My Experience in the Sport

 I started playing and noticing the sport in grade 5. The sport was not familiar to me since it was not as popular in the Philippines as it is now. One day, during recess, my friends invited me to play volleyball. At first I didn't really want to since I didn't know how to play, but played anyways, to try something new. As we started, I managed to bump the ball to other people or across the line we made (was our net). Many told me that I had the potential of playing the sport and being on the school team. They told me that I had lots of power and  I was very focused,but was having fun at the same time when playing the sport.

Since that day, I tried out for our grade 6 volleyball team the following year. During the try-outs I felt like I wasn't going to make it, surprisingly, I did make the team. I was so happy that I was part of the team, and excited to improve on my skills. Unfortunately, the team did not have lots of practice, and basically lost every game we had. Out of the players on the court, only one player knew what she was doing; digging the ball up or blocking the ball. Even though we lost all games, I managed to learn from it, and strive harder to succeed (on my skills and become even better than before).

In grade 7, I also tried out for our school volleyball team. During the try-outs, I felt that I became better and was going to make the team once again. The team cut was made and I was devastated. Instead of getting excited for our upcoming tournaments and practice, I did not make the team and had to move on from it. It was hard moving on because I really wanted to make it; I cried so much but managed to move on. 

In grade 8, I tried out again for the school team and to see if I was lucky. This time I made the team and strived to work harder, so my coach did not think that it was a bad idea putting me on the team. It was the best thing that has happened in my life; it was one of the best teams I had been in and practiced and played with. This was the year where high school volleyball was introduced to us. We were all given our positions and practicing over-hand serves. I got to be the team's setter, and unfortunately did not succeed in over-hand serves as of yet. In this team, our coach pushed us to harder work-outs and practices, but taught us how to relax and to be calm at the same time (after every work-out). He taught us how breathing techniques to calm ourselves up and to focus better.

When high school came, grade 9, I was positive that I was going to try-out for the school's junior girls volleyball team. The team consisted of both grade 9 and 10 students, there were lots of good people, therefore, making the team needed lots of great work and determination. I tried out along with my friends and didn't make the team. That time too, I became devastated. I was so positive and excited, and had a gut feeling about it, but became to be one of the many things that made myself esteem lower. I told myself that I was going to give up and let go of being a volleyball player. Although I was having this depressing moment in my life, I learned from it and told my 'new' self to strive more and that I will eventually get it. During this time period, after being depressed, I was able to practice some volleyball- during gym and outside of school. I managed to have better ball control, passing and better over-hand serves.

This year, grade 10, I tried out for the team once again. Weeks before the try-outs, me and my two other best friends went to a community centre (Miliken Park Community Centre), every Saturday, where they offered the gym for free, for free playing or practice. The week of the try-outs, just like last year, I thought that I was going to make it; it turns out I didn't make it. Many were surprised because I had the skills required and my over-hand serves were really good and powerful (from people's point of view, not trying to bribe or show off). At this point, I still had that thought of giving up and maybe just watching and dreaming that I was on the team. I felt more frustrated when the coach was favoring others from last year's players, therefore, he mostly picked them. And to me favoring on players is one of the major reasons why I think twice about joining the school teams anymore. Despite of all the misfortunes, I began to push myself forward and to keep trying. 

By learning from all the frustrations I had, I am now able to convince myself to not give up and to try and try again. From all the achievements I had, I am now able to strive harder for success, to be more positive and look up, and to be more determined. 


                               



Sources:
Images:

"Failures Are The Gateway To Success In Entrepreneurship." Bizadfin Resources. Bizadfin Resources/Midas Touch, n.d. Web.

"Re: Crippled by Success, Crippled by Failure?" Web log comment. Nicholas Ferguson. N.p., n.d. Web.

My Favourite Volleyball Players

Over the years, as I continue to learn more about volleyball and continue to watch the sport, three volleyball players stood out to me the most. It wasn't until recently when I started to really observed players and started to favourite some. These three players are: Allysa "The Phenom" Valdez, Dennise Michelle "Den Den" Lazaro and Shiela Marie "Bang" or "Bhebs" Pineda.  

Allysa "The Phenom" Caymo Valdez- Allysa Valdez was born on June 29, 1993 in San Juan, Batangas, Philippines. Out of the four children in her family, she is the only girl. Growing up, she was already playing the sport of volleyball; her older brothers as well, played the sport of volleyball when she was still in elementary, therefore, she was exposed to the sport at such a young age, and has been able to practice the skills needed. She is currently attending Ateneo de Manila University, and is taking AB Psychology and is part of their student council. 

