Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get into better shape, and I thought, what better way than to pick up a sport? I’ve always enjoyed watching volleyball, especially during the SEA Games, so I figured, “Why not give it a shot myself?”
First things first, I needed to find a place to play. I scoured the internet for local volleyball clubs or groups. After a bunch of searching, I found a community center nearby that had open gym nights for volleyball. Perfect!
Gearing Up (Sort Of)
I didn’t want to go all out and buy a ton of gear before even trying it, so I just made sure I had the basics. I dug out some old athletic shorts and a t-shirt. For shoes, I just grabbed my trusty old sneakers. I figured they’d be good enough for a beginner like me. I mean I am not going pro or something.
My First Time on the Court
Let me tell you, walking into that gym was a little intimidating. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing, warming up with drills, and spiking the ball like it was nothing. I felt like a total newbie. I joined a group that looked pretty welcoming, a mix of guys and girls, all different skill levels.
We started with some basic drills. Passing, setting, trying to hit the ball over the net. I messed up… a lot. The ball went everywhere except where I wanted it to. My arms were stinging, and I was pretty sure I was doing everything wrong. But, you know what? Everyone was super encouraging. They gave me tips, showed me the proper form, and cheered me on even when I completely whiffed.
Learning the Ropes (and the Rules)
One of the experienced players, she kindly walked me through some of the basic rules. It was a little overwhelming, trying to remember everything, but gradually begin to know it.
- Don’t touch the net. Got it.
- Don’t step over the line when serving. Check.
- Three hits max per side. Okay, that makes sense.
Small Victories
After a while, I actually started to get the hang of it. I managed to pass the ball to a teammate a few times without it going rogue. I even got a couple of serves over the net! They weren’t exactly powerful spikes, more like gentle lobs, but hey, it was progress!It was fun!
Feeling the Burn (and the Fun)
By the end of the night, I was exhausted. My arms were sore, my legs were tired, and I was sweating buckets. But, I also felt amazing. It was so much fun! I had a blast running around, trying to hit the ball, and just being part of a team. I definitely want to make myself able to spike and look cool.
Next Steps
I’m definitely going back next week. I might even invest in some actual volleyball shoes. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to spike the ball like those pros at the SEA Games. Okay, maybe that’s a bit ambitious, but a guy can dream, right?
I am looking foward to getting much better next time.
