Forum

AirVorne Volleyball is delighted to report that our first youth sand volleyball camp was a huge success! Set at the Piedmont Park sand courts in beautiful Midtown Atlanta, with campers ranging from 8 to 14 years old, the camp focused on sand volleyball fundamentals, conditioning and strategy.
On the first day, we evaluated each player, taking into consideration both age and skill level, since our goal is to ensure that each player is challenged in a safe and fun learning environment. Throughout the week, we saw impressive progress, as the players began to realize that, with the right technique and a lot of hustle, they can become competent sand volleyball players!
The players with indoor volleyball experience quickly learned that the skills they have acquired on the hard court are very applicable to the outdoor environment. And everyone learned there is no substitute for ball control in the outdoor doubles format. Playing in the summer heat, with bright sun in your eyes and occasional gusts of wind, good ball control becomes the one indispensable skill for the outdoor player.
At times we paired up younger players with more experienced players for a particular drill or activity. This type of mentorship was very encouraging for the younger players—and rewarding for the older players too.
As the week progressed, the players became more and more excited about the mini-tournament scheduled for Friday. This was their chance to showcase what they had learned to the coaches, their parents and most importantly, themselves. Each camper was paired up with either a coach or volunteer adult for the tournament. This format provided on-the-spot coaching and encouragement, as well as longer rallies, which is part of what makes sand volleyball so fun.
Instead of dropping their kids off like the previous mornings, many parents stayed and set up lawn chairs to watch and cheer on their children. Other parents trickled in throughout the morning to provide support and take pictures.
After playing several games each, the winners were announced over a celebratory pizza lunch. Based on win-loss record, Samantha Behm, age 11, was the Princess and Camille Kapaun, age 14, was the Queen! Congratulations to Sam and Camille and to all of the participants for a successful week! I hope you will tell your friends and teammates to join us for our next camp July 13-17, 2009.
Have a wonderful summer,
Kim Dalimonte
Director of Youth Programs
AirVorne Volleyball, LLC

Read original blog post