To Beach or Not to Beach? How to Determine if Beach Training is Right for You
The growing popularity of beach volleyball in the Pacific Northwest has divided high school coaches across the state. One group embraces the high number of contacts and full skill set development offered by the beach game. Others encourage their athletes…
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Continue ReadingThe growing popularity of beach volleyball in the Pacific Northwest has divided high school coaches across the state. One group embraces the high number of contacts and full skill set development offered by the beach game. Others encourage their athletes to avoid the beach and stick with indoor training and camps through the Summer because of higher levels of direct skill transfer. There is no right answer for everyone. Here are some things you should consider to determine if playing and training on the beach is right for you.
What are your goals for the Summer?
Think about what you want to accomplish before the beginning of high school tryouts. Improved ball control? More competitive experience? Have fun playing and get a ton of touches? All of these will point you towards playing on the beach. However if your goals are more specific, such as improving your transition footwork, developing better approach timing or learning to read faster tempo offenses, then indoor is where you should be training because you won’t encounter these situations on the beach.
What options are available in your area?
Look around and see where the highest level of training is taking place. Is there a beach club with great coaches that teach the mental game and focus on individual technique? Are there high level indoor camps and select travel teams that train in the Summer? Choose the program that is going to give you the most access to the highest level of coaches possible.
Where are the best athletes playing?
Train with athletes that are better than you are. That is intimidating and will result in a ton of failure and frustration, but it will also result in a ton of growth. Figure out where the highest level of athlete is training and go where they are whenever possible.
What are your teammates and friends up to?
You will train harder when you are having fun. Who are the people who you love to train and play with? Where are they training? Is that program a good fit for you? Get our and play with the people who make you smile, motivate you and encourage you to do better and you are likely to see the results that you are looking for.
Likely the best choice for you is a combination of different experiences. Use these questions to help find the ones that work for you. Budget, travel and time commitment should all be factored in at the personal and family level as well. The most important factor in the end is that you get out and play.