A loser’s guide to volleyball
During my year of trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone, we decided that entering a volleyball league at a local bar during the winter would be an enlightening experience. My wife, brother, brother’s fiance and some friends comprise a team that is fun to watch, mostly because of the laughs we provide.
We are all newcomers to the central Wisconsin volleyball sphere as most of us have played volleyball before but haven’t played on a league in awhile. Some of us haven’t played since we were required to in high school. That couldn’t keep us out of the gym, although, it probably should have.
We are learning as we go and that has proven to be a good and bad thing. I’m competitive. There’s no world where I don’t want to win something I’m participating in. I’m the guy who probably dunks the basketball on a little tykes hoop when I’m playing against a three year old. No amount of tears or puppy dog eyes can keep me from trying to win.
In this instance, we have yet to win a set. I’m not talking a game where you have two win two out of the three sets. I’m talking, a set. We’ve had subs in and out of the lineup and our team cohesion isn’t there just yet but it’s been frustrating nonetheless.
We went into this league with the idea that we would be playing to have fun and learn instead of win. That has been easier said than done for me.
Recently though, I’ve tried to take on more of a coaching role than giving my best physical effort on the court. As a set came my way, what used to be an opportunity to spike it over the net has now turned into an opportunity to pass to someone else to help them get some practice hitting the ball.
The league begins with four games which sorts you into either the “A” or “B” division. We’ll most certainly be in the B division but learning every week and aiming to win the B division is a good goal to set for a team that doesn’t have much experience with the sport.
It’s been fun playing with my family and friends and we’ve certainly gotten close to winning multiple sets but we’ve got some learning to do.
Regardless, playing with the team has been fun if not for the on-court antics, then for the time before or after where we sit and visit and have a drink or two.
I’ll have to write a season in review recap in April when we’ve most definitely turned from zeros to heros and are trying out for the Olympic teams.
Speeding
Through
L
ife