Allysa plays in her school team named the Ateneo Lady Eagles/Spikers; her position in the sport is an outside hitter. She also plays both indoor and beach volleyball for her school. Outside her school team, she also plays in a club called the Smart-Maynilad Net Spikers. With the great practice that she has made over the years, she has been able to strengthen her skills and manage to earn many awards for the phenomenal skills she has developed. These awards include the Best Server, Best Scorer,  Finals MVP and much more.

AWARD	LEAGUE from recent to past	TEAM
Best Scorer	Shakey's V-League 11th Season Open Conference	AdMU
Best Scorer Best Server Most Valuable Player Finals Most Valuable Player	UAAP Season 76	AdMU
Best Server	Shakey's V-League Season 10 1st Conference	AdMU
Best Scorer	UAAP Season 75	AdMU
Finals Most Valuable Player	Shakey's V-League Season 9 1st Conference	AdMU
Best Attacker	7th Shakey's Girls Volleyball League	UST HS
Most Valuable Player	UAAP Season 72	UST HS
Most Valuable Player	UAAP Season 71	UST HS
Most Valuable Player	5th Shakey's Girls Volleyball League	UST HS

Dennise Michelle "Den Den" Lazaro- Dennise Lazaro was born on January 21, 1993. She got into the sport of volleyball because just like her mom, she too was playing for their team. Dennise is currently attending Ateneo de Manila University and is taking BS Biology.  

Dennise plays in her school team named the Ateneo Lady Eagles/Spikers; her position in the sport is the libero. She used to be a middle blocker/player back in her high school days. Outside of her school team, she also plays in a club called the Women's Volleyball Team. She was quite worried and anxious being switched from a middle blocker to a libero, but later enjoys her new position. During the UAAP Season 75, one of the best liberos graduated (Jennylyn Reyes), Dennise took her spot and became the new superstar libero. With a hard transition from a middle blocker to a libero, she managed to win some awards for her great efforts. These awards include the Best Digger and Best Receiver.

Awards	League	Team
Best Digger and Best Receiver	UAAP Season 76 (2013–14)	ADMU
Best Receiver	Shakey's V-League 9th Season 1st Conference	ADMU
Best Digger	Shakey's V-League Southeast Asian Club Invitational (2011)	ADMU
Best Digger	Shakey's V-League Season 8 OPEN Conference (2011)	ADMU
Best Receiver	Shakey's V-League Season 8 1st Conference (2011)	ADMU
Best Receiver	2009 Shakey's Girls V-League	CSA-Makati

Shiela Marie "Bang" or "Bhebs" Pineda- Shiela Pineda was born on Janauary 21, 1991. She is currently attending Adamson University and is taking BS Customs Administration. 


Shiela plays in her school team named the Lady Falcons; her position is an open spiker. She also plays both indoor and beach volleyball for her school. Outside of her school team, she also plays in a club called the Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns. In this club, she used to play as an open spiker, but later becomes the team's libero. Despite having to play two different positions for two different teams, she excels in both. She has won many awards, including the Best Server. 

                 

              


Information and Images
Sources:

"Alyssa Valdez: The Phenomenal Volleybelle." Alyssa Valdez: The Phenomenal Volleybelle. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Alyssa Valdez." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
"Alyssa "the Phenom" Valdez." Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web. < http://phillsanity.blogspot.ca/2013/09/alyssa-phenom-valdez.html>

Denise Michelle "DenDen" Lazaro. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/iloveu_/5660072030/>
"Denden Lazaro." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
"ADMU Lady Spiker Dennise Lazaro." Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://galwinfabian.com/2010/09/admu-lady-spiker-dennise-lazaro/>

"Fangirl of HairPINeda." Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web.
<https://iamjusay.wordpress.com/tag/shiela-marie/>
"Shiela Marie Pineda." UAAP. N.p., 17 Feb. 2013. Web.
"Adamson, Ateneo Volleybelles Triumph | SPIN.PH." Sports Interactive Network Philippines. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Shakey’s V-League Semis: Army Forces Decider vs. Smart-Maynilad, Cagayan Valley Sweeps Air Force to Advance to Finals." Web log post. N.p., n.d. Web.

<https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/sportztackle/shakey-v-league-semis-army-forces-decider-vs-172155848.html>

The Life of a Volleyball Player

The life of a volleyball player is hard. Volleyball is more than a more intense version of keeping the ball off the ground; it is painful but rewarding. "If you do not practice you don't deserve to win"- Andre Agassi. Practice comes a long way in the sport of volleyball. It does not only pushes you to strive for success, but help you recognize your important role in the team. As a team you practice hard like there is no tomorrow, and win a game like champions.

