Photography in Volleyball

Do you need some tips on how to get a good picture in volleyball? "DC fan" has some good tips that some of you could use!
"For equipment, you'll need a fast lens and high ISO. From a 60D and a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II lens:



Focal Length: 126.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
ISO equiv: 2500
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB





Focal Length: 200.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure Time: 0.0010 s (1/1000)
ISO equiv: 3200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB





Focal Length: 200.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure Time: 0.0016 s (1/640)
ISO equiv: 2000
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB



However, equipment is just a portion of the challenge in photographing volleyball. The real key is being able to follow the action, which is so relentlessly quick and unpredictable it makes basketball seem slow. One technique is to concentrate on action at the net, because the kills and putbacks will happen there. It'll definitely require a lot of anticipation, because if you wait for a peak play, it'll be over before you have a chance to push the shutter button. 

You'll probably spend a few matches getting used to the pace of the action, which won't give you much time to rest or think. After that, you can deal with details such as your location. A position on the opposite from the elevated net judge gives the clearest view. Eventually, you'll decide whether you prefer a low or high angle."

Website:http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1097437

Five Burning Questions

More people are hyped up about the volleyball NCAA volleyball tournament! Read more to find out.

http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/10126122/espnw-five-burning-questions-ncaa-women-volleyball-regionals

Illini NCAA Tournament

If you would like to stay up to date on the  Illinois Fighting Illini team click the link below. 

http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/w-volley/sched/ill-w-volley-sched.html

Team Dinners

Are you having a team dinner sometime soon? Well, you don't have to go out to eat to make it special for your team. A nice homemade meal will do just the trick! Make it a healthy meal, but at the same time make it filling. Play some games with your team after, or before your meal, and just make the best of your night!  You could have team meals weekly or even every other week. Or maybe it could just be a special occasion, that's fun too! I'm almost certain that your team will have a blast! Every player of the team could bring some dish to share with every player. But if you want, you can just make the whole meal yourself! I posted a link below for some excellent food ideas.
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/meals-to-feed-to-a-large-crowd

Productive Drills

Are you a coach, and looking for some good drills for practice? Well you've come to the right spot! I found a video below, and it seemed like they were very productive!
http://www.youtube.com/user/vballdrills

Stretches

Stretching could be vital to your athleticism! You need to perform the best stretches to get the best results. If you don't stretch often, then you could be more likely to tear, break, or dislocate anything in your body. Now, I'm not saying that if you don't stretch, you're going to break something by any means. I'm just saying that you are at a greater risk than others who don't stretch. You can click on the link below if you would like some stretches.
http://www.active.com/volleyball/articles/10-muscle-groups-every-volleyball-player-must-stretch-878685

Preventing Injuries

Want to know the best way to prevent injuries? I researched this topic, and I came across this dandy little article. I found this article truly helpful, and something I could use in the future.
http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/how-to-prevent-injuries-during-exercise

Playing Time

Playing time is an issue for most players and parents. But my outlook on it is, the best players, and the ones who give the most effort will get the most amount of playing time. Parents always get frustrated when they see that their kid is always on the bench. But if your kid doesn't play to the best of their ability then I do not blame the coaches for not playing you. You should give 110 percent in everything you do. Playing time shouldn't be based off of favoritism, the amount of money you have, but to how much you give. 

Travel Teams

If your volleyball season is over, it's never too late to join a travel team! Traveling teams other wise known as club teams, is a great experience for players to be on a different team, meet new people, and develop new skills. I've heard that being in club is just an amazing expericience, and sometime in the future I would like to join one. Playing volleyball year round would be an opportunity I wouldn't like to pass up!

Should You Eat Before a Match?

Yes or No?

Personally, I think that you should eat before a game but just not too much! You don't want to get sick right before a match. I decided to research this and see what I come across. This link below seems to be very helpful if you are in doubt! 

 http://volleyball.about.com/od/training/a/Nutrition_2.htm

Which is More Important?

