TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
FROM BEACH VOLLEYBALL PROS
From IBVB's "Coors Light Long Beach American Classic 2003"
TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
FROM BEACH VOLLEYBALL PROS
From IBVB's "Coors Light Long Beach American Classic 2003"
New York, NY July 17, 2003 -- This past weekend, July 12-13th, was Island Beach Volleyball Association's (IBVB) second annual "Coors Light Long Beach American Classic 2003" tournament in Long Beach, Long Island, NY. More than 15 Top AVP players attended, as hoards of beachgoers watched them battle for $10,000 in cash and prizes. While there, I was able to speak with several AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) and Top local players about safety tips and techniques for playing beach volleyball. Here's what they had to say about this ever-growing sport:
Top 10 Safety Tips for Playing Beach Volleyball
1. Make sure you're stretched out and warmed up, so you don't tear any muscles. (Albert Hannemann, Top Seed Professional Men's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour and this year's Men's Open Winner (split decision))
2. Stay hydrated; Drink plenty of water. Eat salt, pickles/pickle juice (sodium), and bananas (potassium). (Brad Torsone, Top Seed Professional Men's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour)
3. Wear sunglasses (to protect eyes), sun socks (to prevent sores and blisters), sunscreen and lip balm – and keep applying all day. (Franci Rard, Top Seed Professional Women's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour and this year's Women's Open Winner)
4. Make sure your mouth is closed when you dive for the ball, so you don't get sand in your mouth. (Cathy von Schoenermarck, Top local volleyball player and wife of Pete von Schoenermarck)
5. Make sure you get along with your partner. You don't want to start a fight on the court. Communications is key. (Albert Hannemann)
6. Watch for stray glass on the beach. You don't want to get cut. (Laura Romeika, Top SeedProfessional Women's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour and last year's IBVB winner)
7. For men, wear a Speedo underneath your shorts. (Brad Torsone)
8. For women, always wear a sports bra. (Cassandra Libath, Top Seed Professional Women's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour)
9. For women, double-knot string bikinis. (Tyra Harper, Top Seed Professional Women's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour and this year's Women's Open Winner)
10. For women, always carry a spare swimsuit in case one breaks. I know from experience. (Tyra Harper)
Top 10 Techniques for Playing Beach Volleyball
1. Moving your feet sets up everything you do. (Scott Lane, Top Seed Professional Men's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour and this year's Men's Open Winner (split decision))
2. You can't be afraid to fail. (Jon Leake, Top Seed Professional Men's Volleyball Player on the AVP Tour and husband of Jill Leake, this year's Women's Open Runner-up Winner)
3. Hands up and ready and arms at a 90° angle. (Scott Lane)
4. Beach volleyball is more fun than indoor volleyball, so enjoy the game. (Jon Leake)
5. Timing is everything – especially when you're spiking the ball or blocking someone else's spike. (Pete von Schoenermarck, Top local volleyball player and Cathy's husband)
6. Court position, to make the right play. (Scott Lane)
7. Remove the sand from the ball, before continuing play. (Cathy von Schoenermarck)
8. Know the weather conditions – sun, wind, etc. – and what's more advantageous for you to play in/against. (Scott Lane)
9. Know the game inside and out. (Scott Lane)
10. Practice, practice, practice! (Pete von Schoenermarck)
"This is the greatest show on earth if you play it right and play it safe!" said Jon Leake.
About Island Beach Volleyball Association
Island Beach Volleyball Association is a player-run organization that is committed to providing an exhilarating volleyball experience that will not only assist in the development of young players and athletes but in the growth of the sport of beach volleyball.
For more information, please contact www.ibvb.com.
This article can be reprinted as long as the author's
name and website address are provided.
Do You Have An Article
You'd Like To Submit?
|