Related Post: Back to Basics: Volleyball Player Positions

Agile Mover

A setter moves laterally, from side to side, near the net. This player must be aware of where the ball is going after a pass from the back line. He or she also must move around the outside hitters who are prepping for the next move. Setters need to shift their feet quickly to adjust to what other players do on the volleyball court. During each movement, setters keep their hands high and at the ready.

Strategist

The coach calls out the play before the serve, but things evolve quickly during a rally. Setters must be savvy thinkers and strategists before placing a set. Is there an opportunity for a quick set? How about a back set to the part of the net behind the setter? Who has the best chance of earning a point on your side? Great setters need to know where the spike should come from on their side of the volleyball court.

Master of Disguise

The opposition’s side of the volleyball court shifts to where the ball goes. Setters should disguise where the ball is going next. Middle blockers may fake a quick set to try to throw off the defense, but the next play in the rally goes right to that quick set to score a point. All signs may point to a back set, but a lone outside hitter in front of the setter can direct a spike away from the defense moving towards the two players behind the setter. When there’s a wide-open space on the other side, a setter can even play the ball over the net to try to score.

Encourager

Setters keep an eye on the action at all times on the volleyball court. Great setters encourage others, lead by example, and set up their teammates for success. On a hard-won point, the setter is the first one to congratulate the hitter who scored. 

Related Post: Best Features of an Indoor Sports Complex

Indoor Volleyball Courts at Hoover Met Complex

Come to the volleyball courts at Hoover Met Complex to practice, play a game with friends, attend a tournament, or play in a league. Our indoor sports complex hosts a variety of events. Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more details.

The post How a Great Setter Helps Your Team on the Volleyball Court appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Related Post: Get Your Daily 10,000 Steps in Our Beautiful City

Walk or Jog Counter-Clockwise

Move around the track in a counter-clockwise direction. This puts the ball courts on your left side rather than the right side. Everyone should move in the same direction on the track at our indoor sports facility.

Alert People When Passing

Not everyone walks or jogs on our indoor sports facility’s track at the same pace. When you pass someone, make sure to say “track” to let someone know they are being passed. Alternatively, say “on your left” or “on the inside” since faster joggers generally run on the inside lanes of the track.

Give Plenty of Space

Give the people around you plenty of space, even when you’re passing. Stay at least a foot or two away from someone as you’re passing. For social distancing rules, most definitely maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and someone else who isn’t in your party at our indoor sports facility.

Be Courteous

Use common courtesy at our indoor sports facility. Be polite when you are passing or being passed by another person on the track. You don’t have to say anything to someone passing you, but a simple nod in acknowledgement can let someone know you heard them before they pass you.

Don’t Hang On or Over the Guardrail

There is a guardrail to keep you safe from the level below. Don’t hang on or over the guardrail. Although it’s okay to stop and watch the action of the courts below if the track isn’t busy, you must be safe when using our indoor sports facility.

Watch for Stray Basketballs or Volleyballs

Occasionally, a stray basketball or volleyball may land on the track from the courts below. Be courteous and retrieve the ball if you see one on the track. There’s no need to throw the ball a long distance back onto the court. You can just drop it down from the track. Please make sure someone down below is waiting for the ball and says it’s clear to drop it.

Related Post: How to Beat the Heat During the Summer

Walk at Our Indoor Sports Facility 

Walking is a joy at our indoor sports facility. Hoover Met Complex is climate-controlled, family-friendly, and open for business per state of Alabama guidelines. Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more details on our walking track at our indoor sports facility.

The post Etiquette for Using the Walking Track at Our Indoor Sports Facility appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Related Post: How to Beat the Heat During the Summer

Register Your Child Properly

The first step for a successful summer sports camp is to register your child correctly. We offer sports camps for kids ages 5 to 13. Double-check your online registration to make sure you fill in all of the information properly, including the right sport, your contact information as a parent, and any other important information. This includes any medications or health needs your child may have. 

Please make a mental note of whether you register your child for a camp that has lunch or not. If you do NOT register your child for a camp with lunch, you’ll need to provide food for your youngster.

