Reddit mentions: The best sports & outdoors volleyball

> How does someone achieve this?

Practice. There are many different drills you can do. I'm in the process of learning how to set on the beach, which is much much more strict about no spin, but less so on lifts (allowing a bit longer contact time). I've practicing for 2 years, and I'm finally close to getting it. I've found that for cushioning, you want to focus on using the muscles in the meaty pads of your hands during the catch in and push out. These muscles are connected to the very bottom of your thumbs on the inside of your hands. And for cleaning it up with less spin, I've found its more about having both left/right sides being equal in contribution. Some drills I do:

• I sit on the couch and rotate between a volleyball and basketball, setting continuously but only a few inches out of my hands. Its this but I do it on the couch during commercials. Using the basketball helps me get stronger in these muscles. This can train my thumbs and forearms/wrists (i also notice some bicep and chest/shoulder involvement). When doing this, I personally can instinctively tell that I have very little control and input with my left hand/arm, probably from years of playing basketball and shooting right handed. So I focus consciously, EVERY REP, about building up my left side so that they are equal.
  
  
• I stand against a wall and set against the wall, again just a few inches, and again continuously without stopping. I find this helps practice the cushioning when the ball comes in. Like this video. I will also rotate do sets of this with one arm. I again feel this in my fingers, but I also feel it in my shoulders, especially when I'm using the heavier basketball.
  
  
• Another thing I do is just stand up outside, or in a gym with high ceilings, and i just toss a ball up maybe 2 feet above my head, set it, and then catch it. So this is just one set, not continuous. This is a little more realistic, this helps me focus on having both hands up and both sides ready to equally contract and contribute. And I practice being stronger and pushing a real set higher. I like to use an overweight heavy setting ball for this, but again I rotate. I feel this more in my chest/shoulders. With this, I can then toss the ball higher, to replicate a higher pass, and therefore more gravity bringing the ball down faster, which requires more strength to absorb. I can also toss the ball to myself with spin, to practice absorbing an incoming pass that has backspin (such as when a teammate had to pass a bomb jumps serve).
  
  
• Visualization. Find some videos on youtube of good setters, and visualize the sets, and what the feeling is that they are experiencing during ball contact. Try to remember this feeling, and replicate it on every single rep you practice. Practice is meant to be challenging, and extremely focused, and mentally tiring, because you are pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.
  
  What's also helped me more recently was to RELAX during the practice rep. Before, I had these hand/forearms/shoulder muslces tense prior to contact, because I wanted to make it perfect. Now I relax everything and let the ball fall in. This exposes strength deficiencies, and now I'm training the eccentric/absorption strength needed as the ball falls in. And then I'm still somewhat relaxed as I push the ball out (concentric), but now by being more relaxed I can more easily discern what other small muscles may be needed, but arent contributing properly because the other stronger ones were overpowering them.
  
  Also, practice daily. Even 5 minutes a day is better than 2 hours once a week. Your brain will build the connections faster. Practice should be extremely focused on working on the muscles you need to execute the perfect set. Do not just rep out 100 sets mindlessly going through the motions.

I think you'll need maybe strength training to get back into the groove of things. Especially for further sets or bad passes a lot of times positioning, foot work, and leg strength, and finger strength is needed to get the ball to go where you want it to go! Firstly I really recommend getting a lightweight volleyball sized ball like the ones in Walmart just to practice form. Here's a link to how to set properly and there's also a ton of videos on YouTube. ^^form is important to help save your wrists and fingers from injuries^^ I cannot stress this enough. So really get your form down before getting the heavier balls! After you get your form down you more or less can start easy self drills like just setting against the wall with a volleyball just to get the hang of how a ball feels. Also something I think is highly under emphasized is footwork! I honestly think Footwork drills are super important in helping you get into form and making it easier to get the ball to where it needs to go and personally I always forget about my footwork after a breako! If you find yourself needing more strength to set balls from anywhere on the court. If you're starting out as a setter there are weighted volleyballs to help finger strength grow and you can tape your fingers to give your hands added support while you make a comeback. Repetition is probably your best bet for accuracy! I hope this helps! If you have any questions feel free to message me! I'm not really sure I covered everything and most of this comes from experience so please feel free to add on or correct anything I missed!

