Thursday, August 30, 2007

New Balance Launches Women's Volleyball Shoes



New Balance will introduce the WV850 and the WV650 women's volleyball shoes to its range of team sports footwear and apparel offerings. The 850 and 650 are running inspired women's volleyball shoes designed to offer the lightweight look and feel of a running shoe, with the support, durability, cushioning and flexibility of a high performance volleyball shoe.

A performance volleyball shoe for the elite player, the WV850 features Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot for superior shock absorption, forefoot flex grooves for increased flexibility and is high abrasion "Active Ankle friendly" to allow extra room for inserts. A Stability Web®, N-Lock® lacing system and an Internal Support System (I.S.S®) combine to provide lightweight midfoot support, while a Lightning DryTM lining keeps the foot cool and dry during long games. The 850 is also equipped with a performance mesh upper for breathability and a combination N-Durance®/gum rubber outsole for maximum durability and traction. MSRP $85.00

The WV650 is a competitive volleyball shoe designed for club and recreational players featuring Abzorb® cushioning for optimal shock absorption and forefoot flex grooves for maximum flexibility. An N-Durance®/gum rubber outsole ensures traction on the court. MSRP $65.00

As with all in-line New Balance shoes, the 850 and 650 will be available in multiple widths and sizes to custom fit each athlete for their individual performance footwear needs.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Updated uniform rules for 2007-2008


Yankee has updated their uniform rules for 2007-2008 regarding number height, location, and libero jerseys.

Team uniforms do not need to be matching in color or design. Numbers cannot be taped on, but may be written on with an indelible marker. Numbers must be on front and back of jerseys and clearly readable by all match participants. Front number can be located in either right or left chest or centered with minimum height of 4". Back number must be centered and be at least 6" in height.

When a team uses a libero, the libero's jersey must conform to the standards set down in the USAV Domestic Competition Regulations. When using a libero, the jerseys for all other members of the team must be similar (if not uniform) in color to ensure instant recognition of the libero.

The legality of the libero's uniforms is at the sole discretion of the head referee.

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In addition, USAV uniform rules have changed this year. The requirement for centering on front and back of numbers that has been in the book for two years is now in effect. This will be enforced for all USAV tournaments but not for Yankee tournaments.

Uniforms
The rules: USAV 4.3.3.1a: Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered on the chest and back. Each jersey must use the same color and number height for all players except the Libero. USAV 4.3.3.1b: Color combinations such as purple/black, dark green/black, navy/black, or navy/maroon are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.

USAV 4.3.3.2: The numbers must be a mini- mum of 10 cm (4”) in height on the chest and a minimum of 15 cm (6”) in height on the back. It is recommended that the numbers be a minimum of 15 cm (6”) in height on the chest and a minimum of 20 cm (8”) on the back.

What it means: For USAV sanctioned competition (in region and outside the region), jersey numbers MUST be centered on the chest (4") and back (6"). Anything else will not be legal. Plan now so your team does not find itself in an unpleasant position come match time. Note, the USAV rule is different from how Yankee enforces uniform requirements.

Tip of the Week - Passing a Volleyball


Passing is key to a teams success. You must stress to your team that the team's passing is the top priority. In a typical high school conference, the team that gets aced the fewest, wins 80% of the matches.

What makes a good passer/digger

-The best passers have quick feet to get to the ball, strong legs to keep them stable, and have still upper bodies. Being still when passing will improve your accuracy and consistency of your pass.

- Early Platform - Whether you are going to pass with your arms or overhand pass, BE EARLY! Decide early and get your platform or hands up and commit to the pass.

-Watch the ball into your arms, don't take your eye off of the ball.

-Communicate at all times - Whether you are passing 2 or 3 people, always communicate with your teammates. Let them know who's passing the ball and make sure to open up to your teammates just in case there is an errant pass.


Volleyball Drills

If you are a coach for JOs, High school, College or for a club team, you are always looking for new drills and practice ideas for your team. Emporia State University has put together a wide variety of practice drills for all aspects of volleyball from passing to hitting to digging and on.

Click on the following link to find volleyball drills for your team

Volleyball Drills

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Play Beach Volleyball with the AVP Pros


ONLY 15 SPOTS LEFT!!! SIGN UP TODAY AND SAVE $50....

