Don't Forget Our Paralympic Teams

I was sitting at my computer struggling with a bout of insomnia and surfing through the daily news when I came across an article at the USA volleyball official website that reminded me of a corner of volleyball that we don't talk about here very often. In fact, many people don't even know it exists. Sitting volleyball has earned a distinguished place in the Special Olympics, and the U.S. National Teams competed proudly at the 2008 Paralympic Games without enjoying most of the media coverage given to their Olympic counterparts.

I'd like to take a second today to commend the bravery and determination of the men and women of sitting volleyball teams around the world. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the sport, sitting volleyball, the game is exactly what it sounds like-volleyball competition played sitting down. Designed for locomotor-disabled individuals, the game is played on a smaller court with an 0.8 meter wide net set approximately one meter off the court.

Players are required to have one buttock or an extension of their torso on the floor when hitting or attacking the ball. Although designed for those individuals whose physical disabilities prevent them from standing competition, most club teams include non-disabled individuals who enjoy the variety and the fun atmosphere of the game.

The U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball team won a Paralympic silver in Beijing, defeating the defending team from the Netherlands before falling to top ranked China. USA volleyball has officially announced that the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Team has been named the Paralympic Team of the Year for 2008.

The men and women of the national and club sitting volleyball teams show great determination and fortitude when they're out on the court, leaving behind their disabilities to become something I think we can all relate to-die hard volleyball players. Let's remember them the next we're out on the court feeling as though we're too tired to go on and let their shining example be the guideline by which we measure ourselves.

Come see our extensive collection of volleyball equipment at www.volleyballproshop.com.

The 411 on Volleyball Communication

It happens over, and over, and over again-the ball hits the court as two players stand there staring at each other going, "I thought you had it!"

If you're a competitive volleyball player you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Somehow a group of people with perfectly normal communication skills off the court lose their ability to communicate their intent and organize their actions the minute they step out on the courts. Volleyball is a team sport, ladies and gentlemen, and if you can't communicate with your teammates your game is going to fall apart faster than an ice cream cone in Mississippi in late July.

Simple phrases like, "I got it!" or "Heads up" or even "Mine" will go a long way toward rehabilitating your game. When everyone knows who has control of the ball they can set themselves up to take on a defensive position rather than diving for a ball that they aren't in an optimum position to get anyway. The same principle applies if you happen to see an area of uncovered space while you're out on the court…yelling out to your teammate (politely) to cover a hole before the serve is better for your game and your interpersonal relations than yelling at them after the other team has already scored.

There are numerous ways that teammates communicate, and in time your team will develop a rhythm that works for you. Don't be afraid to encourage your teammates! Letting your team know you support them will go a long way toward improving your team dynamic and keeping everyone working together…and when you're exhausted at the end of a long, hard game sometimes an encouraging word is exactly what you need to go just that little bit further.

Your communication skills are as vital a part of your volleyball game as they are other aspects of your life. Find other great training tips and resources at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Choosing Your Team's Volleyball Jerseys

Every team has something that ties them together. Over time that something often becomes something intangible, the desire to win and to help your team move on to victory. In the beginning, however, until you get to know each other and develop the personal relationship that makes players into teammates, the only thing binding you together is going to be the color and style of the jersey you all wear when you walk out onto the court.

Your team jersey symbolizes the fact that whether you know each other or not, whether you respect each other or not, you and the people who wear that jersey are out on the courts fighting for a common cause. It sets you apart from the people in the stands and the men and women on the other side of that net. When you're on the court that jersey shows you who your friends are.

Sometimes you won't be given a choice, and tradition will dictate what shirt you wear out on the court. Every once in a while a team will decide to toss the old away and usher in the new, however, and when that happens you and your teammates may find yourselves in the unique position of being able to choose your own team jerseys. Because your jersey is so much more than a shirt, it's important that you choose that jersey with care.

There are some things that are a given when you're choosing your team's volleyball jerseys. For example, you want a shirt in a lightweight material that's going to allow your skin to breathe and won't irritate it when things start to get hot under the collar. Things like color and design, on the other hand, are slightly more negotiable.

When you're choosing the jersey that's going to represent your team it's important to choose a color and design that will make it uniquely your own. Let the entire team give their input. Although you aren't going to be able to make everyone happy, your team might surprise you by how easily they come to an agreement. If no one can agree, narrow the color and design down to the top three and toss them in a hat. Not everyone will be happy, but at least it will be fair.