Hi there,

Glad you really enjoyed the your day and that you're really excited about gearing up and getting back out there.

Start by finding yourself a good mask. There are a bunch of different options out there for you depending on what kind of paintball you're going to be playing. Currently, for my needs, I found I really like the E-Flex google system. I really like how easy it is to snap a new lens in and out and I like the way it fits on my face. Go down to your nearest paintball shop and start trying stuff on and asking questions there as well. Find the mask that is right for you.

After your mask I would look at getting some basic protective equipment. Decent shoes, some elbow and knee protection. At this point in time you're not too heavy invested financially and you can make the decision on what kind of marker you want to buy.

There are a ton of places for you to find a used marker. Try and find a facebook group that is local to you that does b/s/t for paintball gear.

Again, it really depends on what kind of paintball you're planning on playing and how much money you want to put into it. Go slow, ask lots of questions, and try to get your hands on stuff before you actually commit to playing.

The trademygun site I linked is pretty good and they have a 30 day policy on all of their sales. If you're looking at buying a marker online through facebook or some random try and get your hands on it and get it over a chrono and shoot it before you put money into their pocket.

Hope that helps and I'm glad you found something you're passionate about.

Have a good one,

As someone who lives in south mission beach, and plays frequently, Ill break it down for you. If you're all the way south at the jetty, those are "challenge courts" and they have rules posted on the posts. Weekday daytime shouldnt be an issue at all, but once 5 oclock hits those courts will generally be mobbed with people trying to play. Challenge court means that even if you're there first, someone can call "next" and youd have to honor it, and most likely, if you're beginner level and in a group, youd have to plays 2s, probably lose the game, and the court as its now the winners court. The more northern row of the jetty courts tends to be friendlier to groups while the row of courts nearest the lot tends to be the big boys. You're also probably less likely to get kicked off a womens net as those seem to lend themselves to womens games and coed group games. On the weekend, those courts can be used for closed games (no challenges allowed) until 10am, but then revert to challenge courts again at 10. If you move slightly north to Cohasset and Dover courts, those arent technically challenge courts, but there will be some advanced players on the Cohasset red courts tuesday, wednesday, thursday evening and weekends at 8 that will claim rights. The purple, green, yellow and blue courts on Dover are very coed/group friendly, non challenge courts that can be found open more than the red cohasset courts on the weekdays, and weekends theyll generally be taken by 8 or 9, and open back up by 1 depending on the crowds. Anything north of that are usually just posts and youd need your own net and lines to set up (same with the Pit across from Belmont park). If youre really trying to get into volleyball, and foresee many games with your friends and dont want to deal with the hassle of challenge courts, and avoid the dread of going to play only to find there are no courts open and dont want to assert yourself on challenge courts, you and the gang can always get your own net to set up for fairly cheap and never have to worry about public courts and getting the boot! I know thats a lot to take in, but it can be a little confusing and intimidating out there, and just wanna set you up for success and awesome volleyball!

Spectrum Classic Volleyball Net - Amazon

So many choices. Shoes are nice especially if she's still growing. Ankle braces are nice and not a lot of people have a pair. She likely has knee pads so won't need those any time soon. A ball is nice even if she has one. I'd go for the super touch, /u/Kace10 provided a link. They're cheaper on Amazon. If she ever plays beach, an outdoor ball is a good gift here or here. Lines are also a nice gift, a little pricier here. If she has more than say, 2 balls, a mesh bag is nice here. Or even a regular bag for shoes, ball, towel, etc., you can get those anywhere.

I'm 98% sure the supporter in your link comes with this cup: https://www.amazon.ca/Shock-Doctor-AirCore-Adult-Large/dp/B01640ION4/ , though I use it with Shock Doctor compression shorts instead.

It's foam, but with a somewhat stiff plastic part in the middle. The stiff part isn't as sturdy or broad as a normal cup, though. You can twist or bend it in your hands - more than just foam, but not heavy protection either.

I agree it's a compromise for Krav. It's not gonna protect you from a proper shot during sparring, for instance. It's enough for days which are mostly pad work, with a bit of partner drills later on. It helps that I usually go to morning classes, which tend to have a smaller group of people who are a little more "controlled".

