Kelly Cheng is gaining recognition as a top-tier beach volleyball player worldwide. Alongside her partner Sara Hughes, they triumphed at the world championships in Mexico, securing the third spot in global rankings. As they gear up for the Paris Olympic Games, their aspiration is not only to participate but to strive for a medal. Kelly Cheng is known for her creative play, particularly excelling in option plays, aiming to leave a lasting mark on the Olympic stage with her dynamic and strategic approach.
Unveiling the Distinctive Playstyle of Kelly Cheng
Kelly’s approach to the game sets her apart from other players. While many stick to the traditional one-two-three touches, she adopts a street-style approach, constantly seeking opportunities to score points, no matter how unconventional. In a SANDCAST podcast interview with her husband and coach, Jordan Cheng, she emphasized her penchant for “thinking outside the volleyball box.” A standout feature of her game is the use of option plays, a trademark seen in her strategic second touches. Whether unleashing a powerful swing or a crafty reverse cut pokey, Kelly consistently seizes opportunities to contribute to the attack and score points with creative finesse.
Court Targets in the World of Option Hits
Typically, when attacking the second ball, blockers aim to cover the middle or adjust their hands to defend against hard hits on either side. Defenders often position themselves in the center of the backcourt, either reacting to the attack from that spot or anticipating and stepping towards a guessed side. Optimal strategy dictates hitting the second ball to one of the court sides for maximum effectiveness.
Knowing When to Unleash the Option Ball in Beach Volleyball
Kelly possesses the skill to place the ball in either corner, making her plays highly unpredictable. In situations where the serve targets Kelly’s partner, she must determine whether to execute the option play. She shared insights on The McKibbin Brothers channel, noting cues that prompt her to take the second hit. These cues encompass an easily manageable serve, a short serve, and instances when the blocker serves and runs to the net.
When the serve is manageable, and her partner can push to the net, Cheng opens up to hit the second ball from a pass to the middle.
On a short serve, Cheng moves towards her partner, anticipating a pass that should remain relatively close.
When the blocker serves, Cheng seizes the chance as they rush to the net, swinging on second balls and exploiting their limited time to reposition effectively for a block
And a standout feature in Kelly’s repertoire is her signature reverse pokey.
Sensing the Game: Mastering Intuitive Plays
Mastering the skill of deciding when to go for an option ball and precisely placing it is no easy feat. Cheng, along with her teammates and coaches, dedicates time to practicing optioning in specific game scenarios, engaging in detailed discussions about these situations. In actual games, it becomes more about recognizing opportunities and relying on one’s instincts to make the right decision. Cheng quickly assesses the opponent’s positions, looking at the blocker and defender. In instances where she can’t see both or their positions change unexpectedly, it all comes down to trusting her intuition in the heat of the moment.
The Cat-and-Mouse Game Approach
Occasionally, opponents manage to dig her second ball, and Cheng sees it as part of the cat-and-mouse game. Understanding that being caught now could be strategic for later, she views it as an opportunity to set up opponents for making the wrong choices later in the game. It’s a tactical approach that adds layers to her gameplay strategy.
Unleashing the Second Ball in Unconventional Ways
A thrilling aspect of Cheng’s game lies in her precision to score points. She immerses herself in each point, keenly observing her opponents’ positions and exploiting openings on the court. This prowess is most evident in transition plays when the opposing team is still regrouping into defense. Cheng seizes the opportunity to swiftly sneak the ball, catching them off guard. Planning these plays is a formidable challenge, relying heavily on the mindset of a relentless hunter always seeking to score points and trusting her instincts in the moment.
Elevating Complexity: Adding The Strategic Dimension of Jump Setting
Cheng’s game stands out with her unique incorporation of the jump set. Once she establishes herself as a threat with the option play, she occasionally opts to fake an attack and instead executes a jump set for her partner. She loves baiting the blocker into jumping on her, leaving her partner with an open net. While jump setting is gaining traction in beach volleyball, particularly in the male game, Cheng is among the pioneers bringing this dynamic play to the female side, showcasing innovation in her approach to the sport.
Weathering Criticism for a Unique Playing Style
Despite Kelly’s trailblazing efforts in breaking glass ceilings and elevating the game to new heights, not everyone appreciates her creativity. Reflecting on her journey, she shared on the SANDCAST podcast, “People have not liked how I played since college; I heard it almost my entire career.” Facing criticism for deviating from conventional styles, with claims that “this is not how the game is played,” Kelly remains steadfast in her belief that the option play is an underutilized but valuable aspect of the game.
Navigating Aggressive Option Balls Without Overforcing
Acknowledging her evolution, Kelly openly admits to potentially overusing the option play in the past, especially during challenging moments for her team. Her journey has been about striking a balance—maintaining aggression and intention behind each second ball without forcing it. Presently, her team adopts a professional approach, meticulously tracking stats on every aspect, including her option play. While recognizing that stats may not capture the entire narrative, they reveal her remarkable effectiveness in successfully putting down the second ball.
Final Thoughts
Cheng brings a refreshing philosophy to the game, actively challenging the status quo and constantly pushing her own and her partner’s limits. Her clear passion for the sport is evident as she enjoys infusing her personality into it. Notably, her courage shines through when she tries out new strategies on significant stages against top-tier players. This combination of courage and passion has yielded impressive results, with her recent victory at the 2023 World Championships and recognition as the AVP’s best offensive player.
As we look forward to the upcoming Paris Olympics, it will be fascinating to witness how Cheng’s innovative approach and unwavering passion for the game will translate into her performance on such a prestigious global stage