Remember, your team volleyball jersey isn't just a shirt. It's a symbol of everything that your team stands for. The jersey your team chooses is going to impact the way others see you for the entire season, so it's important to choose with care.

Come see our collection of team jerseys at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Buying Your Volleyball Duffle

When you're choosing the closets, dressers and cupboards that are going to hold your books, appliances and clothing, what do you look for? Do you just go for the one with the lowest price tag, or do you take things like quality, durability and efficiency into consideration? Knowing that you have to live with the individual "quirks" of these items every day of your life, you're likely to look far beyond the price to ensure that they're able to do the things you need them to do without driving you crazy or costing you hundreds of dollars because of poor quality.

Why, then, wouldn't you take that same approach to purchasing your volleyball duffle?

During volleyball season you and your duffle are going to develop the same close, intimate relationship women have with their purse. All of life's "little essentials" are going to be wrapped up in that bag, making it one of the most important objects you own-yet most people choose their volleyball duffle with less care and consideration than they give their Big Mac.

When you're choosing your volleyball duffle you want to do it with an eye toward both quality and efficiency. Choose a high quality fabric that will withstand the constant friction of skidding across a gym floor or the floorboards of your car, preferably in a bright, easily distinguishable design so you never grab the wrong bag when you're out on the road. Once you've settled on a brand you like, choose a bag that has plenty of small pockets to hold miscellaneous items such as iPods and quarters while still leaving you room in the middle for your practice clothes, your game day uniform, your protective gear, a small First-Aid kit, a practice ball (or two) and your game shoes.

A poor quality duffle bag will fall apart at the least opportune moment, forcing you to spend the time and money to purchase another one (usually while trying to juggle all of your belongings in a tiny plastic sack). A bag that is too small won't be able to hold all of your equipment, and one that is too large or doesn't have the proper organizational compartments will leave you standing in the locker room looking for your lucky socks while your team hits the courts.

Sooner or later your shoes will fall apart, your practice clothes will begin to fade and your kneepads will be replaced, but a good volleyball duffle bag will see you through it all.

Considering the fact that your duffle bag is going to be your home away from home when you're out on the road, it's important to make your selection with care. Come check out our selection of high quality, functional duffle bags at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Men's National Team Honored by the U.S. Olympic Committee

We interrupt this week's gear shopping guide for a juicy tidbit of volleyball news: Thursday, January 22, the U.S. Olympic Committee officially announced that the U.S. Men's National Volleyball team was named the 2008 Team of the Year.

The honor comes after the team's sweeping victory in Beijing, leaving the tournament undefeated. The third ranking team going into the Olympic Games behind Brazil and Russia, they emerged victorious after defeating both top ranking teams as well as Bulgaria and Russia (ranked 3rd and 4th).

Thanks to their efforts, the U.S. is currently the 2nd ranked Men's Volleyball team in the world. As a team, they were first in kills and second in blocks and aces at the games and were nominated for Sports Illustrated's 2008 Sportsmen of the year award.

Their victory came on the heels of Coach Hugh McCutcheon's personal tragedy. McCutcheon's in-laws, Todd and Barbara Bachman, were the victims of an unknown assailant while sight-seeing in Beijing at the opening of the games. Todd was killed and Barbara severely injured, leading to McCutcheon's absence at the first three matches of the games until his mother in law was stable enough to return to the U.S.

U.S. Men's Team member Ryan Millar is quoted as saying, "It's so good to do this with Hugh and to do this for him and the Bachmans. I think being named the 2008 team of the year solidifies all the hard work that our team put into 2008. Winning the Olympic gold medal is something that will bond our team forever."

Millar's teammate, Reid Priddy, adds, "To be honest…trying to stay in the moment helped us. We're just so proud to be a part of this team representing our country."

Give our guys a round of applause!

Find volleyball novelties, gear and more at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The Low Down on Volleyball Practice Clothes

When you were young and wanted to play a game of volleyball you probably just tossed on a pair of sneakers or sandals and walked out into your backyard. Of course, that was when the only diving you had to do was to rescue the ball before your younger siblings sent it flying out into the road! Now that you're a competitive player, the meaning of "appropriate volleyball gear" is going to take on new meaning-and a big part of that is going to include your practice clothes.

