Monday, 15 Jul 2024

Beach Volleyball Championships Impress Olympian Kevin Wong

The National Beach Tour Junior Championships in Manhattan Beach, California, have caught the attention of beach volleyball star, Kevin Wong. As an Olympian and the founder/director of Spike and Serve Volleyball Club in Hawaii, Wong is impressed by the talent and skill displayed by the young players on the sands of Manhattan Beach.

Wong reflects on his own playing days, mentioning that the 14U kids he sees now are more advanced than he and his peers were at their age. These young players are running options, executing forward and back movements, and even playing block defense. Wong attributes this growth and talent explosion to several factors, such as the collegiate growth of the sport and the increasing number of experienced players turned coaches.

The influence of skilled coaches like Patty Dodd and Matt Olson, who are sharing their knowledge and wisdom, has contributed to the development of exceptional volleyball players at a young age. National tournaments, like the National Beach Tour Junior Championships, also provide valuable experiences for young players to grow their game and learn from different coaches and playing styles.

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One of Wong’s students, Indigo Clark from Spike and Serve, emphasizes the benefits of playing in national tournaments, especially coming from a place like Hawaii with fewer teams. The exposure to different coaches and styles of play on the mainland helps players expand their skills and broaden their horizons.

The article also highlights the intriguing story of Thomas Hurst, a player from Plano, Texas, who stands out on the court with his iconic fedora. Wearing the fedora has become a trademark for Hurst and has helped him become a recognizable player. Despite the hat’s unconventional nature, it hasn’t posed any problems for Hurst in terms of breathability, even in the heat of Texas.

The article concludes by mentioning the special significance of the center court at the National Beach Tour Junior Championships. This court is bigger, is streamed online, has certified officials, and attracts more attention. Players like Zoe Mitchell and Reese Bates express both the pressure and excitement of performing on center court, where they embrace the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Overall, the National Beach Tour Junior Championships have proven to be a platform for young beach volleyball players to demonstrate their talent and potential. The growth of the sport, the influence of experienced coaches, and the exposure to national tournaments all contribute to the bright future of beach volleyball.

FAQs

Q: What is the National Beach Tour Junior Championships?
A: The National Beach Tour Junior Championships is a prestigious beach volleyball tournament that showcases the skills and talents of young players. It provides an opportunity for players to compete at a national level and learn from different coaches and playing styles.

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Q: How has the growth of beach volleyball contributed to the development of young players?
A: The growth of beach volleyball, both collegiately and through the influence of experienced players turned coaches, has played a significant role in the development of young players. Players like Patty Dodd and Matt Olson are sharing their knowledge and wisdom, creating a pool of talented volleyball players at a young age.

Q: What are the benefits of playing in national tournaments for young players?
A: Playing in national tournaments provides young players with valuable experiences, especially for those coming from regions with fewer teams. It exposes them to different coaches and playing styles, helping them grow their game and learn new skills.

Q: How does wearing a fedora on the court make Thomas Hurst stand out?
A: Thomas Hurst, a player from Texas, wears a fedora on the court, which has become his trademark. It helps him become recognized and remembered by others. Despite the hat’s unconventional nature, it doesn’t pose any problems for Hurst, even in the heat.

Summary

The National Beach Tour Junior Championships have impressed Kevin Wong, an Olympian and founder/director of Spike and Serve Volleyball Club. He is amazed by the talent and skills displayed by young players on the sands of Manhattan Beach. This growth and talent explosion can be attributed to factors such as collegiate growth, experienced players turned coaches, and national tournaments that provide valuable experiences for young players. The article also highlights the story of Thomas Hurst, who stands out on the court with his iconic fedora, and the significance of the center court at the championships. Overall, the future of beach volleyball looks promising, with young players showcasing their abilities and potential.

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