University of Minnesota Athletics
Fall Practice Blog (8/10): Christine Tan
8/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Today we finally got started with our practices! After all the meetings we had yesterday we were all itching to get into the gym. The day started off with a scrumptuous breakfast from our caterers Bill and Frida. Their food is amazing, and their personalities are even better!
Morning practice began with breathing exercises with our trainer Ronni. It was fun to watch the newcomers since the exercises are a bit difficult and confusing the first few times they are performed. Once practice began it felt good being back at the PAV and playing volleyball again. It all felt very familiar but at the same time it felt different and exciting with all the new players we have this season. Morning practice ended with a little three-on-three tournament action which got very competitive and not one team came out undefeated.
We had a two-hour break between practices where we had lunch maybe some of us got a little shut eye in. Our second practice started off with some two on two control drills. We work a lot on being able to perform every skill required in volleyball with strong consistency and control. The next portion of the practice we worked on offense. The setters and hitters worked on timing while the defensive specialists passed the balls to the setters.
The next drill was a team, and one of my personal favorites! It's called two touch three-on-three where you can only play the ball two times instead of three. It seems odd but ends up being a lot of fun.
Finally, at the end of practice we played two six-on-six matches to 25 points. The teams ended up in a split and the last match was super close.
Once practice was over it was time for dinner and a short team meeting.