Check the Weather

Check the weather forecast every day before dropping your child off. It’s summer in Alabama, which means every day will be hot and humid with high temps in the 90s. Afternoons may see rain or thunderstorms. There may be tropical storms at some point. Summer sports camps at Hoover Met Complex have procedures in place if there’s inclement weather.

Eat a Good Breakfast

Make sure your child eats a healthy, balanced breakfast in the morning before arriving at his or her summer sports camp. A balanced breakfast includes more than one food group, including protein, carbs, and fruit. Think of a bowl of cereal with milk topped with strawberries or with a glass of orange juice on the side. For something heartier, there are eggs with toast and a side of bacon or sausage.

Prepare Your Child for the Day’s Activities

Send your child with the right equipment, some water, and snacks. We take the health and safety of your youngster seriously during each summer sports camp session. We’ll encourage frequent water and rest breaks, along with eating snacks, like a granola bar, to make sure everyone stays healthy. If your child needs equipment for the day’s activities, such as shin guards or cleats for soccer, please make sure he or she brings those items to camp.

Related Post: How to Prepare for an Outdoor Sports Camp

Summer Sports Camps at Hoover Met Complex

Summer sports camps are a special time at Hoover Met Complex. We pride ourselves on creating a fun atmosphere for your child to learn his or her favorite sport. Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more details on our summer sports camps.

The post Tips for a Successful Summer Sports Camp for Your Child appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Walking 10,000 steps allows you to get exercise through a low-impact exercise routine. We say 10,000 steps in a day because that’s a fitness milestone that many health experts agree upon to improve your physical fitness and overall health.

Today’s blog from Hoover Met explains how to get your daily 10,000 steps by walking in our beautiful city.

Related Post: How to Beat the Heat During the Summer

Walking or Jogging

Walking or jogging lets you achieve 10,000 steps at your own pace. Be courteous to other people if you’re jogging or walking faster than they are, and let them know when you’re passing them. Consider saying “on your left” or “on your right” if you’re a jogger approaching someone who is walking.

Cushioned Comfort

Make sure to wear comfortable walking or running shoes. They should be cushioned to help reduce the stress on your legs and knees. As you’re going for 10,000 steps, you can focus on enjoying the walk rather than worrying about extra strain on your joints.

Early Morning

Walk or jog in the early morning hours, because this is the coolest part of the day. You should still drink plenty of water and don’t push yourself beyond your limits for safety. Small bottles of water could fit in your pocket, or a small backpack works well if you need more liquid hydration.

Length

You can time your walk for 10,000 steps or figure an average distance. The easiest thing to do is bring a fitness tracker that counts your steps and alerts you when you reach 10,000.

• One average human step: 28 inches or 2.3 feet
• Steps per mile: 2,296
• Miles for 10,000 steps: 4.4
• Time to walk per mile: 20 minutes 
• Time to walk 10,000 steps: 1 hour, 28 minutes

These are average times. Your individual results may vary. Plan on a 90-minute walk to achieve 10,000 steps per day. Of course, you can walk less or more, depending on your needs. Determine a spot 2.2 miles away from your home. Walk there and back. Or plan a circular route. There are plenty of beautiful parks in Hoover that let you walk on trails while maintaining social distancing standards.

Related Post: Safety Tips for Indoor Sports

Walking & Hoover Met Complex

We want you to stay healthy amid social distancing and concerns about the pandemic. There’s no reason why you can’t stay healthy while observing social distancing.. Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more information on our facility, including upcoming events and hours of operation.

The post Get Your Daily 10,000 Steps in Our Beautiful City appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Related Post: How to Prepare for an Outdoor Sports Camp

Sports We Offer

Summer sports camp at Hoover Met Complex offers four team sports for kids ages 5 to 13. An all-sports camp lasts five days, and kids participate in basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball.  Your child can also choose to specialize in a sport at a full-day or half-day camp. 

Our coaches will focus on skill instruction, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Most importantly, we’ll make sure your kids have fun! In between drills and skills, kids enjoy recreational games such as capture the flag, dodge ball, and kickball. The idea is to have fun while getting physical activity!

