Sand Volleyball 101 Written by Kristi Mayo
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re you looking to get away from your usual routine, mix it up with a new physical pursuit—while relaxing with friends, sipping a cool adult beverage, and burying your feet in the sand? Then sand volleyball might be just the sport you need. Despite its landlocked status, Kansas City has a remarkable number of sand-filled volleyball courts scattered all over the area. KC Crew offers recreational and competitive sand volleyball leagues at the courts beside the Missouri River at Berkeley Riverfront Park. Private facilities such as Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball in Johnson County, the Sandbox at PowerPlay in the Northland, and Centerline Beach Volleyball in Blue Springs offer different
levels of league play to satisfy your competitive side, and courtside bars to fuel your social side. And while many facilities take a break during the winter months, Volleyball Beach in Martin City rolls out a giant inflatable dome over its sand volleyball courts to keep the beach vibe going all year-round. But wait. What if it’s been years since you touched a volleyball? Maybe you played in middle school or high school, or perhaps your only exposure to volleyball was in gym class. Have no fear. We had certified volleyball coach Todd Harris walk us through the basics, so that when you show up to your first game, you won’t stand out as the sand- volleyball noob. “Probably 95 percent of the people who come out here to do lessons with me are just getting back into sand volleyball,” said Harris, who offers 45- to 60-minute private lessons at Volleyball
Beach. “Most people just come out here to have fun and play, but they can use a little refresher course so that they don’t look too bad in front of their friends.” SAND VS. INDOOR If you have past experience with indoor volleyball, there are a few differences to keep in mind when transitioning to the sand. 1. Indoor is faster. The surface is faster, and the ball is lighter. In sand volleyball, the sand will slow you down, and the ball is heavier. 2. Different balls. Sand volleyball is played in all types of weather, so the sport uses a heavier, more durable ball. Because of its weight, the sand volleyball will maintain its flight path better in windy conditions.
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FALL 2018
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