Is there a sport that you usually enjoy playing? There are a plethora of great sports out there to play, but if you are new to sports, volleyball is great for beginners. Volleyball is not only super fun, but it is easy to learn. A fun fact is that the representative player for South Korea is Kim Yeon-koung. She is currently a member of Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders, and is an ace player. The JBNU Globe will inform you how to play, along with tips and tricks of the game. You may even end up as good as Kim Yeon-koung!
- Before Playing Volleyball: Background
You should first learn the basic rules of volleyball. Volleyball is a six-person or a nine-person game. Currently, professional volleyball operates with only six people. The goal is to score points by hitting the ball over the net, and for the ball to touch the ground on the opponent's court. Indoor volleyball is best out of five sets and each team attempts to score 25 points first per set. If the scores are tied 24 to 24, the teams must score two more points consecutively to win.
Volleyball positions consist of Outside Hitter, Middle Blocker, Opposite Spiker, Setter, and Libero. First, the Outside Hitter stands to the left of the net and performs the left attack. The Hitter is also the main blocker on the front left side, combining both offensive and defensive roles. This is famed Kim Yeon-koung's position. Second, the Middle Blocker’s position is next to the middle of the net and made up of the tallest players on the team. This position plays an important role in making and blocking central attacks. Third, the Opposite Spiker is usually to the right of the net, and its only specialty is aggressive offense. Fourth, the Setter is a position similar to basketball's point guard and to a quarterback in American football. The player sets the ball to the hitter, and must have excellent timing and decision making skills. Lastly, Libero is a defensive professional. The Libero must stay in the back row, and cannot attack, block or serve the ball above net height. Because of this, Libero is distinguished from the other positions in a different colored uniform.
- Getting into the Correct Posture!
Before playing volleyball, it is imperative to have the correct posture down. In the receiving position, put your hands together and hit the ball using the upper end of the wrist on both arms. Then, keeping your feet wider than shoulder width, squat slightly by bending your knees as if you are sitting on a chair. After taking this receiving position, lift your arms up slightly up so that the ball hits the underside of your wrists while spreading your knees at the same time. For the toss position, straighten your fingers and place them in the center of the ball. How are you to toss the ball? Spread your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly. After that, straighten your fingers on both hands, bend your elbows, and raise both hands above your forehead. Lastly, fully lock your elbows in straight while straightening your knees. Pass the ball by bouncing it with the tips of your fingers.
- Wise Advice from Volleyball Coach
Jeong Ji-in, the coach for Jeonbuk Jeongmu Volleyball Club, gave her advice about the effects of volleyball. She explained that, “For children, volleyball can contribute to their height development. Additionally, it has the potential to enhance their focus and teamwork skills, benefiting individuals of all ages.” Additionally, she stressed that basic skills, such as correct posture, are essential for playing volleyball for a long time. She also emphasized the necessity of playing consistently. “Volleyball is a sensory sport. If people play volleyball only sometimes, they will lose their muscle memory.” Jeong highlighted the importance of stretching. Since there are a lot of dangerous movements such as jumping, people can easily get hurt if they don’t warm up well.
- Advice for Beginners
Hwang In-seong, the team leader of “A-QUICK”, the JBNU volleyball club, shared his thoughts about volleyball. In his opinion, it has the charm of being a gentleman’s sport because it is a sport that avoids direct contact with the opponents, and each player shows consideration and respect for each other. He also left a piece of advice for beginners, “You don’t need to be afraid of the ball. Many beginners are afraid of the ball and they avoid it, but your volleyball skills won’t develop that way.” If you practice just the basic skills, I think you will become interested in playing volleyball.”
There are two options for playing volleyball in the area. 1. You can join A-QUICK, the JBNU volleyball club. 2. You can join a local volleyball club. Here is a QR code where you can find local volleyball clubs in Jeollabuk-do.
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Playing volleyball is a blast. Volleyball can seem hard to play, but it truly isn’t. If you play it regularly, it will become much more interesting, and at the same time, your skills will grow. Don’t be afraid, just give it a try!
| Bang Jun-hui, Cho Min-hyeok Reporters