Times of Our Summer Sports Camps

Summer sports camps run for eight weeks starting on June 1. Each session lasts five days, Monday through Friday. Some camps are half-days and others are full days.

Week 1, June 1-5: All Sports Camp for basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, full day

Week 2, June 8-12: Flag Football, half-day

Week 3, June 15-19: Basketball Camp, full-day 

Week 4, June 22-26: Soccer/Softball Camp, half-day

Week 5, June 29 – July 3: All Sports Camp for basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, full-day

Week 6, July 13-17: All Sports Camp for basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, half-day

Week 7, July 20-24: Flag Football Camp 2, half-day

Week 8, July 27-31: Soccer Camp, half-day 

Who Should Attend Our Summer Sports Camps?

Summer sports camps at Hoover Met Complex are designed for children ages 5 to 13. Anyone who wants to have fun can attend our camp. Kids learn at their own pace, and we group them together with kids of the same age group and skill level. Whether your children simply want to have fun and make new friends or elevate their sports skills, we have a place for them!

Related Post: What Coaches Should Know Before Leading a Sports Camp

Summer Camps at Hoover Met Complex

Hoover Met Complex has the best summer sports camp program in the area. If you’re interested in helping your child have fun at a particular sport, talk to us! Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more information on our 2020 summer sports camp.

The post Get Ready for 2020 Summer Camps at Hoover Met Complex appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Related Post: Tennis Basics: How to Play Tennis

Power Versus Topspin

Hoover Tennis explains there are two main aspects of a tennis serve: raw power and topspin. If you’re going for raw power, as you might do on your first serve, hit down on the ball when it descends from the toss. Serving for topspin slows down the ball but allows for more accuracy and better placement on the other side of the court. Hit up on the ball just as it descends to create more topspin. Taller players have an easier time with consistent serves because they can hit down on the ball more readily.

The Toss

The service toss is where a consistent tennis serve begins. Hold the ball with your fingertips instead of the palm of your hand. This creates less motion on the ball and reduces the chance of the ball going up at an angle. Simply lift the ball in the air rather than throwing it. Keep your toss as low as possible so the wind won’t affect it as much. Wind is more of a factor with the outdoor courts at Hoover Tennis, but even a slight wind could change a high toss. Attack the ball with your serve just as it starts to descend.

Rhythm

Slow down the tempo and rhythm of your serve. This gives you more muscle control, and it allows you to repeat the motion easier than if you do it faster. Fast serve motions may make you feel more rushed. Rushed serves lead to more errors and double faults. Slow down your rhythm and your body motion to have more precise control. Yes, serves are about power, but accuracy is more important when trying to land a serve that’s difficult to return. Hoover Tennis wants you to succeed in your game!

Related Post: Planning Around Weather: Outdoor Sports Complex

Hoover Tennis at Hoover Met Complex

Come to Hoover Met Complex, where champions play at Hoover Tennis. Play for the day, become a member, or play in a tournament to truly test your skills against local players. Sign up your child for youth tennis lessons to foster their love for the game. Contact Hoover Met Complex or call (205) 739-7364 for more details.

The post Hoover Tennis: Tips to Develop a Consistent Serve appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Often, winter conditions are harder on the spectators because players are actively keeping their blood moving on the field or sidelines. Sitting in the stands for hours on end can be uncomfortably cold. Before you just layer up, check out these four tips from Hoover Met Complex on how to stay warm during a winter sporting event.

Check More Than the Temperature

While the temperature is important to look at before you head to the field, other weather factors such as wind speeds, humidity levels, and precipitation percentages are equally as significant. Make sure to factor these into your clothing choices to ensure you will stay the warmest on the sidelines or the sports field. For example, if there are high winds, your top-layer should be a windbreaker jacket or winter coat!

Wear the Right Materials

Cotton is not the ideal material for layering! All too often, we will layer with sweatshirts and undershirts, and cotton traps moisture and can leave you colder than before! Look for microfiber, polyester, and wool for layers that will trap heat but not moisture. This also can cut down on the number of layers you need, preventing unwanted bulk. 