Hitting or Passing?

Some people say that hitting is more important, but I personally believe that passing is. The reason that I believe this is because you need to be able to pass the ball to get it to the setter, who then gets it to the hitter, and then the hitter then hits it. If you didn't have the passer then it wouldn't of been possible for the hitter to even get the ball. So, I decided to get another out look on this. This link below seemed pretty reasonable!

http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall08/Devine/passing.html

Libero

What's a Libero?

Many non volleyball players always question what a libero is. A libero is usually the best passer on the team. A libero normally wears a different color jersey from the other players on the team. A libero also only plays back row, since she's only a passer. Many people seem to think that since a libero only plays back row that they can't hit, but they can. There is such a thing called back row hits. Usually, the opposing will try and avoid hitting the ball at the libero, but most times that doesn't always happen. When it doesn't, the libero can get a good pass to the setter, and the setter can then set up the hitter and the hitter can get a kill! Well at least, that's what we're aiming for. The libero in the game of volleyball, is very important. The team is counting on you to be a leader, and get the perfect pass to the setter and take charge. When you don't fulfill those expectations every single time, don't give up! You will always have another chance to get at it! 

Diving

Correct Form of Diving

I've always wanted to know what the correct form of diving is. I mean, my coaches have shown me but, I didn't know if there was different form of diving. So, out of my curiosity, I looked it up. I came across this video, and I thought to myself, "that seems about right!" So to share what I have found with you, here is the link to watch this video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OPMEebW-ro 

Passing

How to Correctly Pass a Volleyball

Photo credit to: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-beach-volleyball-woman-mexico-pass-ball-image26429681

Many people seem to think that when you pass a volleyball, you interlace your fingers. But that is definitely not the case. Actually, that is the worst way possible to pass a volleyball. When you pass a volleyball you want to make a fist with one hand, and cup it with the other hand (shown in the picture above). You DO NOT want to cross your thumbs because if the ball its them then, it will hurt very bad. You also want your forearms to be flat, because that is your platform. Your forearms is where you want to pass the ball. You also need to have your knees bent, and in a squatting stance. When you see the ball coming step left, right. Do not swing your arms. All you need to do is shrug your shoulders because your legs will do all of the work! You also want to call mine, and when you step left right, step towards your target. There is also another form of passing called over head passing. Basically, over head passing is setting. But you're not the setter, you're just not in position to pass the ball under hand.

Getting Gifts

Volleyball Gifts? No Problem!

It's just about that time, now! Christmas will be here before we know it, and if you have a volleyball lover in your family, then I have some great Christmas gift ideas for you! I know that if I were to get some volleyball gifts I would ask for some, spandex, Mizuno shoes, knee pads, volleyball shirts, sweat pants, head bands, volleyball bags, Nike crew socks, and bows. For spandex, I would prefer Nike Pros. But that's just my own personal preference. You can never get enough of spandex, sweat pants, socks, bows, and head bands. They are just an essential when it comes to volleyball. Another item you could get is a volleyball. You could even try and get it signed by a professional player, or even sign it yourself. An even better gift would be to get someone tickets to their favorite teams game! That would be so awesome! 

Team Bonding

Everyone Needs to Get Along

Photo credit to:http://www.mainevents.co.uk/team_building_team_bond.htm 

Does your team lack trust, communication, and ability to get along? Well, you've come to the right place. Everybody on your team needs to get along, otherwise you won't flow well together on the court. First thing a team needs is, trust. You need to be able to trust each other, to actually be able to play a game right. One strategy to help your team gain trust is, trust falls. One person lets their teammate fall, but you have to catch them. If the person falling doesn't want to fall because she thinks you won't catch her, then you have lack of trust. Every person on the team needs to know they can trust each other. Another issue could be communication, so an exercise to help that would be to all get together and just talk. Talk about life, volleyball, food, your relationships, and see where that takes you. Lastly, ability to get along, hmm. If your team doesn't have the ability to get along, then you guys are in some trouble because, that's the last thing you need. Try having sleep overs, or go out for pizza, or all go to the mall togther and try to get along!

