Progress: Beach volleyball is one of the hardest form of volleyball because multiple tactics come into play. It is more of a strategic game play rather than using power, compared to indoor volleyball. Since a team only has 2 players during a game it is easier to aim for spots that are open, unlike indoor volleyball where there are 6 players on the court. The game usually ends faster with only 2 players on each side of the net because the rallies are shorter. When playing beach volleyball it is much difficult to move around because of the sand. When I first started playing I felt extremely tired during the first five minutes. However, it was much easier to dive for the ball and get it up because I can quickly and fall on the sand without getting hurt. The wind is a great part of beach volleyball, and I can constantly hear the wind blowing through my ears. When playing, I always wear socks because I cannot stand the hot sand that burns through my skin. A game of volleyball usually consists of 3 matches, the first 2 matches are up to 21 points and the third match, if needed, is up to 15 points. Reflection: I hardly play beach volleyball since the beach isn’t local, but whenever I do I always have a great time. Playing beach volleyball gives me summer vibes because whenever I play it is always sunny, windy, and sand get all over my body. My two role models when it comes to beach volleyball is Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor. These two fantastic players have won 3 consecutive gold medals in a row during the Olympics. They never cease to amaze me at their amazing skills and I can watch them play all day and night. I had the opportunity to go to Long Beach and watch Jennings and her new partner April Ross play at a tournament. I got Jennings to sign my phone case and I took pictures with her. She recently announced that she is no longer playing with her partner, April Ross. It isn’t for personal reasons, but rather she says she wants to make the sport grow. I hope to someday get into beach volleyball beach because I know that will also help me with my indoor volleyball skills. article about Kerri Walsh:
http://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/athletes/Kerri-Walsh difference between indoor and beach article: http://www.active.com/volleyball/articles/4-differences-between-indoor-and-beach-volleyball volleyball expanding article: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/apnewsbreak-beach-volleyball-hopes-espn-draws-olympic-fans-47512125 tips with beach volleyball video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0t2EMnYhGI
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Progress: One horrible experience I had was at my scouts tournament 2 years ago. It was outdoors and this tournament only happened once a year. Rain started pouring down and the tournament got cancelled halfway through. However, my team was in the middle of a game when it started raining and the refs wanted the match to be over, so that we can be done with the game. So I had to play in the rain and the ball was slippery. As the ball came towards me I tried to set it, but it slipped right past my fingers and into my face. I felt so embarrassed and wanted to hide in a hole. What was weird was that it was extremely sunny in the morning. I had to put on lots of sunscreen because last time I played outdoors I got sunburn. What also affected me was the ground. Some areas had holes in the ground so I had to be aware of where I was standing. Also the ground, sometimes had a slope, so the ground was uneven which, makes is even harder to play. Reflection: I usually only play outdoor volleyball in the summer, with my scouts team and I always have a really good time. Sometimes I get distracted and frustrated from the weather because it is usually really hot, but being their with my teammates makes me forget about it. What I remember during summer of last year was that our volleyballs kept going over the walls and we never got them back. My coaches were angry and punished my teammates and I by making us run and do push-ups. Also I remember the dirt going into my face plenty of times, since California was in a drought and the grass was never taken care of. I can’t wait for this year’s summer volleyball program, especially the tournament that happens only once every summer. I’ve been playing in that tournament since I was in 8th grade and my team has always gotten so close to winning, but we never do. I hope to win this year since last year was a devastating lost. My team won the first set against the Westminster team and during the second set we only needed two more points to win, but the Westminster team caught up. Their team won the third set and has been undefeated every year. I hope to improve on my hitting skills since the net that I play on during the summer is a guy’s net, so it is higher. how to set up an outdoor volleyball net video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8It3B28zsr4 outdoor volleyball tournament video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxsw9Bltfhw Progress: Indoor volleyball is where most people play, whether that be for club or school. On a regular high school volleyball team there would be 6 people on each side of the net. Depending on if it is girls or guys playing, the height of the net would be different. Most people play indoor volleyball because it is easier. There is no sun or wind in the way, diving is less challenging, and running after the ball is easier too, since there is no dirt, grass, or holes in the way. Indoor volleyballs are made out of leather so it is