Volleyball has become one of the most popular sports in the world today. It has a wide range of practical applications, from youth leagues and recreational games, to Olympic and professional competition. New York City is no stranger to this phenomenon and hosts a wide selection of volleyball leagues to suit any player’s level. Whether you’re a novice looking to learn the basics of the game, a collegiate-level player honing your skills, or even a former pro looking to stay sharp and compete, you’ll easily find a suitable NYC-based league to play in. Here’s an overview of the volleyball leagues in NYC and how you can spike your way to victory.
Indoor & Outdoor Leagues
Volleyball leagues in NYC vary, from organized tournaments that take place in local gyms, outdoors during the summer months, or indoors during the cooler weather. Each provides its own unique level of competition and opportunities to learn the game.
For those looking to enjoy the game spring, summer and fall, playing outdoors offers the advantage of natural light, fresh air, and beautiful settings to get in the competitive spirit. Manhattan Beach is a popular destination for this, and it’s a great spot for all levels of players, from novices to professionals. Beach volleyball leagues operate from June through September and provide an immediate challenge to all competitors.
Indoor volleyball, however, requires a different set of skills and strategies. Most indoor leagues are designed to hone in on the nuances of the game – from improving your blocking and setting, to mastering approach shots and using the back row accordingly. In NYC, local gyms typically run these types of indoor leagues, and many offer a variety of classes for beginner and seasoned players alike.
Intramural & Extramural Leagues
In addition to the different playing formats, NYC volleyball leagues can also be divided into two distinct categories – intramural and extramural leagues.
Intramural leagues are generally open to students, faculty, and staff of universities or colleges. These leagues provide a great way for members of a university community to come together, compete, and have a good time. Typically, these leagues consist of teams of 4-6 players, but they can range in size depending on the league itself. Intramural leagues have a more relaxed attitude, but still provide plenty of challenge for novice and advanced players alike.
Extramural leagues take a much more serious approach to the game. These leagues are most common among adult men and women, and feature teams of 6 or more players. With little to no breaks between games, extramural leagues are designed for skilled players that want to hone their skills and compete in a highly competitive environment.
Youth Leagues
Youth volleyball leagues are also popular in NYC. These leagues provide younger players with an opportunity to learn the basics of the game, make new friends, and have a real competitive experience. Most youth leagues play indoors in local gyms, and some have players assigned to teams so they can learn to trust and coordinate with one another to sharpen their skills and have a great time.
In addition to playing together as a team, many youth leagues also offer classes and clinics to help young players improve their individual skills and fundamentals. These classes typically focus on technique and strategy, teaching players the importance of proper footing and positioning, basic court movements, and the basics of communication, such as setting, passing, and serving.
Competitive Leagues
If you’re looking for something a bit more competitive, there are also competitive leagues for all levels of players. These leagues generally feature teams of 6-12 players, and competitive matches usually last up to an hour with several sets per game. Most competitive leagues in NYC take place in the evenings at local gyms, and some feature a double-elimination tournament format to make each match just as important as any championship match.
Tournaments
NYC is home to a wide variety of tournaments for both youth and adult players. Many of these tournaments are open to the public, and some even feature international teams or offer special promotions or prizes for winners. Many tournaments also provide preliminary rounds to help match teams up with similar skills and backgrounds, so that everyone can have a fair and enjoyable competition.
Clinics & Camps
If you’re more interested in learning the basics of the game, clinics and camps are a great option. Most clinics and camps provide players with the opportunity to learn proper positioning, technique, and strategy in a more relaxed environment. Clinics are usually a few hours long, but some camps span multiple days, allowing players to hone their skills in a more comprehensive setting.
Regardless of whether you’re a rookie or an experienced player, NYC offers a wide variety of leagues and programs to help you spike your way to victory. From indoor and outdoor leagues, to youth and competitive leagues, to camps and tournaments, you can find just about anything you’re looking for when it comes to playing volleyball in the city. So grab your friends, put on the yellow knee pads, and start your journey on the volleyball court. You just might surprise yourself at how much you can achieve.
