Q: I want to get in shape for beach volleyball. Any advice?
A: Prepare for the sand. You may think you have a good foundation of fitness already, but sand changes everything.
Because sand is so unstable, it saps more of your body's energy when you move. So you can't afford to waste additional energy with inefficient movement patterns. It's critical that you move efficiently, especially through your hips, torso, and shoulders, also known as your “pillar.” This will allow you to conserve energy throughout the match.
Exercises like the Plank with Arm Lift and Glute Bridge Marching (see below for instructions) will help solidify this area and prepare your torso for the intense rotational demands of volleyball, for instance, when you go to swing or dig a hard-driven ball.
In addition to developing leg strength and power, building a solid foundation of “pillar strength” will give you a platform to leap higher, swing harder, and cover the court faster—even when it seems like it's moving beneath you.
Plank with Arm Lift
Start in the push-up position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Without moving your torso, lift your left arm up and slightly to the left and hold for 1-2 seconds. Return to the starting position, and then repeat with your right arm. Keep your stomach tight throughout the movement to keep your trunk from moving as you lift each arm. Perform 8 reps with each arm.
Glute Bridge Marching
Lie face-up with your arms at your sides, knees bent, and heels on the ground. Squeezing your glutes, raise your hips off the floor until your knees, hips, and shoulders are in a straight line. Hold this position while bringing your right knee to your chest. Lower it, then repeat with your left leg. That's one repetition. Do a total of 6.
About the Author
Kevin Elsey | Director, Performance Innovation Team
Kevin Elsey is Director of the Performance Innovation Team at Athletes' Performance. With three undergraduate degrees from Queen's University in Canada and several years of experience as a personal trainer and Physical Education teacher, Kevin Elsey brings a wealth of educational and practical experience to Athletes' Performance.
Kevin brings a wealth of educational and practical experience to the Athletes' Performance team in Phoenix, Arizona. He acquired three undergraduate degrees—physical health and education, science, and education—as well as a master's degree in education with a focus in motivation and transformative learning in sport, fitness, and health education from Queen's University in Canada.
Throughout his tenure at Athletes' Performance Kevin has gained extensive experience designing, and implementing performance training programming for youth, college and professional athlete development. He has been a consistent contributor to national publications, and worked closely with leading academic institutions in a variety of research initiatives and training studies, and has played a key role in the development of internal educational systems within Athletes' Performance and Core Performance.
As the Director of the Performance Innovation Team for Athletes' Performance, Kevin works along side a team that includes performance coaches, therapists, registered dietitians, neuroscientists, software engineers, and editors, all working in collaboration with our innovative network of researchers, industry professionals, and partners. As a leader on the performance innovation team, he plays a a key role in product definition and development, working to integrate Athletes' Performance Training Systems and technology for both Athletes' Performance and Core Performance, as well as overseeing key partnerships initiatives.