After great success with both the Cancun trip and the Western Caribbean Cruise, Volleyball Vacations and VOBE events have decided to rent out the entire village at the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 27-November 3, 2007. Volleyball Vacations will continue to limit the size of the group to ensure an intimate experience and continue to do what we do best. We are launching "Ultimate Sports Vacations" which will follow the model of volleyball vacations. We will be bringing other sports, professional athletes and celebrities to provide instruction and entertainment in each of their respective fields. Hundreds of athletic like minded people will join together to share their love and passion for their sport and have the time of their lives.

We will offer amazing volleyball training, tournaments, clinics, play with and against the pros. You can also take advantage of video analysis to improve your technique, certified nutritionists, massage therapists and fitness experts that will be available on site.

In addition to club meds enteratinment schedule we will have musicians, bands and comedians to liven up the night life. Our DJs and theme parties along with our Halloween Bash is going to blow you away.

This is the most unique volleyball vacations trip ever offered so take advantage of this now because we are only holding a limited number of spots. This trip is available exclusively VOBE at (877) 248-VOBE (8623) or email terrie@vobe.ca.

Mention"Yankee Volleyball" and get $50 off the ground portion of the trip ($1500 total).

Monday, August 27, 2007

Only 2 more weeks of Summer Volleyball

The outdoor season is coming to a close and with only 2 more weeks of outdoor grass and beach doubles left, get out and enjoy the great weather before indoor volleyball starts up again.

Below are a list of tournaments that are running over the next 2-3 weeks in New England and New York.

Sept 1st
KAS Bar (Worcester MA)
Newport Volleyball Club (King and Queen of beach)

Boston Volleyball Grass Doubles (Newton, MA)

Sept 2nd/3rd
KAS Bar (Worcester MA)
East End Volleyball (New London, CT)

Sept 8th/9th
Capital District Grass Doubles (Albany, NY)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Smith Twins Advance to Main Draw



Twin sisters qualify on walkover
NEW YORK — With qualifying under way in the Brooklyn Open, those moving on are out to prove that if they can make it here, they can make it anywhere.

The pace of play has been crisp with four teams on the women's side already advancing into the main draw, which begins Friday. Top seed Chara Harris-Brooke Langston, No. 5 Angie Hall-Lauren Mills, No. 8 Laura Ratto-Colleen Smith, and twin sisters No. 18 Becca and Rachel Smith.

Eight teams from both the men's and women's sides will qualify for 32-team main draw.

The Smiths advanced in a walkover when Kelly Wing pulled out of the tournament with post-concussion syndrome, an injury she suffered in the 6-on-6 tournament in Manhattan Beach.

Vincent Robbins and Adam Roberts, the No. 1 seed on the men's side, defeated Dameon Holmquist and Andreas Olesen, 21-14, 21-19, in early action while No. 42 Pavel Bodjanac and Tom Kohler pulled off an early upset by ousting No. 23 Affonso Canedo and Wayne Holly, 21-18, 16-21, 16-14, in an hour-long match.

Other upsets on the men's side included No. 36 Gregory Hunter and Tony Yates eliminating No. 29 Erik Laverdiere and Brad Vallett, 21-11, 21-11; and No. 35 John Coon and Dave McKienzie defeating Jeff Schietzelt and Jason Stefon, 27-25, 21-14.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Yankee Sponsors AVP Boston Event

Yankee Volleyball was a sponsor at the AVP Boston event this past weekend in Quincy, MA. With the help of 25 volunteer staff members, Yankee was able to promote their organization and the indoor volleyball season which starts in September.

Staff personnel handed out Yankee promotional items including hats, t shirts, chap stick, backpacks, sunscreen, USAV rulebooks, mints, Yankee postcards, and mini volleyballs from Friday to Sunday.

"We spoke to hundreds of people from New England that play in leagues that have never heard of Yankee Volleyball or didn't know how to get into the organization and start playing. The promo items were a big hit, the mini volleyballs and drawstring backpacks flew off the table, and it was great to see so many AVP patrons wearing Yankee apparel and truly interested in our organization and wanting to get involved in playing volleyball." (Jonah Mytro, Yankee President)

The event itself was an amazing experience, we are still waiting on a final attendance count but Saturday and Sunday was packed with patrons at center court as well as on the side courts as the men and women competed through out the day.

Based on the initial response from the AVP, I expect Boston to be a regular stop on the tour each year.

Check out the rest of the AVP events as the season comes to a close

AVP Boston Event a Hit!

From AVP.com
There was no shortage of positive reviews to be heard for the Bob's Stores Boston Open — the first AVP event in Beantown in 12 years — as the field of competitors was whittled down on Saturday and Sunday.

