Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball was recently added as the 20th sport at the University of Arizona. Here is some additional information regarding college sand volleyball:
Why add beach volleyball?
Beach volleyball is currently the fastest growing female sport in the country. Although sand volleyball has been around for decades national interest has risen exponentially with the United States’ success in the past four Olympic games (the USA women [Kerri Walsh and Misty May] have won the gold medal in three games, and [Kerri Walsh and April Ross] a bronze in Rio).
What is Collegiate Beach Volleyball?
Sand Volleyball is the most recent sport added by the NCAA. It becomes the 90th Championship sport sponsored by the NCAA and is a NCAA Championship Sport.
Why beach volleyball?
Most coaches recommend that their players participate in beach volleyball because while the surface is forgiving and provides active recovery for the wear and tear of indoor volleyball, moving through the sand is great conditioning and can increase your vertical. With only two players on the court at a time players must be proficient in all skills and be able to communicate consistently and effectively with their teammate. The sport is growing at a rapid pace providing almost weekly tournaments throughout the spring and summer, giving players the opportunity to play volleyball year round without being as prone to injury or burnout.
Are there scholarships available for beach volleyball players? Can beach players play on the indoor team as well?
There is a growing number of schools offering beach scholarships. Players that are on beach volleyball scholarships are not allowed to play on the indoor team however, players that have indoor scholarships can play both. If an athlete is not on scholarship they can play on both teams as well.
How do beach volleyball competitions work?
Schools will designate 5 pairs teams for match play (matches are best 2 of 3 sets). Most competitions are Duals (5 pairs put head-to-head and a program wins based on overall match scores, best of 5). The second day of the tournament is usually a pairs tournament. Schools enter their top teams who are seeded and play in a single elimination bracket.
Why add beach volleyball?
Beach volleyball is currently the fastest growing female sport in the country. Although sand volleyball has been around for decades national interest has risen exponentially with the United States’ success in the past four Olympic games (the USA women [Kerri Walsh and Misty May] have won the gold medal in three games, and [Kerri Walsh and April Ross] a bronze in Rio).
What is Collegiate Beach Volleyball?
Sand Volleyball is the most recent sport added by the NCAA. It becomes the 90th Championship sport sponsored by the NCAA and is a NCAA Championship Sport.
Why beach volleyball?
Most coaches recommend that their players participate in beach volleyball because while the surface is forgiving and provides active recovery for the wear and tear of indoor volleyball, moving through the sand is great conditioning and can increase your vertical. With only two players on the court at a time players must be proficient in all skills and be able to communicate consistently and effectively with their teammate. The sport is growing at a rapid pace providing almost weekly tournaments throughout the spring and summer, giving players the opportunity to play volleyball year round without being as prone to injury or burnout.
Are there scholarships available for beach volleyball players? Can beach players play on the indoor team as well?
There is a growing number of schools offering beach scholarships. Players that are on beach volleyball scholarships are not allowed to play on the indoor team however, players that have indoor scholarships can play both. If an athlete is not on scholarship they can play on both teams as well.
How do beach volleyball competitions work?
Schools will designate 5 pairs teams for match play (matches are best 2 of 3 sets). Most competitions are Duals (5 pairs put head-to-head and a program wins based on overall match scores, best of 5). The second day of the tournament is usually a pairs tournament. Schools enter their top teams who are seeded and play in a single elimination bracket.