Volleyball Tip

Volleyball Tips for Improving in the Sand

It’s no secret that the sand can slow down your play in beach volleyball. If you train the right way, you can quickly improve your speed in the sand. Speed is an essential element of the game and if you want to increase your speed, start by improving your footwork outside of practice and games. Follow these tips to improve your speed before your next Beach Volleyball Camp in California.

Tip #1 - Perfect your athletic stance: In beach volleyball, you will spend the majority of your time in the athletic stance. To get into a good athletic stance your feet should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart, your knees should be bent (ready to push off), and keep your back neutral with your chest face down. Improving your athletic stance will make your reaction time better in the sand, and you will notice your play will improve.

Tip #2 - Practice footwork patterns: Footwork patterns, like lunging for a bump or a serve return, are skills players should practice in the sand. Repetition of these movements will help with muscle memory and will help each movement feel more natural. The more your muscles remember, the less your brain has to!

Tip #3 - Train like you’re playing in a game: Practice drills should always be done in the sand and at game speed. When you train your body to work harder, your game day performance will dramatically improve.

Tip #4 - Spend more time in the sand: The more time you spend in the sand, the more your body will feel prepared. You should do most of your runs, sprints, and other training for beach volleyball in the sand. There is no other surface that can mimic sand, so it is in your best interest to practice where you play.

Check out more volleyball tips on our website that will help you become a more confident player!