Both the stadium and side courts appeared to be filled to capacity during the weekend sessions, and the crowd wasn't shy about letting the players know they were there. Raucous fans at Saturday's men's final and again for Sunday's women's final left a lasting impression on those who played in the event, as well as those who sponsored it.

"For all intents and purposes, it was a boring [men's] final," said champion Todd Rogers, who, along with Phil Dalhausser, defeated Matt Fuerbringer and Casey Jennings, 21-16, 21-12, in Saturday's final. "Yet the crowd's intensity remained at a really high level. It's just not something that you usually see. I'm impressed, really happy and looking forward to coming back next year.

"The crowd is insane and the venue lays out very nicely," he added. "You can't ask for something better in a first-time event than what I just saw, in my opinion. Some of the other [first-time] events were fun this season, but this one was far and away the best event. I'm really impressed."

Stein Metzger, who was the top seed in the main draw with partner Mike Lambert, was surprised by the constant intensity he saw from the crowd throughout the tournament.

"The crowd was incredible," he said. "Even in the semis they were going nuts. It's always rewarding to come to a new spot. You never know what's going to happen. Sometimes they're duds and people don't really take to it. Sometimes they just go crazy.

"We really appreciate that when we show up and the fans are totally into it. A lot of fans have talked to me after the games this weekend and said that they really appreciate that we're here and they're looking forward to us being here for years in the future."

Read the entire article at avp.com

Thursday, August 16, 2007

AVP QualifiersCompleted - Main Draw Starts Friday

From AVP.com

A pair of double-digit upsets highlighted early qualifying play at the Boston Open in Quincy.

On the men's side, a pair of Massachusetts natives, No. 40 Jonah Mytro of Allston and Thomas Olson of Needham, defeated No. 25 Jack Delehanty and Phil St. Pierre. Mytro-Olson were eventually knocked out by No. 8 Joey Dykstra and Mark Van Zwieten in second-round action. In the women's bracket, the No. 23-seeded Puerto Rican tandem of Ania Ruiz Negron and Yarleen Santiago upset No. 10 Lisa Marshall and Marla O'Hara, setting up a match with No. 7 Erin Byrd and Stephanie Chapek in the second round.

In other upsets, No. 36 Evan Engle and Steven VanderWerp knocked out No. 29 Alfonso Canedo and Wayne Holly. On the women's side it was No. 18 Heidi Miller and Cindie Valeriano overtaking No. 15 Katie Steffens and Jennifer Walker, setting up a second-round matchup with No. 2 Sara Dukes and Chrissie Zartman.

Also in women's play, No.1 Angela Knopf and Catie Mintz defeated Newport, R.I., natives No. 16 Becca and Rachel Smith and will face the winner of the Dana Schilling-Alicia Zamparelli and Gina Kirstein and Kristin Ursillo second-round match. Also, No. 5 Whitney Pavlik and Kelly Wing will face No. 12 Keegan Featherstone and Ashley Groothuis.

In men's play, No. 1 Mike Morrison and Ty Tramblie began play with a win over No. 33 Erik Laverdiere and Brad Vallett, who upset No. 32 Jason Harris and Dave Johnson in the first round. No. 14 Danko Iordanov and Lucas Wisniakowski will face another team from Puerto Rico, No. 19 Joaquin and Jonathan Acosta. No. 15 Gaston and Marcus Macau take on No. 18 Adam Minch and Mike Morales, and New England natives Tim Church (Springfield, Mass.) and Matthew Terrell (Guilford, Conn.) will face No. 10 Braidy Halverson and Dane Jensen.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

AVP VIP Winnners Announced

The following people have won AVP VIP Tickets for this weekends event.

Timothy L. Casey
Steve Ng
Gene Gullickson

Congrats!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

AVP Qualifiers - Thursday Aug 16th

The AVP Boston qualifiers are being held on Aug 16th at Marina Bay.

Come watch New England Volleyball players trying to qualify for the AVP main draw event.

MEET The AVP Pros - THURSDAY NIGHT

Meet some of the AVP Pros on Thursday night at McFaddens in Boston.

The location for this event is
McFadden's
148 State Street
Boston, MA

Time:6-9pm

There will be a book drive to donate books for Dig for Kids (www.digforkids. org) at the bar as well as at the AVP tour-- so looking for books for school age children

Stayed Tuned for more information

Also- same night and location is the BSSC Rem-Dawg event.... two great events in the same location so you dont have to choose which one to go to-- -you can go to both!!!!!

AVP BOSTON this weekend

The AVP Boston event is this weekend and get your tickets today and get 20% off.

