There's a New Volleyball in Town

When it comes to the big, wide, wonderful world of volleyballs there are a lot of players on the market, but there are a few that have made a name for themselves as the "go to" brand of champions. Tachikara, for example. You knew it was only a matter of time before Tachikara found itself facing some serious competition, however, and that competition comes in the form of Molten's new line of competition balls.

Currently Molten has four types of volleyballs out on the market:

1) The Elite Competition Ball. This ball is intended primarily for indoor use, is actually made in Japan, and is marketed as the official ball of the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championships. Variations on this ball also include the official ball of the Men's National Collegiate Championships and the design and style used most by USA volleyball.

2) Competition Balls. The company offers a line of ten indoor and outdoor competition balls in various styles and colors. My favorite? The simple, oversized 31" yellow ball designed specifically with players age 8 and under in mind.

3) Camp Recreation Balls. Want to put yourself in the pros' shoes? Do it with these authentically imitated camp balls patterned after the ones used by USA Volleyball and the NCAA. These can also be custom designed with your team and logo in mind.

4) Novelty Balls. While most of these are designed to sit on your desk and not do a whole lot else, there's a very trendy gold paneled ball that makes a great gift for coaches, MVPs and anyone else for whom chocolates and flowers just won't do.


Molten might be the new name on the scene, but they're not the only ones making high quality game balls. Come check out our collection of volleyballs at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

Volleyball TV (and why the television's not as bad as your mother always told you)

If you're a volleyball lover you're going to love this new site that's out on the web right now. If you get a chance, take the time to check out http://www.volleyballbuzz.com/. This is volleyball tv, ladies and gentlemen, complete with the official and unofficial commentary of the players' game skills. Now, this isn't something my company is putting on, just something else I stumbled across in my daily browsings. Right now we've got Kerry and Misty at the net, with the speaker giving a walk-through of each of their moves for listeners.

When they're living out in the wild young animals learn the skills they need to survive from their parents by imitating them, step by step. The best way for young volleyball players to learn the skills they need to succeed is by imitating professionals like Kerry Walsh and Misty May, and the play by play commentary doled out at volleyball tv and on ESPN during the competitive season gives players the chance not only to learn how to do things right but also the ability to recognize when they themselves are doing something wrong.

Where are you learning your volleyball skills? Are you studying the moves of the professionals and trying to imitate their style, or are you just grabbing a ball and hoping to go out there and do your best? The best way to learn is by example, so what are you waiting for? Kick on some ESPN, grab your low fat popcorn and sit back. You'll be amazed at how much you can learn.

Come check out our huge selection of volleyball tips and training tools at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.

The 411 on Mizuno Spandex

It never fails to amaze me how sometimes things just fall into place. For example, the fact that just last week we were discussing spandex and just this evening I stumbled on Mizuno's…spandex highlight, for lack of a better word, on their website. Mizuno offers three of the hottest types of spandex volleyball shorts currently on the market, and if you check out their sit you'll find a quick description of the benefits of their three spandex designs.

As we mentioned earlier, spandex makes great volleyball apparel because it allows the player complete freedom of movement without any uncomfortable distraction. Mizuno offers three different designs in their spandex selection:

1) The MVP II. This comfy short is for those who've never gotten used to the feel of low-riders, and it fits just below your natural waist. These shorts have a four inch inseam-long enough for modesty, short enough for convenience.

2) Vortex. This is Mizuno's latest design, and it blends the classic comfort of the MVP with the rapid trend in low riding shorts on the market today. These shorts also have a four inch inseam.

3) Low Rider. The name says it all! With a low riding waist and a 2 ¾ inch inseam, these snappy little shorts are the Daisy Dukes of the spandex world. Comfortable and modest while still being fashionable, these are easily Mizuno's hottest sellers.

Spandex is a great choice for when you're deep in the action out on the court, and even I have to admit that it's hard to go wrong with Mizuno. Any one of these fits should suit your needs, sit comfortably under your team jersey or practice shirt and afford you all the flexibility and comfort you need to play your best.

Check out all our great spandex at our store: http://www.volleyballproshop.com/

Trying Out for the U.S. Women's National Team

Coming off of their recent silver medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the U.S. Women's National Indoor Volleyball Team gears up for another spectacular season-starting with try-outs on February 20-22. As per the teams official website, over 64 colleges were represented in the competition for the team's 33 open roster spots. "USA women's volleyball has such depth and talent, it is wonderful to see this many outstanding young athletes attending this National Team tryout," said head coach Hugh McCutcheon. "I believe playing for the National Team is the highest achievement possible for our indoor players. In that regard, our goal is to create the best environment for these players to train and compete at the international level."

So what does it take to be able to play for the U.S. Women's National Team? Or any national team, for that matter? (Guys, I'm not trying to leave you out here!) When most of these players first stepped out onto the court as high schoolers their biggest concern probably wasn't how they were going to rise to national stardom. For many volleyball was still a new experience, something fun to do with their friends.

As they aged, so did their ambition. College ball is tough, and there's a lot of competition for spots on the team. You don't play at the college level unless you've got what it takes to keep up with some of the best players in the world. At that point you have to make a choice-is volleyball just a hobby, or do you have what it takes to go all the way?

Is there a point to this? Absolutely! This past week young women from 64 colleges across the country gathered together to make their dreams come true, knowing that most of them would be walking away at the end of their three day try out. They took the chance anyway. You don't have to be a big name on the volleyball circuit to play national ball. You just have to be willing to try.

(Photo taken by Bill Kaufman. Located at http://usavolleyball.org/news/article/10001)

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

Dancing on the Volleyball Court

Did you ever take a second to think about how many dance steps professional athletes use when they're out on the courts? The dips, twists, spins and steps that athletes use to work their way around the court without taking their eyes off the ball are necessary skills for success on the court, but off the court most of them could star in a Broadway musical! The object lesson here? Grace and coordination, as much as skill and speed, are the keys to success when you're sending a ball flying across a net at high impact speeds.

Sure, you're probably laughing right now. But did you know that professional football players often learn basic ballet moves? And that ballet and dance are required for high level gymnastics competitors along with their regular training-both men and women? There's a lesson here. You don't have to be able to boogie on the dance floor to boogie on the court, but a little coordination and rhythm will go a long way toward giving your playing performance the extra boost it needs to be extraordinary rather than ordinary.

To pinpoint a specific example, take a look at your basic perimeter defense. Regardless of what type of game you're playing, there is one key rule that every player has to follow-keep your eye on the ball. It's impossible to do that if you have to look where you're going. That's why the cross step, also known as a partial grapevine, is an essential part of your perimeter defense. It affords you an almost unlimited range of motion without ever having to take your eyes off your opponent or the ball.

Come check out our huge supply of volleyball equipment at http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.