How Playing Beach Volleyball Benefits the Indoor Game
Beach volleyball is a new addition to collegiate athletics as the NCAA only has three championships under their belt since it was founded in 2016. As beach volleyball becomes more popular, we see more indoor players gravitate to the beach to train. In fact, the majority of indoor players who compete for collegiate programs with beach volleyball train and play in both seasons. Playing sand has its benefits and can help an athlete to become a more complete and competitive volleyball player.
Here are the benefits of training in sand and how they can improve your indoor game.
Emphasizes all-around skill
Indoor volleyball is characterized by a roster of specific-skilled players. Each brings their own value to the team by focusing their attention to developing one asset of the game. Beach volleyball differs in the fact that each player is expected to possess a wide range of skill sets and court awareness. This can make you a more well-rounded player as it focuses on all skills rather than specializing.
Improves court awareness
With a smaller surface area and less players on the court, beach volleyball caters to those players with a high volleyball IQ and ability to read the other side of the court. This can translate into the indoor game in hitting shots and seeing weaknesses on the opponent’s side.
Enhances ball control
In any outdoor sport, there are certain elements that effect the game that indoor sports do not have to worry about. Weather is a key influencer in beach volleyball. The wind and sun can change the way the ball moves and looks prior to contact, so having great ball control and timing is essential. Increased focus on ball control and movement can improve your indoor game.
Become more dynamic
Training in sand is beneficial for both the physical and mental element of the game. Running and jumping in sand in much more strenuous and takes more effort than doing those same activities on the hard court, therefore, improving speed and agility. With only two players, more coverage and communication occurs allowing indoor players to expand their digging range and pursuit plays, and become more athletic overall.
