It would be awesome to see snow volleyball included in the Winter Olympics.
According to this article, the possibility is there:
The FIVB wants a piece of the Winter Olympics, and it sees snow volleyball as the way in. With a European tour already established , volleyball officials have set out an agenda that would bring the new snow sport to Asia, Argentina and the United States with an eye toward approval as a demonstration sport at the 2022 Beijing Games.
“They want to push it ultimately to the Winter Olympics,” said Martin Kaswurm, whose company manages the Snow Volleyball European Tour. “It’s not something we put into the mouths of the FIVB. It’s something they had as a goal themselves.”
If you are ever interested to start a career as a snow volleyball player, here are some important INFO you NEED to know.
You Wear Soccer Shoes
Many of the current snow volleyball competitors are also beach volleyball players. Don’t you worry. You don’t need to study new rules about the game. For the most part, snow and beach volleyball rules are similar. The only MAJOR MAJOR difference is that snow volleyballers wear SOCCER shoes.
There’s A HOT TUB!
Yes and we are not kidding. There is usually a hot tub for snow volleyballers to jump into and enjoy after a match.
A DJ & Cheerleaders
Music is in the DNA of this tournament so expect lots of music and this loud energy in all corners. However, don’t be distracted by those cheerleaders in lederhosen instead of bikinis.
Smart & Flexible Players, Where You At?
“Snow volleyball is for smart and flexible players. All the moves are much slower. That means you have to be smarter — especially in defense. You have to decide the direction you want to go, and that’s all. You can’t take it back — otherwise you find yourself on your back with the shoes up to the air.” -2016 Czech beach champion Bobb Kufa.
Thinner Air May Slow You Down
“You can really feel it. It’s really intense after just a short time. So you need to be physically really well prepared to be able to play on the mountains.” -Flo Schnetzer Austrian national champion
Height Is Really NOT A Big Deal
According to the aforementioned article:
The snow is slicker than sand there is more of a premium on players who can read and react quickly than on tall ones who can block. It’s also easier to jump on the compacted snow, so shorter players can be more effective blockers and height is less of an advantage.
Did you read the last few lines? HEIGHT IS LESS OF AN ADVANTAGE!
Be Prepared For Weather Changes
You are playing in the mountains or in a ski resort so expect weather changes and make sure you’re prepared for the wrath of Elsa.
“It is a mountain, so you should be ready for weather changes and be prepared for all kinds of weather,” Kufa said.
WANT TO PLAY SNOW VOLLEYBALL?
2017 is going to be an AMAZING year for the Snow Volleyball European Tour! There are 6 tourneys scheduled next year and it will be in Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, Italia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Click HERE for more info.
Snow Volleyball was recently featured in The Olympic Channel. Click HERE to watch the video.