Improving Your Hitting

Want a Stronger Hit?

I know that I have always wanted a stronger hit. Out of my curiosity, I decided to simply google this matter to see what I would come across. I know a silly website doesn't always work and can't fix a hit instantly, but I was just looking for some ideas. This article actually seems helpful, and something that I could use in the future!  

http://volleyball.about.com/od/learntoplay/a/Hitting.htm

What is the Most Common Injury?

The Most Common Injury

I have always wondered what the most common injury in volleyball was. So I decided to do a little research. This article I found, seemed to be the most interesting and accurate! http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/volleyball-injury-prevention.aspx

Spandex Over Shorts?

Should Schools Allow Spandex?

Preferably, I believe schools should allow volleyball players to wear spandex during a game. Spandex is very light and it allows more flexibility in an athlete when they're performing the things they want to do. This article basically describes exactly how I feel! http://www.hrvarsity.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-7126.html

Asics vs Mizuno?

Which One Would You Choose?

Honestly, I would prefer Mizunos over Asics any day, but that's just my own personal opinion. In Jr High, I had Asics and I did not enjoy them as much as I enjoy Mizunos. Mizunos in my opinion are comfier and have more traction compared to Asics. As I was reading all of the debates over Asics and Mizunos, I came across this great outlook on both brands!

 http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090706113535AAtNKCx

Communication Problems

Communication is Key!

Communication is an essential skill in the game of volleyball. If you don't have communication, your team will not be very successful. You need communication to see who is taking the ball, what rotation you're in, hitting, and most importantly bringing each other up when they're down from a previous mistake. When you make a mistake, we usually tend to bring ourselves down because we know that we can do much better than that. Even though absolutely everyone makes mistakes, and we're not perfect. But what we're striving for is to actually be perfect. When we all know that can't happen. So when a team mate is down everyone should constantly be bringing her up. When we're hitting you call out the number, color, or slide you're hitting. If you don't communicate with your setter, the setter will have no idea where to set the ball. Before you pass the ball call mine so there is no confusion. Either no one goes for the ball, or absolutely everyone goes for it and you all end up actually missing the ball and end up in a big huge doggy pile.Some teams need to even call out the rotations they're in. If you don't call the rotation you're in, then you might have 2 people in the previous rotation,while the other 4 are in the one they want to do. It only takes one person to mess everything up, and get everyone off track. But if the officials catch it, then you can get called for mixed up rotation, and the other team get a point. I don't know about you but I hate when that happens.

Want to Look a Little Girly on the Court? Here's how!

 Photo credit to: http://crossinmyheart.com/images/thumbnails/IMG_4746.jpg

Spicin' Things Up!

Even while playing on the court, some girls still want to look their best. If you happen to be one of those girls, I've got a few tips and ideas on how to make yourself look "girly!" You can always add in a sparkly bow to spice things up. Or you can also get, or make sparkly clips and bobby pins. Another idea is to get a sparkly or girly head band, and customize it to your liking. If you really want to take the next step, you can even adjust your makeup. But that honestly wouldn't be the wisest decision on your part. But hey, that's just my opinion! The reason I feel that way is because if you play to the best of your ability, your makeup will then become to come off due to sweating. A downside of wearing your own bows, some officials make the whole team match. So therefore, every player on the team will then have to be wearing the same exact bow. But if the officials allow it, by all means wear that bow with some confidence! Now, don't go over board with what I'm saying right now. Don't make your makeup the brightest pink, or lime green possible, when that's not even your school color! If that is, I suggest using a lighter shade, just to make sure you make yourself look presentable. Have fun with your decisions, and get a little creative! Don't go completely over board though. Just remember, you're here to play your little hearts out. Not impress the boys in the stands. ;) 

Snacks Before Games? Yay or Nay?

