Quicksets with Kenzie: Beach Volleyball Tips

"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication just like any pro sport. Especially for beach volleyball you don't have to be tall or as fast as other sports. You just have to have the skills." -- Misty May




Spring break is here and summer is fast approaching. Here are some tips on beach volleyball focused on defensive playing.

Blocking
−Frequently, the blocker will choose not to block and assume a defensive position or "pull" off the net.

−The blocker must always tell his or her defender what he or she is taking (blocking angle, blocking line, or blocking the ball).

−The rule of thumb for blocking is "jump late but quick."

−When not to block: your partner serves a player with not a very strong offensive game, the passer makes a bad pass, or the set is off the net.


Digging
−The best blockers on the beach get beat 75-80% of the time, so be ready to pass a ball.

- Play deep and think short. You can't get a ball that goes over your head but you can dive forward to get a short ball up.

-If the blocker is taking line, start in the line and then move into the angle to fool the hitter. Vice versa for a blocker taking angle.

Playing in the Wind
-If given the opportunity, take the side with the wind blowing into your face. Your serves will move more in the wind and your opponents' serves have a better chance of going long.

−Keep the sets low so that the wind won't move them too far.

−Hitters should be able to swing away with the wind in your face as the wind will help to make the ball drop.

-With the wind at your back, short shots will tend to be even shorter, so be ready to dive.

And remember, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

Kenzie Aries