Sand volleyball is a different type of sport and from court volleyball. Instead of teams and courts, there is sand and partners and a different level of competition. Although it can be considered an off season sport, for some players, it is their main priority.

“Basically it is just like volleyball on sand with a few different rules,” sophomore Kalley Gibson said. “It is just more challenging considering the sand and only having two people on the court at a time instead of six.”

Some people play it all year on a competitive level.

“I love sand because it is just more independent, and you can succeed on your own and I don’t have to worry about relying on others to succeed,” junior Avery Arellano said. “I like sand more than court because it is more exciting and I don’t have to worry about equipment and all I need is a partner.”

Although it can be fun, it can also be dangerous for a couple of different reasons.

“It is really hard on the feet especially when it is hot outside and the sand is burning hot,”  Gibson said. “My feet are always sore after tournaments. When you’re out in the sun all day, and you don’t stay hydrated then it could really be bad and it can affect your playing”.

While the concept of sand volleyball is the same, some of the rules are changed to be better suited to the amount of people playing the game.

“I think that sand is more fun because there are less rules and more freedom with different things and without coaches,” sophomore Sarah Speicher said. “I definitely prefer it.”

Although there are many similarities between the two types of volleyball, it’s not easy to switch from one to the other.

“It can be really hard to transition from sand to court,” Gibson said. “The atmosphere is just different and you get used to playing sand rules and stuff.”

The level of competition in court ball is sometimes overwhelming but players seem to see a difference in competition when they play sand.

“I like sand because it is more fun and there is a ton less pressure,” sophomore Taylor Carty said.

Despite the different style of sand volleyball, it can help with skills in court volleyball.

“It makes me more aggressive on defense and makes me a smarter hitter even though I don’t usually hit indoors,” Carty said. “I think that I prefer sand because when I go back to court my playing is affected but in a good way.”