Being in a volleyball team requires a lot of pain and commitment. Whether you are in a club or are in a school team, hardcore practice and work-outs are thrown at you. As a committed volleyball player, you are required to balance your own time and to always strive for success and more strength. After practices and games, players can have sprained ankles (or other body parts), bruised knees (or other body parts) and floor burns. 

Practice- In a school team (elementary/high school), practice may vary due to the coach's schedule. In college or university team, there are no day-offs (unless a player has an on the job training) and practice regularly. In a club, practice may also vary, depending on the availability of the gym or the coach's and players' schedule. These players may practice early in the morning or during the day, very hard. Daily practices will improve the team's hitting skills, passing skills, serving skills, setting skills and blocking skills. 

Games- School and College/University teams are usually against other schools of the same level. College/University teams tend to be more intense and have a larger crowd; school teams are more private. Elementary school tournaments are usually during school hours,therefore, watching games may  only be watched by the teams competing as well, or coaches and volunteers. High school tournaments are usually after school and can have other students, teachers and parents to watch the games. In a club, a team can go against other teams in their local area, town, city, or province/state (and country). These games are mostly open to parents and other fans and friends of the team. Games could also start very early (clubs) in the morning or during the day and are very time consuming (school teams). But once a game is won, all the stress is gone, and you are rewarded with so much happiness and joy. 

Healthy Lifestyle- While players practice and work-out for games, it is essential that these players have a healthy lifestyle. During practice or games, a lot of energy is being distributed and the necessary nutrients are needed to help gain back that energy. Players are recommended to eat as much fruits and vegetables, and are discouraged to eat any junk food (daily). They are also recommended to drink lots of water, to keep hydrated. It is important that healthy eating and exercise is equal, so the body stays balanced and healthy. 

Lessons Learned

As many people, such as coaches, teachers, friends, family members, and parents said, being in a team can teach us many things. Volleyball, for instance, is a sport that involves great teamwork. Any sport in this case, can teach you a lesson; these lessons will help develop yourself and the strengths needed, as you continue to play in a team. 

Keep Practicing: It is important to keep practicing (in any sport). No, practicing does not mean perfect, but it means to be better. As we practice everyday, we continue to develop ourselves as a more aggressive and positive player/person. By practicing on a daily basis, we are able to develop the skills needed and strengthen them. For example, in order to be a great hitter, you may need to practice hitting the ball at the right time, with the right formation. It takes time.

Being Positive: Being positive is one of the most important rule in a sport. By being positive, you are helping yourself and your team, get up; whether you are losing or winning. The positive vibe in the game, does not only affect you, but how your team plays as a whole. In volleyball, it is critical that communication is strong throughout the game. If one player shows a negative vibe because of a mistake or how they played, they become quiet; if this player becomes quiet, the WHOLE team becomes quiet and loses the pace of their game. It helps you and your team to be more focused and come together as a team. Volleyball is not a one person sport; it involves great focus, positive vibes, teamwork and attention. 

Keep Learning: We all learn from our experiences- achievements and mistakes. It is okay to make mistakes while we learn. We are only able to learn if we know what we need to work on and how we can improve. As we continue to grow and learn, we are able to develop who we are as a person and as a player, and we are constantly being pushed to success. 

It's Okay to Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes- professional athletes too, make mistakes. It is normal to make mistakes in a game, especially under pressure. It is not recommended to make lots of them, but once we make one, we are taught to let go and learn from it. In a game of volleyball, many players make mistakes in setting the ball, receiving the ball or hitting the ball, but as a true player, they must look up and learn from that mistake. Especially in a sport that is not only physically involved, mentally, players need to be positive and need to seek for great success.

Celebrate: It is needed to celebrate one's success. We do not only celebrate during a winning game, but during a goal we set for ourselves. This goal could be digging up a really low ball during a game or practice. By celebrating your success, as a team or as a player, your mind is positively influenced. Celebrating your success will bring great sportsmanship and you will be giving 100% into anything you want to achieve.

Don't Give Up: In any sport, we always have the thought of giving up because we are weakening or losing our sense of hope. As true players and people, we learn to stand up and strive for success. In volleyball, a team does not stop saving or playing until the ball has dropped. A long rally is the sign of a good game, as of having a rally where no effort was shown. Giving up does not show weakness, but the strength of holding on and succeeding in the future. 


