How did you learn to play?

mycena · **How did you learn to play? -** 02-21-2006, 08:32 PM

The team I am on is a mix of people who never played in high school or college. So, I am curious how it was that everyone actually learned how to play the game. Things like, technique, positioning, strategy, etc...

mycena · 02-21-2006, 08:34 PM

So, I guess I will start by answering my own question. I learned technique in a volleyball camp in junior high. Then I learned some position stuff from one of the guys that I played with in a league. And most of the strategy stuff has been from New England and his reading skills.

NewEnglandRT · 02-21-2006, 09:19 PM

Yeah, I'm almost entirely self taught. A friend of ours taught me about basic offense & defense a couple years ago. Other than that I've learned most from either watching the upper level players, or reading books like Kinda Asher's coaching volleyball and Pass, Set, Crush.

I think if I could get past my physical limitations I'd be a solid player. I think over the summer though I'm going to hit a clinic or two. Maybe the Pat Powers Gold Medal Squared or something.

coachmanzi · 02-21-2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewEnglandRT

I think if I could get past my physical limitations I'd be a solid player. I think over the summer though I'm going to hit a clinic or two. Maybe the Pat Powers Gold Medal Squared or something.

those are pretty rad, except Pat Powers has nothing to do with it. It's all Carl McGowan, Doug Beal, Marv Dunphizzle and Jim McGlaughlin. I suggest it, they changed my life.

NewEnglandRT · 02-21-2006, 09:53 PM

Maybe I'll go register now!

Troy · **I was taught by a girl -** 02-22-2006, 09:38 AM

I learned by playing intramurals my junior year of college. There were concrete outdoor courts near my dorm and in the evenings there were lots of other students playing, so I figured it'd be a good way to make some friends and started playing. Lucky for me, a couple of girls were getting an intramural team together and needed guys, so I told them that I'd like to play if they would teach me. I enjoyed it so much that I played every night until the lights went off at 1am. I also took a couple classes taught by a former Div 1 player and learned basic defense formations and proper techniques.

The next year I got an all-guys team together and won the Independent Men's B championship.

After graduation I found a juniors/men's club B team and got some coaching and learned the 6-2 offense. I also started playing beach doubles and found that playing doubles really improved my passing and all-around game.

Fast forward and now I'm a player and I coach a 16's girls' team. The great thing about coaching other players is that it forces me to think about my own technique. Instead of just doing something (like I would if I were playing), I have to think about how I'm doing it, so that I can demonstrate it to the girls. I never really thought about my footwork, approach, and armswing until I had to show it to a dozen students.

A couple of my players are serious about playing in some juniors beach tournaments coming up (EEVB being the next one). Full circle!

Troy · 02-22-2006, 03:03 PM

No, that's Florida college B-level, which is a bit more competitive that bar leagues.

jkvbchica09 · 02-22-2006, 07:00 PM

My best friend is 2 years older then me, and she made her 8th grade volleyball team, and i wanted to be just like her. So she taught me basic skills. When i tried out in 7th grade i didnt make it.. i was really confussed, because i clearly knew more then anyone else out on that court, but that didnt stop me.

I tried out for club later on that year and made a team. From then on i have been taught postions, technique and everything by my awesome coach.

Air Diney · 02-23-2006, 11:51 AM

Wow!

I am surprized there are so many self taught players! That is great. I am also kinda taught from friends, and playing and watching other people. My problem is I hate reading! But hopefully from the experience I get, I will become better.

About the coaching, I can imagine how that could help in what you are doing wrong. I teach, not volleyball, but pilates, and it helps me see what I am doing wrong. I bet that can really help in your game.

I do believe though, that the more teaching you can get, the better. The more people you hear, the more you play, the more you can learn. I wish I can get out there and play more than I do!

Anyone free on Tues. and Thurs. who live in CT, and have access to a volleyball court? Oh........my bad, I didn't think so!

pdoug20 · 02-24-2006, 02:31 AM

I played in gym class in middle school and at summer camp, but didn't learn how to play properly indoors until I played on my college team in '01.