Layer Properly

Just because you have several layers doesn’t mean you will stay as warm as possible. Bulky clothing will slow you down as you run across the pitch, and for spectators, it can make you feel immobile. Layer with wool base-layers, wool socks, a proper stocking cap, and thick gloves to cover those areas that release heat the fastest!

Stay Hydrated

In the winter, it might not feel like you need the water as much as a summer sporting event. However, staying hydrated is just as important in winter! You will still sweat as you run across the field, and when you sweat, your body temperature will drop. Make sure to replace the sweat you are losing by hydrating often!

Prepare for Your Next Winter Event at Hoover Met Complex

Looking for an escape from the freezing cold sporting events in the winter? At the Hoover Met Complex in Hoover, Alabama, our winters are much more bearable! Hoover Met Complex hosts sporting events year-round in our state-of-the-art facilities. The Finley Center, Hoover Climbing & Adventure, Outdoor Fields, and Hoover Met Stadium are home to some of the best sporting events in the country! Questions? Contact us today to learn more!

The post Tips for Staying Warm During Winter Sporting Events appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

As a coach, there are several steps to ensure your camp-goers are getting the most out of their time. Even though all of the action happens during the camp hours, most of the planning happens weeks or months before the camp even starts! In today’s blog, Hoover Met Complex explains four things you should know before leading a sports camp. 

Book Your Location

The location of your camp is extremely important. Whether you are renting a gym, a soccer field, or an entire sports complex, you need to know that it will accommodate all of the campers. The facility must have the resources for all of the games, amenities, and extra perks you want to offer. Another concern that coaches need to consider when booking a location for a sports camp is access to health and safety resources, such as clean restrooms, medical supplies, and plenty of fresh drinking water. With a facility like the Hoover Met Complex, you have access to all of the features you need on our extensive campus.

Ask for Help

Volunteers are often an important part of the sports camp planning process. These helpers need to have experience in the sport and the ability to lead kids to improve their skills. When you recruit volunteers to help, you are cutting down on costs for the campers. As you might already know, a sports camp is challenging to run by yourself, so be sure to have the help you need!

Registration and Pricing

The registration process needs to begin months before the first day of camp! Setting an appropriate registration price will cover the cost of the camp and help you make a profit. Here are a few costs to consider when setting the price: 

• Location
• Coaching Staff
• Food and Drink
• Equipment
• Housing (if overnight)
• Travel

Check the location where you are hosting the event to see what resources are included, and then you can determine the price you need to charge per camper.

Develop a Timeline

One of the last things you need to plan out for your sports camp is the timeline. Having a clear schedule for your camp is a must. Not only is this helpful for coaches and volunteers, but it is also great for parents so they can know what is going on during the camp. In this timeline, make sure to include things such as pick-up and drop-off times, activities and games, and water breaks.

Join a Sports Camp at Hoover Met Complex

Looking to join a camp? Hoover Met Complex offers sports camps throughout the year for all skill levels! Join us and play fun sports like basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and much more during our multi-day camps. These will all be located at the Hoover Met Complex, which has all the accommodations you could ask for within our new, state-of-the-art sports complex. Want to learn more? Contact Hoover Met Complex today!

The post What Coaches Should Know Before Leading a Sports Camp appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

The RV’s popularity continues to grow every year. As a result, RV parks have stepped-up their game to improve amenities and locations while keeping prices low. Today, Hoover Met Complex looks at four of the most popular RV parks in Alabama!

Hoover RV Park

If you are looking for a vacation full of sports, activities, and constant entertainment, Hoover RV Park offers an affordable slip for your RV. The RV park has 170 pull-through parking sites equipped with water, sewer, electrical services, and WiFi. This RV park is outside of Hoover Met Stadium, which is home to the SEC Baseball Tournament. Hoover Met Complex’s campus holds a 10,000+ person baseball stadium, five NCAA-regulated baseball and multipurpose fields, 16 tennis courts, and much more. Events, tournaments, trade shows, and conferences are always being held at Hoover Met, so this RV park is a good time all-year-round!