heavier. When I first started playing volleyball, I played indoor at my middle school. During practice, I dove for the ball, turning and tossing left and right. I practiced my approach as I jumped up to the net. As I served I made sure I aimed for certain areas. Through all this practice, I learned that it is very different from practicing outside. Reflection: Compared to outdoor volleyball, in my opinion, indoor volleyball is easier. One thing that a player does not have to worry about is the weather. The wind can sometimes affect a player’s concentration, such as when he/she serves. Another, thing that comes into affect is driving. Playing outdoors effects how a person dives for a ball. Most likely a person will not be able to dive for the ball because the ground is not made out of a certain material for a person to dive on; grass, dirt, or cement. As I move from outdoor to indoor, I appreciate how I do not have to worry about the sun. Most of the time when I am playing outdoors the sun is always in my face. It makes it hard for me to see where the ball is going and my hand is constantly in my face when the ball is not in play. top 5 indoor volleyball moments in the olympics video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P464_kcUsLc best indoor volleyballs video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MoBWYL5cT8 Progress:
In order to have a perfect mindset when playing volleyball one must be determined and one must want it. Having a determined mindset will not only help one further down along in line in the game of volleyball but will last with one’s life forever. During my volleyball games I must want to win, I must want the ball, and I must want to progress. If one does not want, then why is one even on the court. The drive for determination takes practice. Practice after practice, I make sure that I’m having fun by not focusing on my mistakes, but instead to focus on what I have done right. If I get a good pass I should feel determined to get another good pass up. Sometimes laziness comes into play and I start to slack off. I start to doubt myself and get intimidated when I see other teams play. The more I focus on how good the other team is compared to my team, the more nervous I get. I know how my team is and how we play and taking that into consideration will help me move forward. Reflection: I learned that the more I practice staying positive the more likely I am to have a determined mindset. The team must work together in order to all have determined mindsets because that is what gets them through games and practices. If one wants to go up to hit the ball they should just do it, instead of thinking of all the possibilities that can go wrong. With determination comes focus. The more I focus on the game the more determined I am to win. It is all how we perceive things. I learn from my losses and I move forward with my wins. When I am struggling that is when I need the most confidence and determination to do better. How to do that comes with practice and time. articles: http://www.podiumsportsjournal.com/2014/12/16/the-top-5-mental-skills-for-volleyball-training/ https://www.avca.org/Blog/Article/26/A-Drill-to-Help-Mental-Toughness Progress:
Before volleyball season happened, I was an extremely lazy person. I never did any form of exercise. Whenever I watched a T.V. show, the first thing I would grab is a bag of chips some candy and soda. I did feel unhealthy, however I never did anything to improve my health until volleyball season came. Volleyball season came and I had to do all sorts of work. From running miles to jumping boxes to doing push ups and sit ups. My first time working out I thought my body was going to die because I was not use to do. The side of my stomach started hurting and my head felt dizzy. The next day my whole body was sore. Conditioning was one of the reasons why I didn’t want to go to practice, because I was so out of shape. As time passed by, I got use to the workout and I started to be more aware of what I was eating. I started eating healthier and I cut out the chips, soda, and candy. Eating junk food would not help me get any better. Therefore before games and tournaments I made sure I had a good breakfast. A good breakfast does a lot to one’s body. It helps keep the body energized throughout the day. Reflection: Throughout this process I noticed my body becoming healthier. I wasn’t tired as much when I worked out because my body was getting use to the workout. I drank lots of water because it kept me hydrated throughout the day. I wasn’t lazy because I was always motivated to keep my body in shape. I didn’t sleep in as much anymore because I knew that time is important in one’s life. Keeping one’s body healthy will not only make one’s life last longer, but it will motivate the person to have a purpose for their body. Sometimes I may be very tempted to eat chips and candy because it's all over grocery stores and is sold everywhere in my school, from vending machines to the student store. It’s hard to find healthy things to eat because junk food is what tastes the best. However, I must think about long term goals and how eating healthier will not only help me in volleyball but at everything I do in life. article about health relating to sports: http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=455 article on how to stay healthy: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/10-motivational-tips-to-keep-you-healthy#1 Progress:
