n the summer of 2008 a group of aspiring beach volleyball players was walking the streets of Chicago after finishing the first day of competition in a professional beach event. A man standing on a street corner asked the group if they could spare some money, explaining that he was broke and homeless. “Dude,” said one of the players, “We’re borderline there ourselves.” That player was Casey Patterson, and regardless of how dire his financial situation was on that afternoon, he is now supporting his family (wife and two kids) with his hard and profitable work on the beach volleyball court. Patterson began playing in professional beach events in 2003, and his results have improved every year, particularly in 2013.
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After Patterson was picked up by veteran blocker Jake Gibb in the beginning of the year, the new duo didn’t waste much time becoming one of the best teams in the world, winning an FIVB event in China and four AVP events on home sand in the U.S. The pair finished the season as the top-ranked American men’s team and the sixth-ranked team on the FIVB Tour, picking up paychecks that would allow Patterson to offer a different answer to that question he was confronted with in 2008. At age 33, Patterson plays with a passion more commonly seen on Latin dance floors, a quality that has lasted him through an indoor career at Brigham Young University and several seasons playing for professional indoor teams in various coun- tries. Now thoroughly beholden to the beach game, the 6-6 Patterson is still adjusting to life as a full-time defender, but clearly is making strides. Recently he took some time to talk about his volleyball experiences, the steps he’s taken to become a better player and share a few tips to make sure you’re enjoying yourself on the court.
One of your goals for last season was to finish the year in the top 10 in the world rankings, and you did that. What are you setting your sights on this year?
This year I am setting my sights on being more consistent as a defender and finishing in the top five in the world.
What’s allowed you to be a successful defender playing against the world’s top teams?
Well, first off having one of the best blockers of all time helps. The trust I have in Jake lets me be free and patient as a defender. I also think being confident in myself is a big part of it. I love attacking in transition and the only way to do that is making the most of every defensive opportunity. Be patient, balanced and
free in my mind. When I get stuck on defense I like to say, ‘Too many mind’ (from The Last Samurai). You can’t be free to dig if you have too many thoughts in your head.
As you get later into your career, is it possible to play fully pain-free or is it a matter of always managing injuries/ aches/pains as best you can?
You learn how to manage the pain, play with it and also prevent it. I am never pain- free, but I have much less than I used to.
What’s something unique about your volleyball background that may give you an edge over your competitors?
When I was young I was not the fastest or most athletic. I had to be tricky and smart to score points. It really helped me to have great court vision and awareness. Now that I’m much stronger and faster it has really helped me to get to the next level. Having a very strong B game is huge when your body is tired and your A game is not 100 percent.
How much more fun would the pro tour be if everyone was as expressive as you are on the court?
Wow! It would be crazy. Lots of trash talk, screaming at each other and dancing. It would probably be more of a traveling circus. I think having a balance of all the types of players is necessary. I know for a fact not ev- eryone likes my style of play. We all express our passion in different ways and it’s better that way.
What’s the best match atmosphere you’ve experienced at a beach volleyball tournament?
I would have to say the Grand Slam in Gstaad, Switzerland. It is amazing. It’s high in the mountains and has this amazing small town charm. The stadium is packed every
CANDID SUBJECT: Casey Patterson is not shy during interviews.
Casey Patterson’s 5 tips to have more fun on the court 1. When heckled: Appreciate the
really smart and funny comments. Don’t let it affect your game. Roll with the punches and remember that you are playing the sport you love and they’re not.
2. Establish a phrase you can say while playing like ‘don’t pull on me’ or ‘don’t run line on me.’ Make sure you don’t overuse it though so it doesn’t lose its magic.
3. Dance moves after winning a huge rally. Even if your partner is the only one who appreciates it, it’s still worth it. Having fun is contagious and if used well it can change the momentum of any match. 4. Hustle for every point. There is nothing more fun than making a huge play.
5. Interact with the crowd. If you have a cheering section or certain fans that support you, make sure to give them some props and interact with them a little during the match. You won’t get so stressed and the positive energy will be on your side.
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