Juggling Time

With four matches last week to open the season and a full class schedule, it is logical to say that Nebraska volleyball players had a lot on their plate.

To help alleviate some of the stress, the Huskers resorted to a most unusual training method during fall camp ? juggling.

Throughout the preseason, the Huskers spent 5-10 minutes at the start of each practice working on their juggling technique, progressing at their own rate of comfort in learning the skill. The Huskers pair off in groups of two, helping each other gradually improve.

According to Head Assistant Coach Lee Maes, juggling came about because the coaching staff was looking for a team-building activity that could assist the Huskers both on and off the court.

“We are always looking for ways to help relate volleyball to their lives as student-athletes, and for us, juggling was a good idea.”

While the art of juggling dates back more than 4,000 years to ancient Egyptian times, the benefits are still valuable to this day. Not only does juggling improve hand-eye coordination, but Maes says that juggling can also teach important lessons that transcend the court.

“The best way to get better is through repetition, whether it is with juggling or in volleyball or in time management, and that is why we juggle before each practice.”

For two-time All-American Sarah Pavan, the juggling also focuses the Huskers on another important task ? keeping a balance on and off the court.

“It is a metaphor for life. At this level, it is important to juggle volleyball, school work, friends and everything. It is a challenge to learn how to juggle, but the point is to be able to balance."