Why are practice clothes so important? Because no matter what anyone tells you, practice doesn't make perfect. You can practice all day long, but if you aren't practicing correctly you're never going to improve. That means that your practice clothes have to afford you the freedom and flexibility you need to move the way you want to move while still being comfortable.

Most players prefer t-shirts in a lightweight cotton or a soft mesh (like that worn by track runners) for their practice gear, both for their ability to move with your body and the fact that they don't chafe your skin when you start to get a little sweaty under the collar. Ladies, don't forget to add a good sports bra to the mix! Your regular bra won't offer enough support, and the clasps will begin to chafe against wet skin. A comfortable pair of shorts (again, either soft cotton or mesh) ending above the knee is also preferable to denim, because denim does not stretch, it chafes and it's going to limit your movement-and consequently, your performance.

If you're going to be playing, always wear white socks. That is, unless you'd like to see your feet and your very expensive volleyball shoes turn strange colors. In that case, wear whatever you want! Seriously though, white socks allow your feet more breathing room, and the color won't bleed when your feet start to sweat.

Your practice clothes might not seem like the most important piece of clothing you put on in a week, but they're going to have a major impact on the way you play. Come check out our collection of practice gear at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Guidelines for Buying Volleyball Shoes

If you happen to be a shoe connoisseur, it comes as no surprise to you that the process of buying good, sturdy and yes, comfortable volleyball shoes is a bit more difficult than walking down to your neighborhood Wal-Mart. A good pair of volleyball shoes is vital to your success on the court, however, saving the pain and discomfort of blisters, fallen arches, twisted ankles and long term wear on the knees and hips.

Remember, when you're jumping up for that ball it's up to your feet to take 100% of the impact when you drop back down. You want to make sure they have the equipment they need to do their job, just like you should make sure you have the equipment you need to do yours.

So how do you find a great pair of shoes? The first thing you need to know is what type of shoes you're looking for. An ordinary pair of canvas sneakers aren't going to cut it when you're running and diving around on the court. Everyone has their favorites when it comes to athletic shoes. Personally, I recommend a good pair of cross-trainers. Cross-trainers are designed to offer extra support to the feet and ankles under high impact, and they're the type of shoes preferred by most long distance runners for their comfort and traction.

Mizuno produces a large selection of cross-trainers designed especially to be worn as volleyball shoes to give the player a little extra "spring".

Cross trainers are more expensive than regular sneakers, but they're well worth the investment in the long run. A good pair of cross trainers should provide plenty of support along the arch of your foot so you won't be left flat-footed but be "cushy" enough that you'll be comfortable in them for long periods of time. Use the same sizing guidelines you would use when buying regular shoes; not too tight, not too loose. The name of the game is comfort and support.

A good pair of volleyball shoes is the most vital piece of game or practice gear a player can have. Come check out our extensive collection of cross-trainers geared toward the court at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The Volleyball Gear You HAVE To Have

When it comes to buying volleyball gear, the bottom line that there are a lot of retailers that would love to talk you into buying a ton of equipment you don't really need in order to boost their profit margin. If you've got the money to spare that's fine, but if you're like most of us and living on a tight budget that slightly inflated list may mean the difference between purchasing high quality gear and second rate equipment that won't give you the performance quality you need.

Over the next few blog posts we're going to look at buying guidelines for your volleyball equipment so you're prepared when it's time to hit the stores, but before we do that I thought I should start by introducing you to the bare basics-the equipment you absolutely, positively cannot live without if you're talking about hitting the court on a regular basis.

First and foremost, you're going to need to purchase a good practice ball. There are hundreds of options out there to choose from, and a second-hand ball is just as good as a new one when you're first learning how to play if your budget is tight. As long as it's regulation sized, you're good to go.

Secondly, you're going to need a comfortable pair of shoes. You can play volleyball in jeans (although you shouldn't), you can play volleyball without proper knee pads, but you absolutely, positively cannot play indoor volleyball without a good pair of athletic shoes on your feet. (If you're a beach volleyball player this is a moot point when you're on the court; however, a good pair of sneakers is going to be vital for training.)