I don't know much about hockey - but I don't think I'd trust it at all for that. I've spent a couple hours on dirt bikes, and never felt the need for a cup, but I think, if you're gonna wear one riding, it's probably the right balance of comfort/protection for that. The "tail"/bottom would easily deform (in a good way) against the seat, so it doesn't dig into you.

It is, though, very comfortable - it bends totally with you, and has never caught or otherwise bothered my piercing.

Is it truly "enough" for Krav? Depends on how willing you are to weather the occasional wild kick. I just accept it as "cost of doing business", but your tolerance may be different.

The Diamond is truly the gold standard - you can have somebody just haul off a kick or knee into your groin and you almost don't feel a thing. It is a bit bulky, though, in addition to the cost you mention. Their shorts are good quality - I've worn them right over the piercing and it never snags or anything.

EDIT: To add the shock doctor one is covered (laminated, kinda) in a porous fabricy lining. I can't remember what the directions recommended, but I always throw it in the washer with the rest of my gear, and it's been fine through probably 100 washings. Looks a little worn, but not functionally any different.

Hey,

The fact that you know where you need improvement on is a great start. Severing for any volleyball player is always a truggle in the beginning. Practice practice and more practice. I seen a great serving volleyball ball aid call Ace Pal. (Link Here) No need to chase the ball around. At times when you serve the ball, it how you throw the ball in the air before the hit. Make sure your arms are straight and your hand is in the position you will like it be.

-Good Luck

​

They make [padded shorts] (https://www.amazon.com/padded-shorts/b?ie=UTF8&node=3416331) for inline falls on roads or concrete- you could wear those under some sweats. I don't wear the shorts to ice skate but I do recommend [volleyball knee pads] (https://www.amazon.com/HUEGLO-Protective-Dancers-Volleyball-Bruising/dp/B07TF9SQVR/ref=zg_bs_3421291_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V52CPZ8HWAYHZNM6GMD9) to protect your knees. They're comfortable, allow you to move, pretty discrete, and they are made for slamming into gym floors and I've found them to be quite protective against falls on ice as long as you're not concerned with protection from pucks and sticks as well. You got the elbow pads, and helmets don't look out of place out there at all.

Welcome to the Florida Quidditch scene! I have some experience with having to cobble equipment together in a hurry, so hopefully I can be of some help there.

Brooms: PVC is your friend- more specifically, 10' x 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC. It's only about $2 per pipe, and each one makes 3 brooms. You can cap them if you want, but I would highly recommend buying some kind of colored tape to wrap them. You can get your team's colors, and let each player customize their own broom (this helps with any disappointment about not using "real brooms").

Balls: The official quaffle is a Baden Matchpoint size 5, but any (probably cheaper) volleyball will do the trick. Cheap dodgeballs can easily be found at walmart or similar places. Same with tennis balls for the snitch.

Hoops: This is probably the hardest part, as costs can rack up in a hurry if you don't remember you need 6 of everything. My method probably isn't the best/prettiest, but it got the job done for us last year. You need 3 parts for these:

1. Base: You need a base with enough stability to keep the hoop standing up, but that is also light enough to be carried easily. We use LSU bases, screencapped here from an older rulebook.
   
   
2. Pole: Depending on what size PVC you use for the base, you want to use a PVC size that will fit over the middle T joint. Friction can hold the pieces together at first, but you'll probably want to drill a hole through the pole and the T-joint so you can secure them with a removable pin.
   
   
3. Hoop: There are much more durable/official looking things you can use, but my team just uses hula hoops. Get a plastic T-joint, make a cut through the hula hoop, then attach the hoop to the joint with 2 screws on the bottom and 2 screws on the back. You can drill another hole through the T-joint and the top of the pole if you don't want the hoop to fly off every time you hit it.
   
   As for the other stuff like headbands, whistles, etc, just ask your players, chances are between everyone, you'll already have a lot of what you need.

Hey! I also live in Chicago and have an entire beach set up for this summer. I got my net from Amazon, but mines a little heavy duty and honestly is kind of a pain to set up (it has steel cables and I use ratchet straps), but once it’s set up it’s beautiful.

