Beach volleyball enjoys great popularity in the summer. Volleyball professional Tobias Krick reveals why the sport keeps you so fit in an interview.
A summer sport that everyone can do and that combines fun and fitness? Beach volleyball is popular for good reason. But why is this ball sport so good for fitness and what are the most common beginner mistakes? Volleyball professional and Olympian Tobias Krick, 25, shares the most important tips in an interview with the news agency spot on news. He also explains the differences between indoor and outdoor volleyball.
How did you get into volleyball and what fascinated you about this sport?
Tobias Krick: My neighbor invited me to volleyball training back then, and I was immediately hooked – the dynamics and team spirit captivated me. I’ve been playing since I was eight years old and started pursuing a professional career at 13. This year, my childhood dream is coming true with the Olympics.
What are the most important basic techniques in volleyball that a beginner should master?
Krick: The most important basic techniques that a beginner should master in volleyball are setting, bumping, and attacking. These three techniques form the essential building blocks of every game.
In the summer, volleyball is especially popular outdoors, in the park, or at the beach. Do these basic techniques also apply to beach volleyball?
Krick: Yes, in beach volleyball, almost the same basic techniques apply as in indoor volleyball, but with different emphases. Techniques like setting, bumping, and attacking are also essential in beach volleyball, but playing on sand requires an adapted playing style and more legwork.
What should you pay attention to in outdoor volleyball – also to avoid injuries?
Krick: In outdoor volleyball, it’s important to ensure that you don’t fall on other people or jump onto obstacles.
What are the biggest differences between indoor and beach volleyball?
Krick: The biggest difference between indoor and beach volleyball is the team size: in the hall, you play in teams of six, while in beach volleyball, you play in pairs. The ground and field size are different, and there is no centerline in the sand. In beach volleyball, there are also no fixed positions like setter or middle blocker.
What are the most common beginner mistakes in beach volleyball?
Krick: The most common mistakes beginners make in beach volleyball often involve proper positioning to the ball. This includes judging the trajectory of the ball and adjusting one’s position to respond optimally.
How does volleyball keep us fit and healthy, and which body regions are particularly trained?
Krick: Volleyball engages almost all muscle groups in the body. Due to the many movements like jumping, running, and quick starting, the leg muscles, endurance, and speed are particularly trained. Coordination and reaction ability are also improved.
What is special about volleyball for you and what are your favorite tips?
Krick: What’s special about volleyball for me is especially attacking and blocking. My favorite tips are to read the game to anticipate the ball’s movements and simply to have fun playing.
