Tigers hold youth volleyball clinic
IMPERIAL — After a series of successful summer camps, the Imperial High volleyball program decided to host a one-day clinic for local middle-school aged students here Monday afternoon.
The clinic aimed to further develop the fundamentals of the game, including passing, setting, hitting, serving and blocking.
“We’re trying to squeeze in everything we’d normally do during the summer camp,” said camp host Chelsey Strahm.
Nearly 40 girls attended the camp including Mia Hernandez, who said she decided to attend the clinic to better her skills.
“I started playing a few years ago,” said the 14-year-old. “I like getting to work with a team and getting to know new people.
Hernandez said she learned new techniques when it came to passing and setting and was looking forward to the second half of the clinic, which focused on hitting and a scrimmage between players.
“Hitting is definitely my favorite,” she said. To assist Strahm and camp co-host Jill Lerno, several Imperial High players were on hand to lead the campers through offensive and defensive drills.
“My favorite one is when we lay on our stomachs and they throw the ball and we have to get up and pass it,” said Kalli Strahm.
The 12-year-old said she began playing volleyball in about the third grade and said she wanted to attend the clinic to get better.
“I think it’s a fun game especially if its close and you win,” Kalli said.
While some players enjoyed hitting and passing, other enjoyed the setting drills.
“I think that setting is my favorite,” said Demi Johnston. “It’s just fun.”
Brooke Strahm said she enjoyed every part of the game and learning more about the sport through the clinic.
“I wanted to come so I would learn some new things,” said the 10-year-old.