Converting from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball

Tip #1 - Start with desire
 You must have your heart and your mind full of desire to fuel your passion for the new and challenging task on which you are about to embark. If you don't want it bad enough, this task could be a bit daunting. It is a process that will take your time, energy, heart, and mind, as well as take you outside of your personal comfort zone. The more you put into it, the more you will get.

Tip #2 - Worship sand
Learn to love and live with sand. My home has become a beach away from the beach, with how much sand around the house. It is everywhere -- in my bed, no matter how many times I wash the sheets; in my carpets, even after vacuuming; in my ears; in my hair, in my shower -- sand everywhere. Get used to it!

Tip #3 - Two words: sun and block
Invest in good sunscreen. My preference tends to be of a SPF of 30 or higher with a coconut scent for my face and body. Sunscreen helps keep the wrinkles away, the damage to your skin at a minimum, and gives you a nice glossy sheen to your sun-kissed skin. Learn how to apply and, more importantly, reapply. Hey, it could be of use in your personal life...who knows when you might need some extra help putting it on (wink, wink).

Tip #4 - (Girls only) Shop for a bikini
Playing in an itsy bitsy bikini took some getting used to. The difference between playing in spandex and a Brazilian bikini initially freaked me out and made me self conscious, but now that I've been playing for a year and a half, I like playing in a swim suit (it's better for the tans lines at least). Roxy, Nike, Billabong -- there are so many sassy options it makes it fun to go to work.

Tip #5 - Be patient 
Although I have been playing volleyball since I was 10 years old, it was only in my 22nd year that I attempted to play beach volleyball; I assure you, my 22nd year was one of the most challenging and humbling years of my life. Patience is a huge MUST! This transformation will not happen overnight, but it will happen as long as you stick with it. Be patient with yourself, put in your time and good things will come.

Tip #6 - Ask questions
There are subtle differences in beach volleyball that are not always easy to figure out when first getting started. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I must have asked a billion questions last year and it really paid off. In time, you will learn the tricks of the trade, but insight from those who know the game, who know the little things in the sport, (e.g. how to serve in the wind) is an invaluable tool. Every little thing helps.

Tip #7 - Practice, practice, practice
The more time you spend on the beach, the more comfortable you will be moving around in it. At first it may seem like you are trying to run/jump/dive in quick sand, but that will go away. Playing in sand is challenging because it has a "give" unlike any other surface. Take a daily run, practice every skill, and put your time into learning how to adapt your indoor skills to the beach game. There are subtle changes in every skill, which when learned, will make a huge difference in the way you play the game. Practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.

Tip #8 - Play, play, play
Play as much as you can. Just as practicing and fine tuning the specific skills in the game are essential to your growth, putting them altogether and actually playing games is hugely important. Play with your friends, play with the old timers, play with men, and women. The more you play, the more you will pick up. The older players know all the tricks of the game. There is something to learn from everyone. So don't be afraid to play someone of the opposite gender or someone 20 years older than you. Get out on the sand and play all day long.

Tip #9 - Freckles, freckles, freckles
As an Irish lass, I have no way around them. Learn to love your freckles. Sunshine kisses.