Set. Spike.

The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is taking team registrations through Dec. 28 for the Adult Coed Volleyball League. Games are held on Sunday evenings at Four Mile Community Center, 3711 Easton Blvd.

Volleyball is a game where your mental game is as crucial as your physical game: No matter where the ball is on the court, each player must predict movements and anticipate the strategies of all players on both side of the net.

“Playing volleyball can benefit your body in many ways,” said Harold Sconiers of the Livestrong Foundation. “The maneuvers performed during an average game or practice serve to tone your frame as well as strengthen your heart and lungs. Also, volleyball players often experience a sense of team camaraderie that makes the sport an exuberant way to get fit. By practicing the typical techniques and skills of the game, you can significantly enhance your total physical well-being.”

With New Year’s resolutions in mind, joining the league is a great way of getting and staying fit, sharp and quick. The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is taking team registrations through Dec. 28 for the Adult Coed Volleyball League.                

“We can handle up to 20 teams,” said Des Moines Parks and Rec Marketing Supervisor Jen Fletcher. “This league has been going on for a number of years. It’s a great opportunity for people to get together, have fun and burn some calories on a Sunday night.” 

Games are held on Sunday evenings at Four Mile Community Center, 3711 Easton Blvd., Des Moines. Teams of up to 20 have until the end of December to register for league play, which begins on Jan. 6.

Participants must be 18 years or older, though two 17-year-old players are allowed on each team with parents’ permission. Cost is $175 per team for the 10-match season. Payment must be submitted with a completed registration form, which can be found on the Parks and Recreation website, www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks, on or before Dec. 28. Registration forms can also be submitted to Four Mile Community Center or the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, 3226 University Ave.

In addition to the volleyball league, team registration is also open for the Adult Wiffleball League. Teams will begin play on Jan. 6 and continue each Sunday night at Pioneer Columbus Recreation Center. 

“With Iowa’s weather, we’re just trying to give people the opportunity to play sports all year long, and we had some requests for an adult wiffleball league, so we are offering it for the first time this year,” said Fletcher. 

Though the matches are played indoors, inclement weather can hamper activities at Des Moines Parks and Recreation facilities. For weather-related closings, the Leisure Sports Office recommends calling the Weather Hotline at (515) 256-2434 before each match.

Other questions can be answered by contacting the Leisure Sports Office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (515) 248-6310 or online at www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks. CV