Buena Vista Coastal RV Resort

Buena Vista Coastal RV Resort offers a luxury RV experience. This RV park, located in Orange Beach, Alabama, is just steps away from the Gulf. One thing that sets Buena Vista apart from other RV parks is the availability of coach homes right beside your RV slip. This RV park is equipped with full kitchens, a lazy river and resort pool, fitness center, and more. Buena Vista has 111 luxury slips on 32 acres with a beachfront view, making it one of the most popular in Alabama.

Island Retreat RV Park

Island Retreat RV Park is perfectly placed on the sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. With 173 pull-through slips, this RV park combines the serenity of being right on the beach with the flexibility of touring the town. Island Retreat has clean showers, a complete clubhouse, a full kitchen, and a pool, making it an RV park you won’t want to leave. The crystal-clean water is one of the first things you see in the morning, always giving you a great start to the day!

Bay Palms RV Resort

Bay Palms RV Resort can make your Alabama vacation one to remember! This RV park is right around the corner from Dauphin Island, offering beautiful views and great fishing. There is plenty of room for guests with 134 parking slips with water, sewer, and electric services at each spot. Bay Palms RV Resort is in a great location on the coast that allows for easy access to the island, while also giving you the peace and quiet in the RV park. 

Reserve Your Spot at Hoover RV Park Today!

Hoover RV Park is one of the most popular RV parks in Alabama, providing the best amenities and conveniences throughout your stay. With access to the Hoover Met Complex grounds and the Finley Center, you and your family will always have something to do during your stay. Spend a day at the ball game at Hoover Met Stadium and then relax at Hoover Climbing & Adventure for hours of fun!

Make sure to reserve your RV parking slip today!

The post Most Popular RV Campgrounds in Alabama appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.

Free Solo Climbing

Arguably the most simple and easy to understand climbing technique, Free Solo Climbing is also the most dangerous. Free solo climbing only allows the climber to use their hands and feet to scale up the rock. This rock climbing method does not utilize any ropes, anchors, or cams to catch the climber if they fall. Climbers must be extremely skilled and familiar with the route to the top to make it successfully.

Trad Climbing

Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing, uses minimal pieces of gear as rock climbers make their way up the rock wall. Trad climbers carry the equipment with them, placing cams and quickdraws in cracks and crevices to protect them from falling. These protective pieces are clipped to a rope connected to the climber to give them a final safety catch if they misplace a foot or hand. Trad climbing takes extensive skills to secure the gear into the rock wall while maintaining balance with just your fingertips!

Sports Climbing

Sports climbing is one of the most common rock climbing techniques, and it can also be done very quickly. As rock climbers move up the wall, they attach their rope to bolts that are pre-drilled into the rock to give them fall protection. Sports climbing focuses on a single route and the movements it takes for the climber to make it to the top. The gear is also limited for this technique. Since the bolts are already drilled into the rock, climbers only need to carry quickdraws to clip onto the bolts and rope for safety.

Bouldering

Recently, bouldering has become more and more popular. This rock climbing technique is different than the rest of the methods. Bouldering is rope-free like free solo climbing; however, the climbers are low to the ground and usually land on a climbing pad if they slip. The lack of gear has made this climbing technique well-known in the climbing community and developed a dedicated following. What makes boulders challenging to climb is the smooth surface and rounded edges because they are difficult to grip for long periods of time, motivating climbers to reach the summit.

Practice Your Rock Climbing at Hoover Met Complex

Hoover Met Complex offers the perfect place to try out your rock climbing skills right here in Hoover, Alabama! Hoover Climbing & Adventure combines several rock climbing techniques into one fun space. This area inside of the Finley Center has intricate shapes and pieces, both in the rock wall and in free-hanging obstacles, that put your rock climbing skills to the test. It is also the perfect spot for group events, birthday parties, and much more, so check out Hoover Climbing & Adventure for your next party. Questions?

Hoover Met Complex has answers! Contact us today!

The post Different Types of Rock Climbing Techniques appeared first on Hoover Met Complex.