As beach volleyball continues to grow, it offers indoor athletes more opportunities than ever to elevate their game and expand their college pathways. Yet many families still view beach training as seasonal simply because they’re unaware of its benefits. For newer or aspiring beach directors, raising that awareness is essential. Through intentional education, accessible programming, and strong connections to the indoor community, directors can help athletes discover how beach volleyball improves overall skill, athleticism, and recruiting potential. The following strategies outline how to introduce these opportunities effectively.
1. Highlight the Benefits of Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball develops all-around skill, vertical/agility, conditioning, and mental resilience. Sand is easier on the joints, allowing athletes to recover while still getting meaningful touches. Help families understand these advantages so they can see the value of year-round training.
2. Present New Pathways and Opportunities
Beach volleyball opens doors—especially for smaller athletes (5’4″–5’9″) who may face recruiting challenges indoors. On the sand, size matters far less, giving more athletes a realistic chance to shine and pursue Division I opportunities. Emphasize how beach volleyball creates a level playing field and expands college options.
3. Create a Dynamic and Fun Training Program
Offer introductory beach clinics designed for indoor players. Keep sessions fun, welcoming, and focused on beach-specific skills. Highlight the value of learning something new and challenging while showing how beach complements indoor development.
4. Foster Connections with College Coaches
Build relationships with college coaches by attending showcases and recruiting events. These connections increase visibility for your athletes and reinforce beach volleyball as a legitimate pathway to college recruitment.
5. Offer Training That Bridges Both Disciplines
Integrate training that fits into athletes’ indoor schedules. Show how beach training enhances ball control, decision-making, conditioning, and versatility—skills that directly improve indoor performance.
6. Organize Competitive Opportunities
Host tournaments and participate in regional and national events. As athletes approach recruiting age, incorporate higher-level drills, strategy sessions, and competitive exposure to help them prepare and gain recognition.
7. Share Information and Resources
Educate athletes and families about beach recruiting through workshops or informational sessions. Cover timelines, scholarship opportunities, and how to effectively present skills to college programs.
8. Create a Supportive Team Culture
Promote friendships, teamwork, and personal growth. A positive community helps indoor athletes feel comfortable trying beach volleyball and encourages long-term involvement.
9. Implement a Hybrid Training Program
Indoor clubs can strengthen player development by integrating sand sessions throughout the year. Hybrid training boosts agility, ball control, communication, and all-around athleticism—making players more competitive in both disciplines and more appealing to college recruiters.
By implementing these strategies, newer beach directors can effectively raise awareness about beach volleyball opportunities for indoor players, ultimately helping them transition to the collegiate level while enriching their overall volleyball experience.
View more business education for beach volleyball directors.
About the Author
Taye Im has been guiding Team One Volleyball (Chicago, IL), a JVA member club, for the past 14 years, serving as both owner and club director. Nestled in between Naperville and Aurora, IL, Team One Volleyball operates out of a new 20,000 sq ft facility, boasting three sport courts and two indoor sand courts.
Their approach is refreshingly straightforward: providing a hybrid program that caters to both indoor and beach players, all year round. With a focus on inclusivity and opportunity, Team One Volleyball aims to support volleyball athletes in pursuing their dreams, whether it be in the indoor arena or on the sandy shores of collegiate beach volleyball.
Under Taye’s guidance, Team One Volleyball has had the privilege of aiding over 40 athletes in securing spots on collegiate beach volleyball teams across the country. Taye attributes their success to cultivating a supportive and nurturing environment, empowering athletes to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Taye Im’s journey with Team One Volleyball is a humble testament to the power of passion, dedication, and community in shaping the dreams of aspiring athletes.
