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Sometimes I hate my height.

Sometimes I shake my fist and curse the unending rain.

Sadly, it never works.

jprichva saidSometimes I shake my fist and curse the unending rain.

Sadly, it never works.

I guess you play outside on the grass or sand?


Are there many guys here that play at bars where they make sand or grass courts?
We used to have semi organized play on the grass here in LA but no longer and I miss it.

Could you share your experiences and thoughts about that kind of vball please?

I played a few times at a bar called "Charlies" in Arizona when I was visiting.
They had a sand court all fenced in so the back of the bar patrons could watch.
Although it wasn't quite regulation size, it was really fun playing while all those people were watching and cheering.


--- Ron

I used to organize pick-up games at a sand court at a park near the lake, but it wasn't that nice of a court. The net was set a little below women's height.

It was a hassle getting enough people to play, and when we were there we'd let anyone join us. Often, those same people wouldn't return the favor if I didn't get there first.

Timberoo saidI used to organize pick-up games at a sand court at a park near the lake, but it wasn't that nice of a court. The net was set a little below women's height.

It was a hassle getting enough people to play, and when we were there we'd let anyone join us. Often, those same people wouldn't return the favor if I didn't get there first.

I have heard those stories before! I used to play at a 3 court School facility where I took Vball classes; even after putting up the nets (no easy task with those old cast iron poles) the players would be very snotty and cliquish about who they would allow and I was often excluded. Now I make sure wherever I play to make it fair for all. We have a really good system for our Club with sign uo sheets , assigned teams for the night and a shedual of play.


Do you play NAGVA tournaments?


---- Ron

Relax, Roo. Maybe you'll grow a few inches in the off season. You're still young

TallGWMvballer said


Do you play NAGVA tournaments?


---- Ron

There were some people I knew who played the NAGVA tourneys, they were excellent players. I'm afraid it's probably beyond my level.

out here in Colorado, we have a great facility that has 8 indoor sand courts, and a full bar. For 8 bucks every friday my buddies and i go and play pick up games from usually 9 to 3 in the morning. It's great they have courts for all levels and even doubles courts. Who would have though you could play sand volleyball in the middle of a blizzard in Colorado and be warm?

And roo, at least you have your timing down! i'm been working so hard to get it and i can't i'm always early, my friends always tell me i'm lucky i can hang in the air for a while, but i'd rather not hang and just hit. so the point of that is be glad you have your timing down. any suggestions for me to umm become patient?

Redneck4life saidout here in Colorado, we have a great facility that has 8 indoor sand courts, and a full bar. For 8 bucks every friday my buddies and i go and play pick up games from usually 9 to 3 in the morning. It's great they have courts for all levels and even doubles courts. Who would have though you could play sand volleyball in the middle of a blizzard in Colorado and be warm?

And roo, at least you have your timing down! i'm been working so hard to get it and i can't i'm always early, my friends always tell me i'm lucky i can hang in the air for a while, but i'd rather not hang and just hit. so the point of that is be glad you have your timing down. any suggestions for me to umm become patient?

We used to have an indoor place here with sand courts.

As far as the timing, it's been tricky to find the right timing. If you're too early, try counting for a bit from when you want to jump to when you do. If you can get someone to set you for some hitting drills, you could probably get the feel of it.

My problem is I'm only 5'9", so for my hits to be really good my timing as to be perfect.

thanks man, i'll try counting, i usually tell myself patience... patience and then go, but i'm never on time. usually too early

Dude...NAGVA has all levels...I've been playing it for over 15 years now...there actually up rating everyone now so the lowest level "B" is more like a "C" level.
Go play a tournament you'll love it, I promise.

Further to the above post and in response to ...roo re: NAGVA, some cities are also hosting "C" division brackets at their tournaments, and some cities (e.g. New York) host a recreational tournament (i.e. "Green Apple").

And re: timing, height don't help -- in fact, the sad secret of the super tall is that we have trouble geting this "coordination" thing that was the blessing of our shorter cohort in middle school until we're done growing, which can take a while. When you're tall you can hop and get the ball over, but that's no harder to dig than a short fella hitting from the outside. If you want to work on your timing stop counting or talking to yourself and practice more, preferably with a coach. I guess that's another advantage of New York (specific coached sessions -- "Power" classes and "BAP" team practices), but I assume there are some more advanced players around you who aren't pricks and a little live advice can go a long way (e.g., "stop dropping your shoulder", "you're early/late", etc.), and finding a setter to play/practice with who is a bit more advanced (and hence consistent) can help a lot. Finally, getting someone to video tape your hits, watching them in slow motion, and comparing your position to stills/videos of really good players (national teams, etc.) might make a difference -- it did for me.

well, tonight was the last night of play-offs. we did double elimination and had to play one other team that had only had one loss. we beat them 2 games to 1, then had to play the undefeated team. They beat us in two games, I got a really hard serve to the middle of my back while I was in the setting position and I jammed my right index finger.

i'm off to shower and ice.

hope you feel better!

Playoffs in the Spartan rec. league were last night (24th). My team was in the "D" pool (6 pool of 4 teams each). We were missing our two best players, lost the first 3 games, and I was thinking "oh no here we go again (we had won only 1 of the previous 18 games), but we came back and won the next 3 games!

Our efforts were rewarded with a bronze medal. Our newest player was so happy he was practically in tears. He even kissed me ! It was the first sports medal he has ever won period. I was very happy for him. The teams I have played for have won several volleyball medals over the years (I started playing in 1989). I usually chuck them after a few years.

Looking forward to next season. I am actually getting better as I age because I am in better shape.

Congratulations WSIWYG60 !

I agree with you about getting better and GREAT FOR YOU!

Glad to hear about your hard earned victory.


Please everyone share news of Vball events and your personal triumphs.

---- Ron Middle blocker, Captain L.A. Crush

after playing 8 years, there have been a couple of times where my rythme is off. Funks happen and its all about learning to compensate.

Honestly a good hitter and a defensive player will learn to compensate and change angles and speeds and positions to get the ball to where they need to go.