The Reasons Why I Love Volleybal

Introduction

The sport that has always captivated my interest is volleyball. Volleyball, although challenging to master, is relatively easy to pick up. Despite its underappreciated status compared to sports like basketball or football, volleyball demands athleticism and skills such as running, jumping, diving, and passing. While it lacks the major leagues seen in American sports like the NBA or NFL, volleyball boasts an Olympic team known as "Team USA," and many colleges include volleyball in their athletic programs. To become proficient in volleyball, one must grasp the fundamentals, understand the rules, and maintain a high level of athleticism. In this essay I want to share why I love volleyball and explore my journey in this fascinating sport.

My journey in volleyball

My journey in volleyball commenced in the 6th grade, a period marked by trepidation during the initial tryouts. The other girls appeared tall and experienced, which compounded my anxiety. Seeking guidance, I approached the assistant coach before tryouts began, and she graciously provided some tips on proper body positioning for passing the volleyball. As the tryouts commenced, the head coach categorized players into groups based on height. I found myself in the group of the tallest players, a group assigned to blocking and spiking. While many girls were well-versed in spiking, I was unfamiliar with the technique. Fortunately, the coach taught me the correct approach, which involved a sequence of left foot, right foot, and left foot. I swiftly acquired the skill. The next phase of tryouts focused on blocking, where the coach assessed our ability to jump over the net. Given my prior experience in basketball, I excelled in this aspect. The coach, impressed by my leaping ability, used me as an example for the other players. We were all tested on passing, aiming to return the ball directly to the coach's hands. While some players struggled, I managed to consistently pass accurately. The final test was serving the ball from across the court and over the net. The coach allowed underhand serves for beginners like us. As each group took their turn, most failed to clear the net. Remarkably, everyone in my group, including myself, successfully served the ball over the net.

Upon the conclusion of tryouts, I had assimilated the four fundamental skills of volleyball and secured a spot on the middle school volleyball team. Following my selection, the coach mandated that every team member read the "Official Rules of Volleyball." We meticulously studied the rulebook and engaged in discussions during practice sessions. The book primarily delineated the do's and don'ts of volleyball. After learning a rule, our coach expected us to demonstrate our comprehension. One of the initial rules we grasped was the limitation of six players on the volleyball court at any given time. We practiced positioning ourselves accordingly. Another fundamental rule pertained to stepping on the serving line while serving, which would result in the opposing team gaining a point and the serve. Our coach would often challenge us to serve ten times consecutively, ensuring we avoided the serving line. The last rule we focused on was the "bump," "set," and "spike" concept, emphasizing that only three passes were allowed before sending the ball over the net. We honed this skill in practice, striving to complete three passes and return the ball to the opposite side of the net within 20 seconds. These are just a few examples of the rules we explored in the volleyball rulebook.

However, beyond mastering the rules and fundamentals, the most crucial requirement in volleyball is athleticism. Our volleyball coach subjected us to rigorous physical activities, encompassing running and jumping. The ability to jump and run is indispensable for competitive court volleyball. During practice sessions, water breaks were a luxury, permitted only when absolutely necessary. Our coach stressed the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain peak athleticism. I heeded these lessons throughout my high school years, establishing a reputation as a prominent volleyball player within my town.

Conclusion

In essence, volleyball is a sport that combines athleticism, skill, and a thorough understanding of its rules. My journey from the apprehension of 6th-grade tryouts to becoming a proficient high school volleyball player underscored the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success in this dynamic and captivating sport.