, but are unable to serve well in a beach setting. Others wish they could play beach volleyball, but feel as though they do not know what they are doing. There is a simple way to improve every part of your game; this article focuses on improving your beach volleyball serve.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Beach volleyball

  • Net

  • Sand court

Step1

The first step is to get a feel for the volleyball and your surroundings. Beach volleyball is different rom the standard version in that the ball feels different and is affected by wind and wind gusts. It is important for you to hit the ball around outside to understand how it reacts to you and the wind around you. Simply attempt a few hits over the net to gauge how hard you need to hit the ball.

Step2

After getting a feel for the ball, you should focus on your stance. Make sure that you are far enough away from the back line to not step on or over it before the serve; this is illegal, and will cost you points in a game. As far as your stance is concerned, make sure that your back foot (on the same side as your serving hand) is planted firmly, and that your front foot (opposite your serving hand) is also flat. Having a good base helps to focus your movement.

Step3

Next is to practice the toss. Using your non-hitting hand, you should hold the volleyball in front of you and toss it in the air slightly so that it is above your head. This will allow you to hit over the net overhand. Be sure to know the timing of your toss and the correct height by practicing tossing. You do not want your toss to be too high, as the wind may catch it.

Step4

Last is the actual hit. Make sure that you are hitting the ball with an open hand, or it may lose force or ricochet off to the side. By giving it a firm hit, you will make sure it is getting over. When practicing, do not be afraid to play with your power levels, as it simply takes time to understand the strength needed.

Step5
If you are looking to improve further, practice serving by marking separate areas on the opposite side of the court and attempting to hit to those specific areas. This will help you to place your serve, which is important for those who are trying to be more competitive.

Tips & Warnings

  • Practice makes perfect!
  • Do not be discouraged, as it will take repetition to get the outdoor beach serve down.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/

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Posted in Beach Volley | 5 Comments »

How to Coach Beach Volleyball

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Beach volleyball was invented in Santa Monica, California in the 1920s. Unlike indoor volleyball, in beach volleyball there are only two players, who play barefooted. Read on to learn how to coach beach volleyball.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Volleyballs

Select the Best Players at Try-outs

Step1

Ask each potential team member to fill out an application prior to try-outs. The application should include questions about their volleyball strengths and weaknesses.

Step2

Talk to each player at practice sessions before try-outs. Teamwork is a major component of a successful volleyball team, and some potential players will make it clear they don’t work well with others.

Step3

Announce at try-outs that players will be expected to make beach volleyball their priority sport. Players who prefer another sport will not waste your time by trying out.

Require More Cardiovascular Training

Step1

Expand the amount of endurance training from indoor volleyball coaching. Playing in sand and covering the whole court with only two players will require more stamina from beach volleyball players.

Step2

Ask players to jog for 20 minutes–rather than the usual 10–at the opening of each practice.

Run Speed Setting Drills

Step1

Ask both players to stand about 10 feet from each other.

Step2

Instruct the first player to set the ball to herself. She will set the ball and spin 180 degrees to meet the ball again.

Step3

Tell the first player that upon contacting the ball after her spin she is to set the ball to the second player.

Step4

Require the second player to perform the same process as player one did.

Run Setting Accuracy Drills

Step1

Take your players to a basketball court. Be sure that the hoops have nets.

Step2

Stand behind and to one side of the basket with a bag of volleyballs.

Step3

Instruct the first player to stand in front of the basket.

Step4

Toss a volleyball to the setter. He should set the ball so that it goes through the basketball hoop without touching the rim.

Step5

Repeat drill about 20 times, then switch setters. This forces players to practice reading the set.

Coach a Body Set-Up Drill

Step1

Coach your player to stand on one side of the net, while you stand on the other with a bag of volleyballs.

Step2

Tell the players that the person whose name you call out needs to position himself so that the ball falls directly between his knees.

Step3

Continue serving the ball until each player has successfully set up his body about 10 times.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/

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Posted in Beach Volley | No Comments »