The Benefits of Beach Volleyball
Attention all volleyball stars, aspiring stars, and weekend warriors looking to stay in shape and have some fun! Beach Volleyball is the fastest growing college sport in the US; its presence in NCAA Division I has quadrupled in the last decade. Lucky for us, New England has the largest growing adult volleyball community in the country! This article aims at exploring all that beach volleyball has to offer and provides injury prevention tips and resources to begin your journey.
My name is Lauren, I’m a physical therapist at Complete Game Physical Therapy and after 4 years of playing collegiate volleyball, I wasn’t sure where my volleyball career was headed. I had not yet realized the opportunities that were offered just an hour from me. New England offers indoor, outdoor (grass/beach), and formats like 6s, quads, and doubles.
Beach volleyball doubles is an excellent way to work on all skills, not just your indoor positional skills (it is especially fun if you are used to playing only middle blocker like me!). Beach volleyball is also known for its longevity. In fact, the average age for male Olympic Beach Volleyball players is 30 years old compared to NFL players being only 26 years old. Many players continue recreationally into their 50s and 60s. The soft surface of sand allows for lower impact on the joints during jumping and diving and an overall decreased risk of injury. Reasons include that volleyball is a non-contact sport, there are less people on the court, it's played at a slower pace compared to indoors, and a smaller court= less strain on the shoulder with serving/attacking.
Statistics aren't everything, however. True longevity in a sport can only occur if you care for your body and hitting shoulder properly. Volleyball is one of the top sports for overuse injuries in youth athletes. If not strengthened and cared for, shoulder pain will develop throughout a volleyball player's career. Check out our website and Instagram account below for tips on warm-up strategies. If you or someone you know is experiencing pain with their sport, reach out to your local physical therapist who will diagnose your pain and help eliminate it.
For Juniors: Summer is the perfect time to work on your skills and get ready for your upcoming high school season! The strategies and court awareness that one learns from playing beach carry over into all other forms of volleyball. Find beach volleyball tournaments/leagues/camps in the area and sign up with your friends! Check out the links below for opportunities given to Juniors in the area.
For Parents: Local clubs provide opportunities for middle school and high schoolers. If your child has expressed interest in the sport but you’re not sure about signing them up for a full season, I highly recommend trying out beach volleyball. They will get several more touches on the ball than they would during indoor 6v6. More touches = more fun = more learning!
For Adults: Whether you’ve played professionally or are just looking to learn the ropes, there’s a place for you in the New England beach volleyball world. From beginner lessons, to $2,000 cash tournament prizes, this sport is amazing! (Not to mention much easier on the joints than playing on hard surfaces!)
Wootown Volleyball Club (Sand and Grass locations in Acton, Plaistow, Charlton, Shrewsbury)
Joust Beach Volleyball (indoor/outdoor sand facilities - leagues, weekend cash tournaments - intermediate to advanced - Norwood, Ma)
The Beach House (Indoor sand facility - pick up, lessons, training, leagues)
New Hampshire Volleyball Club (Sand and Grass tournaments in Brookline, NH)
Newport (Rhode Island) Volleyball Club (Weekend cash tournaments - intermediate to advanced)
Sandbox Beach Volleyball (Indoor Sand courts in Groton, CT - weekend cash tournaments - intermediate to advanced)
Happy playing!
At Complete Game Physical Therapy we treat athletes of all ages and skill levels from weekend warriors to professional. Our mission is to provide the best care possible and get our patients back to the activities that they love! If you are having any pain or limitations that are stopping you from performing your needed activities, take the time to schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy. During your first visit, we will be able to answer any questions. Please contact us at 978-710-7204