GTA Finest Intern

First off I would like to send a sincere apology for all those readers whom had to read the pervious blog about that “other” intern. I will use the word “other” in reference to Matt although after reading his blog we all know he is no competition to GTA finest Intern Sami Singh. O yeah that’s me.  I can’t wait to meet all of you and possible create long lasting friendships. Here’s a little bit about me and my childhood. I grew up in the mean streets of Compton, California where i spent my entire childhood. Once growing up and experiencing all the curve balls which Compton California had to offer I decided at age 18 I needed a change. I the bread winner of my family (yes ladies I’m mature for my age) decided Brampton ON would be my next stopping ground. Volleyball has always been in my blood and after hearing about victory volleyball the number one volleyball academy in the GTA why not offer them something they will never forget (yes ladies I am unforgettable in more ways then one rawwwwwwrrrr). Unlike the “other” intern I won’t totally give myself to the readers tune in next week to hear more about the GTA finest intern.

Hope to hear from you soon

Sami "Swavey" Singh

P.SI Know u guys will be back next week its okay I have that effect on people!!

The one they call Matt

Hello everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself, being as I will be meeting you all shortly. I am one of the new interns that will be working here at Victory Volleyball (i will be the good looking one). My name is Matt Woods, but you can call me what you wish (as long as it is appropriate), I am 6'3 and pretty much all muscle, thats really all there is to know about me but i will fill you in on a couple hidden secrets of mine. I love long walks on the beach and watching sunsets, hopefully with that special someone someday. You never know, you could even be that special someone!!! I am super athletic and love volleyball! My middle name should be changed to awesome, because for some reason, everyone thinks im awesome? not sure why, but i hope you do as well and i cant wait to meet all of you!! dont be shy to ask any questions....or for my number....

Hope to talk to you all soon!!
Have a great Easter!!!

Sincerely,

Matt Woods

HOT Yoga: My first experience.

So I finally tried out that deal I bought from Living Social for the 10 hot yoga classes. I had been practicing regularly for about a year but had yet to try hot yoga and also I was doing Vinyasa flow. I didn’t quite know what I was in for when I walked into the airless room. Going into the studio I was excited to try this new yoga and ended up being more unprepared than I could have ever expected. I didn’t bring a towel which is a huge no no I was told immediately from the owner and the teacher because of the amount of sweat that happens over the course of the 90 minutes. I was also told it was a 90 minute class which I wasn’t  concerned about since that’s what I was used to doing at my old studio. In retrospect, should have done the 60 or 75 minute one for my first time. I was a bit out of “yoga” shape since I hadn’t practiced in almost 2 months and knew the class would be a bit of an adjustment for the first couple classes. Another problem, although I came with water, I did not drink enough ahead of time and was WAY dehydrated going into the class. This added an “I’m about to pass out/feel very dizzy” component to my practice. I was also famished and rushing on my way there so mistakenly had a few bites of Chinese food just before. This, as you probably can guess was another terrible decision on my part. So during the class I was torn between feeling like I was about to pass out and about to throw up. It was also a different style than I was used to so I wasn’t completely comfortable with all the poses and some were even new to me. I was able to rent a towel which helped with the ridiculous sweating and did manage to enjoy it. It will take some getting used to but now I know what to expect next time and how to prepare.
Here are some tips I would suggest if you are planning on giving hot yoga a try.

1.     Bring a towel

2.     Wear as little clothing as possible. (Usually shorts and a tank for women and shorts & lose fitting or no shirt for men)

3.     Drink lots of water about 2-3 hours ahead of time to make sure you are fully hydrated in preparation for the class.

4.     Bring water! (I wouldn’t suggest a plastic bottle because of the heat in the room, you end up drinking warm water- aluminum or stainless steel bottle for sure)

5.     Don’t eat 2-3 hours ahead of time (to avoid the nauseous feeling I experienced J )

-Meghan

Quick Tips: A fast fix to your volley or sets...

Most players are familiar with the technique that the sport derives its' name from:  the volley.  Known officially as the overhead pass, the volley is a something that, when done right, evokes instant admiration and immediately raises the level of your game (although it often makes you the default setter on your team, but that's a bittersweet honour if you like to hit).

However, the volley is often an overlooked skill, and is seldom mastered.  This stems from a lack of practice and, in many cases, an inefficient attention to a small but important detail:  your thumbs.

When I was taught how to execute an overhead pass, I was taught to form a triangle or diamond shape with my index fingers and thumbs, spread my fingers wide and flatten out my hands, palms facing the ceiling and positioned over your forehead.  I'm quite certain that I'm not alone.  The issue with the way this is taught is that no one pays attention to the profile of the thumbs.  Too often, the thumbs are pointing away from your forehead, forcing the player to use ONLY their forefingers to volley the ball.  This significantly reduces the surface contact with the ball and the hands and thereby reducing available control on the ball, and it places the mid/balance point of the ball dangerously close to the fingertips resulting in the ball either spinning wildly or flipping backwards off the fingers, resulting in a 'double contact' call.

The quick fix is to simply relax your hands, turn your palms towards each other and position your thumbs pointing to yourself.   This allows the hands to simulate the contour of the ball, and still maintain the 'triangle' shape in your index fingers and thumbs that we've all grown up with.  Additionally, because the thumbs are now being used to contact the ball, this moves the balance point of the ball toward the bridge of the fingers, ensuring a more positive contact with the ball.  If this feels like you're catching the ball, you are. It will feel like that at first.  With practice, you will eventually make it come out of your hands smoothly and effortlessly.



Good Luck and keep those sets up!

Ariel Castromayor
Resident Coach - Victory Volleyball