Pat Powers' Gold Medal Volleyball

One of the few things that can't be gleaned from a book is how to approach the net, leap into the air, and spike a volleyball at the feet of your hapless opponent. This video's host, 6'5" Olympic champ Pat "The Hammer" Powers, is eminently qualified to teach this act of volleyball virtuosity, along with the sport's five other main skills: serving, setting, passing, blocking and defense (or digging). Assisted by the lovely-but-lethal 2-time All American Kelly Kuebler, Powers puts on a dead-serious 43 minute V-ball clinic intended for the beginning-to intermediate-level player. Together they demonstrate a plethora of tips and techniques that will require multiple rewinds to fully master. What's new on this tape--and I have seen others--is its attention to the difference between inside and beach volleyball (it's more than just the thong-clad "volley dollies" lolling on the sidelines). The video has the look and feel of a one hour, for-credit college PE class; not surprising since Powers is now head volleyball coach at USC. His methodical, take-no-prisoners approach to the game is appropriate for serious competition, or just friendly, backyard play (especially if you've always wanted to annihilate an insufferable neighbor or relative). Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P (W. Pierce)