Sources:
Information:

"Sports Teaches Many Lessons." Team USA. N.p., n.d. Web.

The Different Positions of Volleyball

As I foreshadowed the different positions of the players in my first post, there are 6 players on the court. To recap, the positions you can play in the game are: the outside hitters (2),the opposite (1), the setter (1), the middle blocker (1) or the libero (1).   

Outside Hitter: This player is an all around player in the court. This player runs most plays (setter decides what the play is) and gets the most attack points for the team. The outside hitter is usually in the front left side of the court. He/she is responsible for being a solid hitter and a solid blocker. 

 Opposite:  This player runs the plays in the front row and back row right side of the court, and is the opposite of the setter. He/she is responsible for blocking the outside hitters of the other team, and for being a solid hitter and a solid blocker. If the setter cannot set the ball, the opposite must be ready to set the ball for the setter, due to his/her position (easier to get to the ball). 

Setter: This player usually touches the ball second, after a libero or another player bumps the ball to him/her. The setter is responsible for knowing and deciding which combination plays to run. The plays may vary due to how the ball was received and if his/her's hitters are available. The setter is responsible for knowing and remembering all the plays and making a decision where and when the ball is going to be. 

Middle Blocker: This player usually reads the opponents setter; this way he/she is ready to block the hitters according to where they're going to run the play. The main job of a middle blocker is to block. When a middle blocker is not able to block the play, the middle blocker comes back to ready position, to run quick plays. Two plays that a middle player can run are an "A quick" and a "B quick"; middle blockers running this play are able to confuse and frustrate the other team's defense.

Libero: This player is one of the most important player on the court. This player specializes in defending the ball from falling, and stays in the court for the whole game, unless he/she is injured. The libero always plays in the back row and never in the front row; he/she also wears a different coloured jersey from his/her teammates. The   main job of a libero is to receive and pass well to his/her teammates.The libero is responsible for digging up and chasing after the ball when the opponent attacks, or when they make a poor reception. 

Sources
Images and Information
Oden, Beverly. "Learn About Volleyball Positions and Roles." N.p., n.d. Web

Indoor Volleyball Rules and How to Play

A usual volleyball team, on court, consists of 6 players; 3 players are in the front row and the other 3 are in the back row. These 6 players all have different roles in the game; outside hitters (2), setter (1), opposite (1), middle blocker (1), and a libero (1). 
                                        
                                             

Serving: A volleyball game starts with a serve. The player serving for the game, takes place in the back right corner of the court. When serving, the player must be behind the line (outside line of the court, farthest to the net), or else it will cost your team to lose the point. Two ways in which a player can serve is either overhand or underhand. 

                                      

Receiving: When receiving the ball from a serve, the first hit that is likely played is called  a bump. Bumping is when you use your forearms to receive the ball, and slowly pushing the ball up parallel to the floor or passing it to the setter. The setter volleys the ball to the opposite or outside hitters and attacks. This 3 hit play is called the "bump, set, spike/attack". The ball is preferably played with only 3 hits and is passed over the net. 

Defense: When the opponent is running a combination play, the role of your team is to defend. Defending during a game is called blocking. The 3 players in the front row are responsible for blocking the ball from touching the floor from your side of the court or from attacking.  In order to block, two players come together to form a tight wall, that is solid and stabilized, and blocks the ball from going to your side of the court. If a block does not succeed, liberos or other players have the responsibility of covering that space where the ball is coming down. 

                                          
                                               
Scoring: There are many ways in which a team can obtain scores. These scores can come from errors, aces, blocks,  and unsuccessful combination plays. A team may also obtain scores if the opponent makes a mistake through his/her actions. A foot going under the net and crossing the court, a player touching the net, and the team hitting the ball 4 times or more, are some of the mistakes players make that can give away easy points. Serving errors (stepping on the line, stepping over the line, serving the ball right into the net), and good blocks are other ways a team can gain scores. 

Duration: A volleyball game can last up to 5 sets; the first 4 sets/each set is up to 25 points, while the fifth set is only up to 15 points. 




Sources: 
Images 
"The 6 Positions Of Volleyball Show Where To PLAY And Where To Start Your Rotation." Volleyball Drills and Conditioning at Volleyball Training Ground. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"Volleyball | About the Balls." About the Balls. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"GCA Jr High Volleyball." GCA Jr High Volleyball. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.

Information: 
"What Are the Different Positions in Volleyball? Learn 6 Positions of Volleyball." N.p., n.d. Web.

"How to Play Volleyball." WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.

Oden, Beverly. "Learn About Volleyball Positions and Roles." N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.