Mens Finals are on Saturday and the Womens Finals are on Sunday.

Yankee will have a booth at the event promoting Yankee Volleyball.

Click on the AVP discount link and save 20%.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

AVP Needs Staff for Ticket Booth

The AVP needs to hire a few folks to work the ticket terminals at the AVP to handle walk-up ticket sales. We will provide training on the equipment and there will be someone on-site that will serve has the help desk/manager but we need a few bodies to actually operate the computers. We need a few trust-worthy, friendly people with basic computer knowledge. Here are the specifics.

Shifts – 5 total shifts

Friday Day Session – 2 ticket sales reps needed

Friday Night Session – 2 ticket sales reps needed

Saturday Day Session – 4 ticket sales reps needed

Saturday Night Session – 3 ticket sales reps needed

Sunday Day session – 4 ticket sales reps needed

Compensation:

$12/hour + 4 General Admission tickets for the session of your choice ($80 value)

SCHEDULE

Friday, August 17, 2007 (DAY SESSION)

Men's and Women's Main Draw Competition
Gates open at 7:30 a.m.
Competition start time 8:00 a.m.
Competition End Time (Approx) 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 17, 2007 (NIGHT SESSION)

Men's and Women's Main Draw Competition
Gates open at 7:00 p.m.
Competition start time 7:30 p.m.
Competition End Time (Approx) 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 18, 2007(DAY SESSION)

Men's and Women's Main Draw Competition
Gates open at 9:15 a.m.
Competition start time 9:45 a.m.
Men's Finals 4:30 p.m.
Competition End Time (Approx) 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 18, 2007 (NIGHT SESSION)

Women's Main Draw Competition
Gates open at 7:00 p.m.
Competition start time 7:30 p.m.
Competition End Time (Approx) 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Women's Main Draw Competition
Gates open at 8:00 a.m.
Competition start time 8:30 a.m.
Women's Finals 12:00 p.m.
Competition End Time (Approx) 1:30 p.m.

If you are interested, please contact VERNA DEJESUS at vdejesus@fenwaysportsgroup.com

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Yankee Board Meetings for 2007

Below are a list of all upcoming board meetings for 2007:

Monday – September 10, Lasell Room 101, 7:30
Monday – October 15, Lasell 7:30
Monday – November 19, Lasell 7:30
Monday – December 17 Board Meeting 6pm and Draft 7:30, Lasell College

Minutes from the last board meeting from Aug 6th 2007 will be posted soon.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Yankee Logo - Next version


Based on the initial feedback from the Yankee community, the logo a majority of people liked was #5 and I had a few revisions made to it to clean it up.

Let us know how you like each version and all comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Yankee Board

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Yankee Picnic - Recap and Pictures

We want to thank everyone who came out to the Yankee Picnic on June 11th, 2007 in Hudson, MA to celebrate the end of the indoor season. We also want to thank Chet O. and the rest of the Yankee Board including Tom and Susie Sweeney that helped with organizing and event even though it did rain all day.

We had over 130 people show up for the event and enjoyed the food, mud volleyball tournament, raffle, music, unofficial poker tournament, and slip and slide event.

Pictures from the picnic can be viewed at Snapfish.com

Win Tickets to the AVP Boston Event

Yankee Volleyball is giving away 3 VIP tickets and 10 General Admissions tickets to the AVP Boston for Aug 17-19.

To enter, sign-up for the Yankee Newsletter by August 14th, 2007 to be eligible to win tickets.

Sign-up for the Yankee Newsletter at the "Yankee Volleyball Mailing List" link on the right side of the page.

If you are already signed up for the Yankee Newsletter, you are already registered to win - no need to sign up again.


Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Volleyball Vacations at Turks & Caicos Islands

Club Med in Turks & Caicos Islands
October 27 - November 3, 2007

Package Includes
Enjoy tournaments and clinics every day and play with and against your favorite AVP pros. Learn plyometric workouts, new stretching techniques, footwork drills, and how to improve your vertical jump from the best coaches in the world. Have you ever wondered what the pros do to be able to compete on the AVP tour? They tell you their secrets to training and succeeding on tour. Take home workouts and drills created by the pros specifically for you. Play all day against new friends from around the world then share a beer with a pro and watch the sunset. Sounds fun? That's what VolleyballVacations is all about.

Costs / Additions:
Scuba diving and massage therapy by volleyball vacation massage therapist.

Location:
Club Med Turkoise

Cost:
$1550 per person
Land only

Visit VolleyballVacations.com for more details