I'll hang it up.....

EGOLDEN · 01:48 PM

I think people should hang it up when they begin to hinder the performance of others or take away from others' enjoyment of volleyball. There is nothing worse than having an immobile 65 year old statue on your team. I also think that people should hang it up when they have aged to the point that their reactions are no longer good enough to adequately defend themselves on the court; in short, they become an injury risk; and not only to themselves. A group of players should not have to hold back, if you are on the court, then expect people to 'bring it'. If the older ones don't like it/can't handle it, senior yoga may be a more fitting activity.

BHitterDPasser · 03-15-2007, 01:09 PM

When to hang it up?

I'm opposed to the points that were brought up earlier. Sure it's not wise for a frail old man to be playing with open players who are drilling the ball at 88 feet/s but that doesn't mean he shouldn't play. He just shouldn't play with them. Volleyball is a beautiful game and as we progress through life, we should always be playing at the appropriate levels.

As far as when to actually hang it up, that is a personal decision that everyone has to decide. Should you play until your orthopedists tell you it's the game or walking? Should you play until your wife tells you it's her or your saturday tournaments? Should you play until your boss says come in this weekend or it's your job?

Many hobbies can become obsessions or they can just as easily become things that you used to do. The cobra net system and the ball sack can easily end up in the corner of the basement sitting on the treadmill covered with dust as life happens and volleyball is no longer a part of it.

The beautiful thing is, you can always set up that net, invite your friends over, serve a few aces and pound a few drinks as the years go by.

kvb · 08:32 PM

To compensate (in 2's and 3's) I do stuff like run and step and weightlift (outside of volleyball) and try to make (roll, cut, dink, etc.) shots while playing, but also keep the ball in play. (Try not to lose the point on my last touch, try to get every serve in, etc.)

I frequently remind myself (especially in the sand and against younger and male players) that I have to work a little harder at it to be competitive. Harder ON the court AND off the court!! Sometimes with younger players and with male players (since I am female and not 20 any more - lol!) I find I have to work extra hard because they assume they'll lose if they have a girl on their team vs. an all male team. (I think that this is a mental thing really, more than anything else!) I find that many players, however, don't work as hard at it, so eventually it pays off. And if nothing else, gives me inspiration to get a little extra exercise, which I need as I have a desk job!!

In the winter I lay off a little, but pick it up more in the summer for 2's season. My greatest compliment is when I can get the ball up after one of my teammates shanks it. The other team is just standing there, like, huh, watching the ball hit their side of the court on the ground....I luv it! It's really a compliment to me when they do because I don't have classical/trained volleyball skills, I'm female, don't look like I'm in very good shape, and I'm older than many of the people I play with (although younger than many still also!!) For any or all of those reasons, many that have never played with/against me discount me I think.

I think you have to be doing a little extra something besides volleyball when you get to the playoffs in 2's or 3's - sand or grass. At that point it can be an endurance test - mentally and physically, rather than skills. What you have done off the court at that point can make all the difference in the world on the court.

Oh and when will I hang it up? Probably never. Unless something else in life becomes more important. Although it's varied over the years, volleyball has outlasted boyfriends, fiances, jobs, and so many things... I think it's important to never give up! Hey, there's a lot of life lessons that can be learned from volleyball

Outta Town · **I'll hang it up..... -** 03-16-2007, 01:35 AM

when they nail my coffin shut!

I am twice as old as most people on VBLI but can hang with all of you. I'm just as addicted, and just as competitive. But I hang out with younger people, work a very physical job, play in leagues 3 times a week, hike the mountains around my state, and have a much younger outlook on life.

I once went to a draw tournament and was placed on a team with young college players. They did not want to set me, and played around me. until I blocked the big guy on the other team and was able to run down my own team's shanked passes. When they finally set me, they realized I could play ball with them.

A few gray hairs, some wrinkles, and a 5'10 frame looks old to you. But the drive and heart is still there. And the men's Senior Olympics team here has been watching me and can't wait til I turn 50!
So don't count us out yet. I may be able to teach you a thing or two.

volleyballstud · 03-16-2007, 08:52 AM

Outta Town, we have a spot for guys like you here in Chicago.
It's a group called "The Masters". They're a group of men and
women ( men over 35, women over 30 ) that meet once a
month on Montrose Beach and draw a partner for the day.
Everyone pitches in a few bucks, they grill and drink all day
long. Top 2-4 players take home a split of the money. I'm not
eligible to play as of today, but will be right before the summer
starts. A lot of people from my regular beach group are also
"Masters". They all keep trying to convince me to go, but I
believe that in doing so, I admit I'm old...

Outta Town · 03-19-2007, 09:13 AM

Volleystud,
They would have to have a Jurassic division as I turn 49 this year. But I still compete with the 20-30's indoors and on the beach in Mexico. They have the leap and youth, but I have craftiness, endurance and skills to hang with them.
I love to beat teams whose only weapons are hitting as hard as they can. One block takes them out of their game. Some can't pass, and a lot only hit harder(and out of bounds or into the net) if they get frustrated. Us older guys keep on even pace and are hard to let anyone get into our heads.

volleyballstud · 03-19-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outta Town

Volleystud,
They would have to have a Jurassic division as I turn 49 this year. But I still compete with the 20-30's indoors and on the beach in Mexico. They have the leap and youth, but I have craftiness, endurance and skills to hang with them.
I love to beat teams whose only weapons are hitting as hard as they can. One block takes them out of their game. Some can't pass, and a lot only hit harder(and out of bounds or into the net) if they get frustrated. Us older guys keep on even pace and are hard to let anyone get into our heads.

Like I said, I play with some of these guys once in a while. They regularly meet on North Avenue Beach on Tuesday and Thursday around noonish. I enjoy playing against them because their placement shots always keeps me on my toes and it helps me on my defense... and a lot of these guys may have been around pre-Jurassic. I always start out games placing my shots on the beach. That way the blocker backs off and plays defense... then I can swing away.