Life of a Mediocre Sand Volleyball Player
**Insert Uninspiring Picture of Me Playing Sand Volleyball**
It first begins with not knowing what to wear. The professionals always look good in their shorts and beach bodies with sharp curves that can cut tomatoes. And I don't think I have to mention how the women dress. For me, it's just what I would wear for indoor volleyball without socks and shoes. Put on some tennis shorts and a shirt. I can't help but wonder if sleeveless shirts would improve my game as 90% of the males are wearing them. Are sleeves an internationally signal of a mediocre sand volleyball player?
Yup, I look like monkey with crazy sock tan lines due to tennis and running outside but I'm pretty sure no one else sees that... As I watch the A-league players play, they easily get high off the sand and I don't understand what I am doing wrong. I imagine it in my head and it isn't so hard. But it would definitely help having a few more inches in height.
It's my B- league team's turn to play, Team about Nothing. Yup, we have only three players so we're already at a disadvantage. Luckily, we have an equalizer with a 6' 4" substitute. Looks like I'll be setting all game with a sporadic hit here and there. I know my strength and that's certainly setting. And with the 6' 4" option being half of my options, it was pretty straightforward.
How do I get the ball to the opposite team? I can't really roll it since it's unpredictable. I surely don't have an arm like Andrew Luck. I'll just go with my immediate reaction at the time. I'm sure to learn from experience.
What?! I can't bounce the ball five times before serving?! Hoping I'll look just as cool spinning the ball three times. This is practical as it removes some of the sand off the ball and puts me in a serving routine. All the great athletes have a routine; just look at Rafael Nadal!
Best part about sand is the ease of diving without much care. The worst part when it gets in my mouth and I'll be chomping on sand particles for the rest of the game. While I didn't get any blocks, I was silently excited for myself when I even tip/touch the ball when going for a block; I'll blame my shirt sleeve for holding me back for now.
Ending in two victorious set, I was in a layer of sand. It's an odd reminder of how much I miss the beach (after years of coming to terms with it). Where will this sand end up? Half of it will be in my car. The rest will be omnipresent in my apartment for weeks to come. I'm sure that that next time I vacuum it will be half sand.
No doubt that I'll earn my sleeves soon! Ummmm.... I mean I'll lose my sleeves?