Speaking of training gear, you're going to want to make sure you've got some comfortable practice clothes handy. A great pair of spandex shorts, a comfortable pair of sweats and a tee-shirt that lets you move freely are the basic essentials. Ladies, don't forget to add a sports bra to your shopping list! Not only is it provide more support than a regular bra, it's a lot more comfortable when things start getting hot and sticky.

Knee pads are going to be a must sooner or later, so it's wise to pick them up to protect your joints from the very beginning. Luckly, knee pads now a days do protect the like they are suppose to! To make sure you're never left searching for your gear when it's time to hit the court, invest in a duffle or backpack reserved exclusively for your volleyball gear.

Unless you need to add a net to your collection (which you may if you don't play with an established league) these are the bare essentials you're going to need to get you started. Tune in on Friday for helpful hints on choosing a top of the line ball that will make sure you're primed and ready to play the game of your life when it's time for your first game!

Come check out our huge selection of volleyballs, kneepads, jerseys and other volleyball gear at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The Hottest Brand Names in Volleyball

When you're shopping for volleyball gear, whether it's a great pair of shoes or a practice ball for the backyard, you want to make sure you're not just getting the best for your money. You want to make sure you're getting the best for your game. It's often tempting to settle for second best and put away the difference for that weekend trip to Malibu, but the bottom line is that the last thing you want to do is cut corners when it comes to your equipment.

Not only does cheap equipment wear out faster (and usually at the worst possible moment), it can also have some nasty side effects. Fallen arches, blisters and banged up knees aren't fun, but that's exactly what you'll get when you cut corners on the quality of your gear.

Since I opened the doors of the Volleyball Pro Shop I've made it my mission to carry the hottest names in volleyball gear to make sure that my customers don't just get the best deals for their money. I want to make sure they get the best deal for their game. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to equipment, and it won't be long before you too develop your own personal taste in the style and brand of your volleyball gear; however, if you're new to the game and trying to figure out if you're being scammed by a slick sales pitch and a good price tag, here are some high quality brand names to look for:

Accessories and Cool Spandex: Pre-Wrap, Funkadelic Shorts

Shoes: Mizuno, Asics, Nike

Balls: Mikasa, Tachikara

Protective Gear and Uniforms: Mizuno, Tandem Sports, Adidas

You deserve the best every time you step out the court. Good equipment doesn't just benefit your game. It lasts longer, plays better and protects your game more smoothly than cheap imitations.

Come check out our huge selection of high quality gear at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Should I Play Volleyball?

First and foremost, let me say that there's nothing in the world like the feeling of diving for the ball and making the ultimate save, racking up another point on the scoreboard-in my opinion, anyway. It's often hard for me to remember that there are people out there that don't enjoy the sport, which makes it hard every time someone comes up to me with the inevitable question-do you think I should play volleyball?

If you're already a certified court master, there's no question in your mind what the answer to that question should be. It usually falls somewhere along the lines
of, "Where's the ball?"! If you're waffling with the decision of whether or not to play volleyball, however, and it's blown up into momentous proportions-relax.
If you're still trying to make the decision as to whether or not you want to spend time on a regular basis smacking, bumping and spiking a ball over the net you're probably not sitting around waiting for the next summer Olympics. You've got time.

The beauty of volleyball is that although it definitely requires serious physical endurance, you've got time to build that up while playing. It's not like getting ready to hit the track for your first 5K, where if you're not in shape the minute you step out there you're going to fall on your face. As mentioned in an earlier blog, volleyball was actually designed to be a low impact sport for senior citizens by a concerned member of the YMCA. That makes it a fun, friendly sport, even if you're the type of person who has dedicated themselves to avoiding athletics like the plague.

There's also a great deal of variety in volleyball. You're never stuck in a rut. You can play beach volleyball, or indoor volleyball, or pairs, or team volleyball…the possibilities are limitless. Volleyball is an easy sport to take out of the competitive field and into your backyard, which means you don't have to have a killer instinct and a love of team sports to enjoy.

So should you play volleyball? Absolutely! Give it a try. Whether you're playing competitively or just enjoying a lazy game on the beach, you have nothing to lose.

For all the volleyball info and equipment you can handle, visit our site at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The Ins and Outs of Volleyball Boot Camp

Whether you're a serious player looking for a way to preserve and promote your professional skills or a weekend athlete who wants to learn the ropes, volleyball boot camp is an excellent opportunity for you to strengthen and grow your skills on the court and develop strong relationships with fellow volleyball enthusiasts around the world.

