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.

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

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).

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)

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.