Being aware of what is happening around you can be hard, especially if a student has school, work, and sports to worry about. Time management is one big struggle. Volleyball has helped me manage my time wisely. Before, when I did not play volleyball I would get home and be on my phone, scrolling through Instagram and Snapchat. I didn’t start homework until about 7 or 8 o'clock at night. However, when volleyball season started my practice would end at 6 o'clock and I would get home, take a 30 minute break, then I would start my homework. With volleyball in my life, I did not waste time. On game days I would get home at around 8:30. During the times when I was not playing I made sure I did my homework, because I knew once I got home, I would be too tired or lazy to do it. Once the night gets late, all I want to do is sleep. Volleyball has also helped me be aware of my actions. I am able to think ahead and weigh out my options. Volleyball is a game that involves strategies. If you have a blocker coming up to block when you hit, you should think ahead and make sure that your hit does not directly go into their hands in order for them to get a block. Instead, you should tip the ball over or hit the ball in a different direction. Reflection: Time is very important because people are on a schedule with their lives. At 7 o'clock, I wake up and go to school. School ends at 2:47. I go to practice until 6 o'clock. Then I come home, take a quick break, shower, eat dinner, and do homework. I brush my teeth and make sure I get a good amount of sleep in order to feel energized the next day. Most of the time I tell myself that I am going to sleep early, but I end up sleeping late and feeling extremely tired the next day. Soon I started working at a tutoring center, which I enjoyed very much. However, I felt extremely overwhelmed because I had school, volleyball, and work. That's when I knew I was not able to work because I knew my limits. After volleyball season ended I started to work again and my work replaced the time I practiced for volleyball. I made sure I was never wasting my time because I had a purpose every morning to be the best version of myself. articles on time management: http://thenvl.com/2015/01/keep-time-management-tips-student-athletes/ http://www.maverickvolleyball.ca/blog/2011/02/13/time-management-%E2%80%93-essential-life-skill-for-an-athlete/ Video on time management: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_t9QJu2m1I Progress:
To have self confidence is something everyone struggles with. We look around and see other people that we think are better than us, that have a better life. “Oh that girl is so tall, pretty, and smart, why can’t I be like that.” Social media brings down people’s self confidence because people tend to post the best picture of themselves, so when others look at it they feel self-conscious. We compare our lives to other people when the only life we should be worried about is ourselves. When I first started playing volleyball I always compared my skills to others, which isn’t a bad thing. It actually can be a good thing because it motivates me to work harder. However, sometimes when I make a mistake I start to feel self-conscious and think to myself that I’m not good enough. Reflection: Throughout my years of playing volleyball I learn to build self-confidence in myself. It doesn’t matter if I make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes and it is up to that person to learn from his/her mistakes. Making a mistake during a game is just one point given to the other team. Everyone must either lose or win. In order to win a game, it doesn’t just matter about one’s skill, but mental toughness and confidence comes into play. I let the ball drop, oh well, just don’t do it again and learn from it. Not only has my self-confidence built up in volleyball, but it has built up in everything I do in my daily life. When I am giving a presentation during class I use to always focus on what other’s may think of me, “Oh am I talking correctly? Is my hair messed up? Do I look weird?” Now I know that people could care less about what I look like, but instead they care about the information that I am presenting. So if I have self-confidence in what I am presenting then that will help me. In addition, not judging others will help build my self-confident. When people constantly judge others, they are also consistently wondering what other’s think about them. Take those judgments and throw them away, that will help build self-confidence. article on self-confidence: http://www.nolimitsvolleyball.org/confidence article with pictures: http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Confident-During-Volleyball Video/song- confidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwLRQn61oUY video, serving tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS1ndC6RIlQ
article, float serve: http://www.active.com/volleyball/articles/developing-an-overhead-float-serve-879157 article, tips for underhand serve: http://www.active.com/volleyball/articles/ask-coach-houser-tips-for-successful-underhand-serves-879566 Progress: Everyone has a different way of serving when it comes to volleyball. Some people serve underhand, overhand, or jump float. I usually serve overhand, which is where one throws the ball in the air while staying on one’s feet and hits the ball over the net. During my practices I usually try to work on my aim. Although I may not do a jump float serve, I can make sure that my serves are consistent. I must have power and strength when it comes to serving because the ball must go over the net. This is where conditioning comes in. Lifting weights and benching helps improve my strength. Before I started conditioning my serves would only reach the first