The word "Boot Camp" often brings the exploited Hollywood version of Army boot camp to mind, with drill instructors constantly in your face and not a moment's peace. Relax, ladies and gentlemen, this is just Hollywood trying to make a buck by putting some comedy on the silver screen-more or less. The purpose of a real boot camp is to put you in an environment where you are able to devote 100% of your attention to stretching and expanding your skills and taking yourself farther than you ever thought you could go.

That's what volleyball boot camp will do for you. There are literally hundreds of volleyball boot camps held year round in every state in the U.S., so finding one in a convenient location near you shouldn't be hard. For (X) number of days and nights (the length varies individually) you'll work with some of the best volleyball players and coaches in the world to develop your offensive and defensive skills and expand and strengthen your training routine to make sure you're lean, mean and ready to go when you hit the court.

Volleyball boot camps may be pricey, but they're well worth the time and expense. If you ever have the opportunity, take advantage of what volleyball boot camp can offer you. The rewards will pay off the minute you hit the court, and you'll walk away with the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

For more training materials and top of the line volleyball equipment, visit http://www.volleyballproshop.com/

Strengthening Your Team's Defense

The saying, "The best defense is a good offense" definitely doesn't apply for volleyball, where the offense can become the defense and switch again in a matter of seconds. Unlike football, where offense and defense are clearly defined at any stage, in volleyball every player is expected to be both defense and offense at any given point in time.

Because of that, it's essential that your team have a strong, motivated defense.

The question is, how can you strengthen your team's defense? Practice, practice, practice. Every player on your team has unique skills that apply in different areas of the court, and while for some the art of diving after the ball may be second nature, for others it's going to take a little extra effort. Defensive strategy should be practiced both as a team effort and individually.

For individual defensive practice, have the players on your team pair up. One serves, the other saves, and the two volley back and forth until the ball drops. Tell them not to make it easy on each other! In a real competition the opposition is going to do their best to send the ball where you can't get to it, so it's essential that during practice your team invests plenty of time going after wild balls. Forget form here. All you want to do is keep it between the lines!

Be sure you have the proper protective equipment to protect your knees and ankles while you're diving for the ball. The last thing you want is a team full of bruised, banged up players who aren't fit to hit the court because they didn't have proper knee protection and they hit the boards one too many time. Knee pads are a must.

For other training resources and top of the line protective equipment, visit http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Does Volleyball Really Need Cheerleaders?

Cheerleaders are a vital part of pumping up the crowd in competitive team sports, but the exploitation of beach volleyball cheerleaders through professional and non-professional publications alike raises the question, "Does volleyball really need cheerleaders?"

Everyone has their own opinion of the role played by the bikini rockers that jazz up the crowd between points and matches. For some, it's all part of the game. Imagine the Dallas Cowboys without the Cowgirls cheering them on from the sidelines. Despite the controversy that their scanty outfits have raised among some critics of the football community, the Cowgirls are almost as much of an institution as the Cowboys themselves.

Beach volleyball cheerleaders are almost as much a part of the sport to many as the squads found on the sidelines at basketball and football games at all levels, from Pee-Wee to professional. The crowd loves them, dazzling them while the players are preparing the hit the sand all over again.

Some of the volleyball teams, however, are less than amused. The presence of the Personal Plus dance team at the beach volleyball competition in Athens met with disapproval from some of the women's teams. A member of the Australian women's team stated, "It's kind of disrespectful to the female players. I'm sure the male spectators love it, but I find it a little offensive."

Offensive? Not the fun, beach party atmosphere the team was going for, leading to the question of whether cheerleaders in bikinis belong at serious competition. Everyone has an opinion. Some members of the media have a less complimentary opinion, leading to headlines like "Babe A Day! Beach Volleyball Cheerleaders Burning Hot in Beijing" and "Bosoms, Beer and Volleyball!"-a disgrace to the sport and women who represent it.

Others, however, encourage support the crowd pleasing presence of cheerleaders on the sand, claiming it's all in good fun-exactly what these young women were going for when they stripped down to their suits and hit the court.

For all the volleyball equipment and training tips you need, visit http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.