I learned some new terms over the weekend -- a position/move called "the pancake" and what "fisting" is. I also saw and met a lot of people who are really good at "swinging".
Despite what might be in your head right now, you're probably wrong on the subject matter I'mtalking about. You should also question your upbringing -- you were raised better than that, thank-you-very-much!
The New Zealand National Volleyball Club Champs were on at ASB Arena late last week. "Fisting" is a closed fist shot (more power, but less accuracy), "the pancake" is your hand flat on the court, full dive hoping to stop the ball hitting the ground and "swinging" is another term for a hit over the net. Look at me, all volleyball learned and stuff!
I managed to get myself thrown in the deep end by agreeing to commentate/MC the men's and women's finals on Saturday night... despite having never actually watched a full game of volleyball live in my life.
I also had no idea of the rules apart from get it over the net and you can only touch it three times when it's on your side. I also knew that the people who play high-level beach volleyball have great bodies and aren't a fan of clothes! But this was indoor, so more clothing. Just!
Also, yes, the finals did conflict with that small game of rugby against the Aussies. Which made it an agonising decision!
But I'm a sucker for a challenge and I love live sport. I also have MySky. Side note: Fast-forwarding injury breaks, collapsed scrums and half-time is worth the slight mental anguish of not watching it live. Does that mean I'm not a true supporter? Or just that I'm getting old?!
Anyway, the terrifying skill of the volleyballers on display really opened my eyes as to the tactical and pinpoint accuracy and mind games that are involved in the sport.
Pretty much every scenario, move and shot is planned and catered for. It was exciting that we had this talent on display and live in Tauranga.
Unfortunately both finals were won by South Island teams... but we win in the end because, no matter how many times they win, they still live in the South Island! So that's always gonna be a loss right?! Haha!
- Will Johnston is host of The Hits 95FM Day Show. Live and local from 9am til 3pm, every weekday in the Bay of Plenty.