row over the net. However, after I started condition I can see that my serves would reach the back row. If I know how to aim then it would be a strong technique during volleyball games, because I can serve to the open areas or pick on someone that isn’t the best at passing. If I improve my control during my serves then I can serve it short or deep on the other side of the court, messing with the other team. Reflection: Serving is one way to win points. If there is a really strong server on the team it is possibly to win all 25 points during a game. It is important that once a team has the serve, then they should try to keep the serve on their side for as long as possible.Once they lose the point the ball goes to the other team so that they can serve. I would say that my serves are consistent. However, I need to work on strength and control. I also want to improve my serves by being able to jump float and giving the ball topspin. Giving the ball topspin makes it have a greater velocity so that it is harder for the other team to pass the ball up. Progress: One thing that is essential to hitting is one’s height. Most volleyball players that are usually hitters are very tall. The reason why one’s height is an important factor when it comes to hitting is because the taller one is the higher one’s jump is more likely to be. Jumping high is important when it comes to hitting because one is able to spot places that the ball can be placed when it is hit. Also the higher one jumps the easier it is to get over the ball to smack it down. One’s approach is also essential when it comes to hitting. An approach is the footwork that one does before hitting the ball. My coach would make all my teammates and I stand on a line facing the net. We would do our full approach without an actual ball. Doing approaches can sometimes tirer me out because I have to constantly bend down then jump. Once the ball is put in play, timing is key to getting the ball right over the net. My coach always tells me that a little timing that is off can be crucial because that means the ball can either hit the net or go out of the court. As I practice my hits I notice that the faster I swing and pull my arms down the more spin is put on the ball. The ball then doesn’t go straight across the court but instead it spins down, making it hard for the other team to pass the ball up. Reflection: My position in volleyball is never a hitter because I am always the passer. There are always other people on the team that are way taller and can jump higher. However, sometimes I would hit back row. Hitting back row is easier for me because I have more space to hit the ball. Throughout my years of player volleyball, everyone loves and wants to be a hitter. Everyone wants to make and earn the point. Sometimes when one makes the point, one may get caught up in the moment. However, it is a team effort in order to earn the point and in my opinion I think passing is the key to getting any play started in volleyball. timing hits video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qRzBXGvezQ article on hitters vision : http://www.active.com/volleyball/articles/attacker-vision-training-874837 video, avoid approach mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea1_02seb9E Progress:
Setting is a skill that is difficult to perfect. A setter can easily become frustrated during a game because they must go for every second ball no matter how far it is on the court. “Every second ball” as in the second touch or after the ball is passed up, which is why they must have a positive mindset at all times. Once the setter messes up, it is hard for the hitter to execute a hit and get the point. Setting is one of my weakest skills. My fingers are not strong enough to set the ball far and when my arms are in the air for too long it tends to get tired. That's when the intense training comes in. Passing, hitting, and serving can be skills that are hard to find a place to practice for. On the other hand, finding a place to practice setting is very easy. I find a flat surface at my house that is strong enough for a ball to go against. This wall is usually my living room wall or my bedroom room wall. Whenever I am bored I just grab a ball and practice my sets against the wall. During my practice time at next level, my friend and I would set the ball to each other from across the court or standing 10 feet apart. Another drill my coach makes me do is to lay on the floor and set the ball up. This is very difficult for me because I loose balance and my arms feel completely numb. Reflection: Being a setter means putting in a lot of work and effort since setters are always going for the second ball. Sprinting is another drill I do in order to work on my speed. After the first touch, the ball is traveling so fast that I need to sprint in order to get there on time. My coach would throw the ball across the court and I would sprint over to get it. I believe that my fingers are not strong enough in order to push the ball out far so I need to work on my finger strength. Even though the setters usually assist the hitter they can also score points too by dumping. Dumping is where one sets the over to the other side of the net by quickly setting the ball down. Dumping is smart in my opinion because they opponent's never see it coming. video tips for setting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YvYi68Bkkk Drills for setting article: http://www.active.com/volleyball/Articles/3-Drills-for-Setting-Success.htm video, taking it to another step, dump setting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYFP7KQEfCk |