SillY Volleyball

Today I went to a volleyball clinic at De Anza College with SillY Volleyball. It was really fun and I learned a lot! We started by running 10 laps around the gym, and then stretched. Then we warmed up with partners and they went over how to do the platform and other basics. I actually think I learned the most from that, and from the support we got while practicing, because one of the most important things to know how to do, and do well, is bumping the ball. Passing is very important. I definitely think I improved on my passing and my ball control. Then once we did some partner passing and ball control, we served over the net with our partners. Serving is another thing I found they helped me with, although less than the passing, because I know how to serve overhand, I just need to practice. What I think is important for me is that I get enough time to practice, and that I don't practice it wrong, because if I practice it wrong, it will be harder for me to learn to do it right, and unlikely I'll serve right during a game if I'm not corrected. Then we practiced in more of a game setting and putting together all the skills we learned and improved on earlier. Overall, it was really fun and I think I learned a lot, and improved on my skills!

Here's the link for SillY Volleyball. It's a really great program, and for teens and preteens who love volleyball and want to practice or get better, it's perfect. Check it out!

My Volleyball Story

The first time I ever played volleyball was in 4th grade. I played in a local recreation league with my friend. We went the first day and they taught us the basics. Bumping, setting, spiking, but nothing too fancy. The next couple of days we continued to learn things like that, and they split us into teams. I was put on team that didn't have a coach, so we were passed around from group to group and worked with other teams' coaches. They gave us different instructions, and even told us to bump the ball in different ways. This experience was very frustrating and confusing for me as a beginner at volleyball. At the end of the season I was unhappy with the sport in general and decided never to play it again.

Then, years later, once I was in 6th grade, volleyball was one of the sports that my school offered. Since everyone who wants to can get on the team at my school, I decided to try volleyball again. I practiced with my 6th grade friends and had coaching and games, and it was actually a lot of fun! I fell in love with volleyball after that, and decided that I did like it after all.

That next summer I went to a volleyball camp at San Jose State University. I liked it a lot. I learned much more and improved my skills. Then, in 7th grade, once volleyball season came about, I tried out for the Varsity A team and was one of only 4 7th graders to make the team! I was so excited. My volleyball skills grew a lot with that experience as well, and gave me more confidence in my abilities. The next summer I went to two volleyball camps. The first was at De Anza College with a program called SillY Volleyball, which I did with 2 of my friends, and learned a lot. The second one was at Santa Clara University, and I learned a lot, but didn't enjoy it as much as the first camp, because none of my friends went with me.

And that brings us to now, with me working on my volleyball on my own, for my personal odyssey. I am looking forward to getting started and sharing my journey with you!

Hello World!

Welcome to my blog. I'm Ashley and I love volleyball! At my school, we have a project called Personal Odyssey, in which you choose a topic that you really love. Something you want to spend time doing, or discover more about. For my topic, I chose volleyball. I really enjoy playing volleyball, and I wanted more time to do it. My goal with this project is to practice volleyball and improve enough that I can be on the team in high school. I hope to learn a lot and enjoy my time playing volleyball!