If you want a simple tie down net, I’d recommend the HD2 from here:

https://www.volleyballusa.com/volleyball-nets/beach-volleyball-nets/

Here’s the net that I bought. I love it because the top and bottom of the net get super tight with the ratchet straps, so the ball rolls off the net beautifully. But like I said it’s kind of a pain to set up because it’s heavy and the steel cables are longer than the width of the poles, so you have to wrap one end around a couple times.


Park & Sun Sports Regulation Size Indoor/Outdoor Professional Volleyball Net with Steel Cable Top and Bottom, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009PVUR8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-iQmDb5YRQHK6

You can’t go wrong with either of those though.

If your willing to spend the money, definitely go with the Molten Flistatec volleyball, which can be found here: (http://www.amazon.com/Molten-FLISTATEC-Volleyball-Official-White/dp/B0063NDCGW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417663511&sr=8-2&keywords=molten+volleyball). If that is too much outside your price range, then definitely go with the Mikasa 330. I have used both and while they are both great balls, the Molten Flistatec (which is the main ball we use on my club team) definitely is the superior ball, and is used in all major NCAA teams and championships, albeit more expensive.

Other than the safety aspect of impaling your hand on the rake, that's a great idea! I may set up something like that at home for when my (brand spankin' new) practice partner is unavailable. Something like your setup (minus the rake head lol) could be adapted to work with this.. Bonus points for not having to chase the ball.
https://www.amazon.ca/Puredrop-Volleyball-Training-Equipment-Aid/dp/B01NAU69Y0/

Not sure there are any socks on amazon that aren't on your wishlist :P

but here's a few

1

2

3

4

5

disclaimer: Can't promise all those aren't on your wishlist haha.

That was fun.

I like this knife; I'm keeping it. Thanks for the contest!

Spend some serious coin and get yourself a good quality mask. Profilers offer great protection, easy lens changes as well as cheap(er) lenses. A pair of Franklin volleyball knee pads too wouldn't hurt. They work great and costs half as much as paintball knee pads.

http://www.amazon.com/Franklin-Volleyball-Knee-Anti-Microbial-Protection/dp/B001N94LB6

You will need special shears to cut the Kevlar fabric. You can get them on Amazon for like $25.

Also, you don't find it often on jackets, but add thumb loops at the sleeve ends, so you can fit the loop around your thumb after you put your gloves on. It will prevent the sleeve from riding up if you get into a crash, which does happen. I added it to my Kevlar lined hoodie, works great.

For the armour, make pockets to put it in, so you can easily remove it for washing.

The hoodie I have is essentially thr same as this one. https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Hoodie-Armoured-Ultimate-Protection/dp/B01A25G19Q

Wrist guards. If you write code for a living or just use a computer, they're very worthwhile (plus most falls will kill your palms without them). Not the set I own, but they look good

For padding I bought these:
Knees, elbows

Helmet looks like a good deal. Ideally, you also want decent shoes, long-pants, and a jacket to cover your arms, legs, and feet. This is what I wear when I'm really riding quickly, but for < 20 MPH, you can probably shed a bit of it.

I just bought [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063NDCGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and its legit. Pretty good so far and definitely worth the money.

These are not super cute, but I've worn them regularly for almost 3 years and they're still in great shape and super comfy.

I played on this net yesterday and it was actually really great. I have the Spectrum Classic by Park and Sun. Then net at Costco is Not as good as the Spectrum classic. (but it's also $190 cheaper).

If you want a quality net, and aren't going to be shelling out over $230 any time soon, I highly recommend this net. I can't believe it's only $70 after the discount. (It comes with a shitty ball, and you might want to go to Home Depot and buy a few flat head nails so you can hammer the net into the ground. Other than that I was very impressed by everything in the bag. Note: the poles are steel instead of aluminum, thus it is heavier the the Spectrum Classic

My area uses the Spalding KOB for the majority of the time, but definitely check with your area. If your community prefers the Wilson AVP ball, nobody will want to use the KOB even if you buy it.

Also, make sure you're getting the real balls, not replicas. The price point usually tells you which is which

You know what bro, I am not 100% sure. The last tournament I played in I was told that that they will switch to the AVP one because things changed. I play BB or A so I don't care much. I will double check and let you know in the future.