Good Snacks, Good Performance.

Don't want to get sick right before a game? That's what I thought! You should always eat a little something before a match, even if it's just a simple snack. It will boost your energy level, and increase your level of performance. Don't know what to eat? I've got a few ideas for you! Pretzels, fruit, yogurt, granola bars, Gatorade, etc. Don't eat a full course meal before playing a match because odds are you will end up vomiting, and that's not pleasuring for anyone. You can also get sick by not eating anything before a game. You just need to get a little something in your system. By doing so, your body will then have more energy to perform the activities you want to excel in. When you get the right nutrients in your body, your body tends to give a good reaction. Fruits not only taste good, they also work for a good disease fighters in your body. Pretzels are full of carbohydrates and they're low in calories. Yogurt can provide your body with calcium and make sure you have strong bones. Granola bars are a quick and easy thing to grab and eat in a hurry! Gatorade gives your body electrolytes. When you are playing for more than an hour, Gatorade would be a good thing to drink. If you are exercising for less than an hour, then I suggest drinking water. Stay tuned weekly to my blog, and if there is anything you would like me to discuss, feel free to post a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Easy, and Fast Hairstyles on Game Days.

Photo credit to: https://www.pinterest.com/hulburtmjune/volleyball/

In a Hurry? No Need to Worry!

Do you ever get frustrated with yourself not knowing how, or what to do with your hair when you're in a hurry on a game day? I know I do all the time, and I have a feeling that I'm not the only one. But on the bright side, I'm here to give you a few ideas on what to do! If you're on a bus on the way to an away game, a simple pony tail, or messy bun could do just the trick! You could also do a french braid (shown in the image above). But some of us aren't able to perform a french braid on our own hair. So, you could try just an easy regular braid to the side, or even to the back. In volleyball, we have the luxury of being able to have bobby pins, clips, etc, in our hair on the court. Which would come in handy if you have a few "stragglers", that just won't quite fit in your pony tail. If you have bangs, no need to fret! You can always add in a head band of your choice, but if you don't prefer a head band, you can pin them back or braid them to the side. I always found it easy to braid them to the side. I also have the ability to do that on myself, while others do not. Stay tuned for more posts concerning volleyball! :)

Short Sleeve vs Long Sleeve Uniforms?

Photo credit to: http://www.buggyshed.com/Sports/Arcola-Volleyball-2013/31634391_sR8VjK#!i=2861962524&k=3dtmj2D

Which One Would You Choose?

There has been a lot of controversy over whether or not volleyball uniforms should be long sleeved or short sleeved. In my area, there were only a handful of teams who chose to wear long sleeves, including my own team. In my personal opinion, I honestly liked having long sleeved jerseys. The only time I truly didn't care for them was, when the gym was blazing hot. But that's a matter that easily can be fixed by getting two sets of jerseys, one short sleeved and one long sleeved. Although some players may get frustrated with their jersey's sleeves getting in the way when passing the ball, I simply will say, "just roll them up!" While playing, athletes usually tend to complain about it being too hot in long sleeved jerseys, but some types of jerseys have a certain kind of fabric that help air circulate through. I personally, would like to see more teams begin wearing long sleeved uniforms because well, they simply look "classier". Now, don't get the wrong impression here by thinking, "Well she said that short sleeved uniforms are trashy because long sleeved uniforms are classy." That is not the case at all. Yes, short sleeved uniforms are classy, although I just think if your team is wearing long sleeved then that gives your school a, "good look", as some would say. But just keep in mind, that's just my personal opinion. You're entitled to your opinion, and I'm entitled to mine as well. :)

Informing You a Little Bit About Me

Welcome to my blog, everybody! My name is Jordyn Edwards, and I'm a student at Arcola High School in Arcola, Illinois. I come from a small town, but I want to do big things. I am involved in two sports, volleyball and softball. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.