Like many taking part in Brandon’s Sand Volleyball Leagues this summer, Sarah Privette is enjoying herself.
However, Privette, 14, who will be entering her freshman year at Brandon High School in August, also has to adapt to the subtle changes that come with playing volleyball outdoors as opposed to indoors.
‘It’s harder because of the wind, and you can’t run around as much in the sand,? she said. ‘You have to dive more.?
The leagues, which began July 12-13, were started by Brandon varsity volleyball coach Brian Williams. Currently, there are 11 women’s teams which play on Tuesdays and seven coed teams which play on Wednesdays.
The games are played on the newly constructed sand volleyball courts, which are located behind the Brandon varsity soccer field.
Games are conducted using a four-on-four format, and the leagues last five weeks, with the last week serving as playoff week for each league.
The teams are divided into three basic age groups: ninth grade and lower, 10th through 12th grade, and adults. Williams said teams from different age groups sometimes play one another.
‘It’s been a pretty nice turnout,? Williams said. ‘We had the money for it through the girls (in the Brandon volleyball program) working hard with fundraisers and help from the Brandon All-Sports Boosters. I’m looking for ways to make our program better. It’s a great way to be outside and have fun.?
Williams said playing sand volleyball involves more ball control and defense than indoor volleyball, which are skills he hopes to develop with the Brandon program.
He also said there is no 10-inch line in sand volleyball, like there is in indoor volleyball, and players are free to go anywhere on the court. The scoring is the same as for indoor volleyball, but there are no one-hand tips allowed.
Another player in the Brandon leagues, Mycki Kujacznski, 13, of Grand Blanc, heard about the league from a friend of hers who goes to Atherton and plays travel volleyball.
She said sand volleyball has its challenges as well as its good points.
‘Sometimes you have to look in the sun (to find the ball), and you don’t have to wear shoes,? she said.