For amazon, if you are talking about this, then yeah there is a different between the two balls (gold vs the yellow printing). I bought that same one and got the yellow printing. I think they both are just listed together because they have the same UPC?

Within your price range, Park & Sun SPORT nets are the best IMO for quick, easy, and sturdy setup in grass (I think they have sand kits too). The nets are high quality and you can make them very tight so the ball plays well out of the net.

Slightly more expensive than your 100 dollar mark, but they've got other nets to chose from that are more entry level

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Sun-Sports-Regulation-Professional/dp/B0009PVUR8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1512756979&sr=1-1&keywords=park+and+sun+bc-400

If you have more to spend though the Park & Sun SPECTRUM nets can't be beat. I've got 2 of them

Yeah, I was really hoping to add it to my wristguard, but the kind I have, there's no easy way to do it. I think this is going to work - gonna replace the wrist strap with this, then it should sit snug on my elbow guard where I want it, plus it gives me a reflective stripe at night:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N11BFL9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You know....

You can buy a Wilson and have the best wingman for the rest of your life.

http://www.amazon.com/Wilson-WTH4615-Castaway-Volleyball/dp/B00005LL1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318432704&sr=8-1

If he doesn’t already have one, a new ball would be great

Outdoor balls are normally a little bigger and lighter than indoor balls, as well as being a different texture and more rugged.

As for indoor recommendations, assuming you're in the US, either the NCAA molten balls, or the FIVB international ball

Make sure you get an authentic one. If you want to go a little cheaper, Molten has some regular leather ones, and so does Tachikara.

As for outdoor, you're going to be looking mostly at Wilson's AVP and Spalding's King of the Beach balls

You can play with whatever you want, but outdoor balls are made for the purpose and will both survive and play better in the sand and grass.

Get the Spalding King of the Beach or Wilson AVP ball.

http://www.amazon.com/Spalding-King-Beach-Official-Volleyball/dp/B00ANSGLUC

http://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Official-AVP-Game-Volleyball/dp/B00CHX35PU

Do not get a replica ball. They are terrible.

pRINT IT ON ONE OF THESE AND YOU WILL BE FINE!

outdoor, i highly recommend a spalding king of the beach

Souther Cali beach players use the wilson AVP ball

Old school players use heavier Spalding kings of the beach

The Spalding KoB is better when it's windy because it's heavier but the Wilson is the current AVP ball.

There is a new version of the [Wilson AVP II] (https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-AVP-Official-Beach-Volleyball/dp/B01C5VR8SI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473780846&sr=8-3&keywords=wilson+sand+volleyball) ball but more expensive.

*edit: added the AVP II ball link

Make sure you get the Official KoB.. approximately 45USD, not the Replica KoB.. approximately 15USD.

I've found the official KoB for as low as 30USD if you bargain hunt long enough.

Out of the price range but you can't go wrong with this

My local bike shops all have little velcro straps with reflective material to be fastened around a pants leg to keep the hem out of the drivetrain and provide some extra visibility, so you could use something like that if you wanted (similar to this, but with proper 3M reflective material rather than neon thread).

If you wanted something a little less conspicuous you could just get some elastic and sew it into a loop, or even use wrist sweat bands (I believe used by racket sport players).

It’s currently $45 on amazon for Black Friday sales

Buy him from Amazon now. Tomorrow could be too late.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilson-WTH4615-Castaway-Volleyball/dp/B00005LL1K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1314267438&sr=8-4

I got these low profile pads, I just wear them under my work pants. They're comfy and help a ton, they haven't gotten in the way yet. I haven't gotten to use them in the Summer or with shorts yet, so we'll see how they do there.

You can buy that volleyball btw.

Old Georgie.

This reminds me of the movie. Or rather, an actor in it. :3

Get this universal Chain guard

For $14.99 it can be yours.

Don't think so. Looks too shiny on the black portions and doesn't have the correct logo on the bottom portion.

For comparison.

you should get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005LL1K/

I use these frequently. Sometimes with the addition of foam as well if im someplace for a long period of time. They damn near hide completely under my shorts, but no one gives me shit for them because they realize I'm the smart one for wearing them.

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-ZD0925-Profile-Knee-Black/dp/B002ZUR0EW/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526835615&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=aisics+volleyball+kneepads