All photo credits: Jesse MacNevin
From March 16–21, 2026, Team Ontario athletes and coaches traded indoor courts for sun, sand, and surf as they traveled to Cocles, Costa Rica for a week-long March Break beach training camp. Set against a tropical backdrop, the camp offered athletes a unique opportunity to develop their skills, broaden their understanding of the game, and immerse themselves in a high-performance team environment. Costa Rica, like Canada, is part of the NORCECA (North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation), making it a relevant and valuable training setting. Building on the success of previous years, this year’s camp continued to emphasize both athletic development and meaningful team experiences.
After a long day of travel, Day 1 focused on light movement and skill work to ease athletes into the sand environment. The session also included engaging icebreakers designed to foster connection and communication among teammates. Athletes were challenged to line up by birthdate without speaking and complete a bingo-style activity that encouraged them to find common interests with one another—setting the tone for a collaborative and supportive week.
With energy restored, Day 2 shifted toward technical development, focusing on passing and setting fundamentals in the beach format. Athletes began to adapt to the unique demands of playing outdoors, including movement on sand and environmental factors like wind and sun. Day 3 emphasized attacking, allowing athletes to refine their offensive strategies in a two-player beach setting. On Day 4, the focus turned to defensive systems, highlighting positioning, reading hitters, and ball control in the sand.
Beyond on-court training, the camp offered a range of memorable activities that enriched the overall experience. Athletes had the chance to try surfing, soar through the treetops on a zipline, and come together for a team “family dinner,” strengthening bonds both on and off the court. A key objective of the camp was to introduce beach volleyball concepts at a time of year when athletes are typically training indoors. Coaches emphasized the differences between indoor and beach volleyball, helping athletes better understand how skills and strategies translate between the two formats. This dual exposure not only enhanced their versatility but also deepened their overall volleyball IQ.
Equally important was the opportunity for athletes to experience the Team Ontario coaching environment firsthand. Through consistent interaction with coaches and peers, athletes gained insight into high-performance expectations, team culture, and the pathways available within the program. As the week wrapped up, athletes returned home not only with improved technical skills, but also with stronger connections, new experiences, and a broader perspective on the sport.
The Costa Rica beach camp once again proved to be a meaningful and impactful step in their development journey, one that Team Ontario looks forward to continuing in the years ahead. Special shoutout to our Team Ontario Coaches Anson Wong, Jordan Timpson and Jason Marchant.
