Beach volleyball games, whether played competitively or just for fun, can be found on just about any beach around the world. With the amount of sunshine, fresh air, and exercise involved with beach volleyball, it’s no wonder that this sport is gaining in popularity. However, it’s not all fun and games when it comes to playing beach volleyball competitively. Just like any other game, there are rules which must be followed. Each team also has its unique strategy to win. Tipping is one of several strategies employed by both professional and amateur beach volleyball players, but is it allowed?
Accepted Tipping Rules and Practices
As I have previously mentioned, there are several practices and strategies competitive and amateur beach volleyball players use to lead their respective teams to victory on the sand. Tipping is one of these practices that involves the player slowly moving the volleyball towards the net, to get the ball past an opposing player’s block. As long as a player is not using their open-palm to carry the volleyball, instead of using a closed fist or to elevated knuckles, tipping is considered to be an accepted beach volleyball strategy or practice.
Why Should I Use Tipping?
Not only is tipping considered to be a legitimate practice or strategy in volleyball, but the website betteratvolleyball.com suggests that tipping is an extremely effective way to save what would otherwise be seen as a busted play. However, to get an idea of whether or not you are using tipping effectively, there are a few questions you should be asking yourself:
● Does your team understand the concept of tipping, and use it correctly?
● Are you using tipping to gain the element of surprise on your opponent?
● Are you using tipping only when necessary?
If you can answer yes to these three questions, then the strategy of tipping can be seen as more than simply a bailout strategy. When used ethically and effectively, tipping is perfectly acceptable in amateur or competitive beach volleyball play. However, you should be careful not to utilize this particular strategy too often. Although, the strategy of tipping is widely known as a highly effective method to control the direction of the volleyball.
Beach Volleyball Rules vs Indoor: What are the Differences?
Methods For Tipping
We have already discussed the fact that open-handed tipping is generally not an accepted strategy or practice in beach volleyball. However, if you are going to use open-handed tipping, you should use the pads of your fingertips to softly lift the underside of the volleyball. Just remember that open-handed tipping is considered to be an illegal strategy in competitive beach volleyball.
Often referred to as a dink, tipping with two extended knuckles is perhaps the most often used method of tipping. To properly use the two knuckle method, approach the net as if you are going to spike the ball. Using your open hand, you would gently lob the ball over the net and past your opponent’s block. This particular strategy is often utilized when your opponent is known for having strong blocking skills.
How Often Should I Use Tipping?
While it is not necessarily seen as an illegal strategy in beach volleyball, the practice of tipping is widely considered to be a crutch, or even unethical, if used too often. Another reason you should not use the Tipping strategy too often is that it loses its overall effectiveness when used too frequently. When used at a high rate, whether it is effective or not, the strategy of tipping can be indicative of a glaring lack of skill in other aspects of beach volleyball. By utilizing tipping sparingly, it is not only a much more effective strategy, but it is also showing respect for your opponent while showcasing your many other beach volleyball skills.
How Can I Use Tipping Effectively?
The two main elements of chipping are the elements of deception and placement. The main purpose of using the Tipping strategy, whether in professional or amateur beach volleyball competitions, is to deceive your opponent. This is why it is of the utmost importance to keep your intention of using the tipping strategy a secret from your opponent. Like with many other strategies in many other sports, tipping will lose its efficacy if your opponent knows when to expect it.
Ball placement is almost as important as the element of surprise when it comes to tipping. After all, if you do not know how to effectively place the volleyball where you wanted to go, it doesn’t matter whether your opponent expects you to tip or not to tip. Good tip placement in volleyball comes with knowing the positioning of your opponent’s defense. By knowing where the opposing players are located, you will know where to place the volleyball.
Conclusion
Tipping has been, and will continue to be, and if the active strategy in the game of beach volleyball. As long as you are using the Tipping strategy legally and effectively, it can guide your team to victory.
A few of the most important aspects regarding tipping are knowing the rules regarding tipping; having an understanding of when and why you should use tipping; knowing the different methods in which you can use tipping; being aware of how frequently you are using tipping, and having the general knowledge of how to use the strategy of tipping effectively. By following the tips I have given you, your team can use tipping efficiently, effectively, and legally. This should lead your team to victory in the game of beach volleyball.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.