Why Beach Volleyball

Why Beach Volleyball?

Beach volleyball is more than just a summer activity—it’s one of the best ways to develop all-around volleyball skills, improve athletic performance, and open doors to college opportunities. The sport has exploded in popularity and is offering more scholarships and opportunities for athletes than ever before.

The Best Training for Any Volleyball Player

Whether you're competing in beach tournaments, training with a sand club, or playing on a dedicated beach team like Sandstorm, beach volleyball will make you a stronger, smarter, and more versatile player. The outdoor game forces athletes to develop every skill—passing, setting, attacking, defense, and serving—since each player touches the ball on every rally. Playing in the sand builds endurance, strength, agility, and vertical jump, making the transition back to the indoor court feel easier and more controlled.

Olympic gold medalist and USA Women’s National Team Coach Karch Kiraly has long advocated for beach volleyball as the best way to improve indoor performance:

"It’s easier to take your outdoor skills into the gym than to bring your indoor skills outside. Beach volleyball forces you to have all the skills... a player’s quickness and jump will be increased by playing on soft sand."

Fastest-Growing NCAA Sport & A Clear Path to College

Beach volleyball is now one of the fastest-growing college sports, with over 100 NCAA programs and a rapidly expanding number of scholarships. Unlike indoor volleyball, which has large rosters and fierce competition for limited spots, beach volleyball offers a more direct path to playing at the collegiate level. Many universities are actively recruiting multi-sport and crossover athletes, making it easier for dedicated players to earn opportunities.

Even top indoor programs recognize the benefits of beach volleyball. John Cook, head coach of the University of Nebraska Women’s Volleyball Team, has integrated sand training into his indoor program:

"We feel there are many advantages to training in the sand, and we have gone as far as building an indoor sand court at Nebraska. Not only can [the players] play on the sand, but we can train them there as well."

Why Play Beach Volleyball?

  • Train like the best – Top college and pro players train in the sand to improve their all-around game.
  • Touch the ball every rally – Unlike indoor, where specialized positions limit touches, beach volleyball forces players to develop every skill.
  • Get stronger & jump higher – Playing in the sand builds strength, agility, and vertical leap.
  • More college opportunities – With scholarships and roster spots growing every year, beach volleyball is one of the best ways to continue playing at the next level.
  • It’s fun! – There’s nothing like playing on the beach, competing in the sun, and enjoying the game in a dynamic and exciting environment.

If you want to improve your game, become a more complete player, and open up new college opportunities, beach volleyball is the way to go!