GET IN SHAPE TO WIN!

It is a well known fact that volleyball is a highly skilful game. Unlike other sports where you are afforded the luxury of holding the ball in your hands, volleyball relies heavily on your ability to control the ball without holding it.

There does come a point where the skill level of players or teams is very evenly matched. Games involving such players are usually very close and good to watch as a spectator.

One way to separate yourself from a pack of evenly matched players (maybe in an attempt to attract a better partner or simply just to win more games) is to address your physical condition.

Through increasing your strength, speed, aerobic capacity, agility or flexibility you can certainly improve your level of play.

I subscribe to the school of “keep it simple” when it comes to physical conditioning. Keeping it simple doesn’t excuse you from working hard during the sessions. Below are a few suggestions to making some improvements in each area. When putting together a fitness program it is a good idea to consult a professional fitness instructor.

STRENGTH

Best results achieved through weight training in a gym

• Leg press

• Squats

• Core stability

• Shoulder stability

SPEED

• Beach sprints

• Bounding/jumping

AEROBIC

(30-45 minutes at least twice a week)

• Beach run

• Cycling

• Rowing machine

• Step-machine/versa-climber

• Boxing

AGILITY

• Short sprints with changes of direction

• Shuttle runs

• Weaving

• Footwork

FLEXIBILITY

Try stretching major muscle groups before and after all work-outs (hold each stretch for 30+ seconds)

• Yoga

• Pilates