B E A C H H I S T O R Y
augmented all of these skills when he would break out that weapon as well. In the 2000s that 6-4 player almost overnight was trans- formed as the small guy operating behind the block, paired with monsters sized 6-8 and taller who roamed the sand and could wield many of the diverse skills that Stoklos mastered (see below). However, none of them possessed the five tools like Phil Dalhausser. The 6-9 “Beijing Beast” emerged full throttle on the AVP tour in 2004 and just four years later stood atop the podium in China with partner Todd Rogers as Olympic champions. Dalhausser actually boasted a sixth tool, the ability to pull back off the net and play defense from an original blocking position. Only one other “biggie,” Jonas Reckermann, could do that skill as well as Dalhausser. Six times Dalhausser was the FIVB’s best blocker, four times its best hitter and offensive player, five times its best setter and for extra measure best server in 2014. Never before has a player been so versatile in the history of beach volley- ball. The contrast is striking when you consider the force the “Thin Beast” is with his hitting and blocking, and then also possessing the almost opposite skill of silky dexterity to handle a wildly spinning pass while backing up and setting a perfectly clean ball with his hands. Of course it helped to have Todd Rogers for so many years as his partner, a perfect complement to Dalhausser’s immense skill set. The 35-year-old Dalhausser’s dominance has waned re- cently as the prototype he has established has been duplicated to great effect around the world. In fact, two of the “copycats” are Dutch: 6-11 25-year-old Christiaan Varenhorst and 6-9 27-year-old Robert Meeuwsen. Varenhorst won the silver medal at the World Championships this past season, while Meeuwsen won gold in the previous edition in 2013.
“Biggie smalls” The new rule changes altered the dynamics of partner-
ships in a profound way. The narrower court played into the hands of the “wide bodies,” those who could take away vast swaths of the court with their block (think Brazil’s Ricardo Santos). In turn, this created the need for an extremely agile, quick-footed player who could line up behind the block and take the exposed rest of the court. Typically those players were on the shorter side (if you consider 6-4 small) and had enough offensive weapons that when served they could side out effectively.
Mike Lambert and Karch Kiraly implemented a unique beach offense to make it difficult for opponents to employ an effective serving strategy.
Thus beginning in 2001 some of the more effective “mid size” teams
were literally legislated out of the international game. Top duos like Dax Holdren/Todd Rogers, Dain Blanton/Eric Fonoimoana, Jose Loiola/ Emanuel Rego, and Marcio Araujo/Benjamin Insfran had to re-assemble with different partners due to the court dimension changes. “Both Dain and I knew instantly we would have to get different partners with the new rules,” said Fonoimoana. “I no longer could be the blocker at the net and have a chance at winning tournaments.” According to Smith, big players coming into the sport happened
“
“organically, as all sports athletes are getting taller and stronger, it is not because of the size of the court.” Has it been for the betterment of the game? Smith said, “If it is easier for the big guy to block balls it creates another opportunity to extend play, which makes the game more interesting for the fans and TV viewers alike. In attempting to avoid the block there are better opportunities for a player’s shot to get dug, which heightens the entertainment value as well.” McPeak observes with the women’s game that “the players are getting
a lot bigger, stronger and more mobile, but there is still room for small players. Neither Brazil’s Juliana (Felisberta Silva) nor Larissa (Franca) are
With the new court dimensions the range of the small player’s shots were minimized. Our strategy
came about naturally. I had good control with both my passing in serve receive and on digs and EY could take advantage. It took the offensive pressure off me and we would catch a lot of teams out of position. — Holly McPeak
52 | VOLLEYBALLUSA • Digital Issue at
usavolleyball.org/mag ”
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