volleyball woes

Tonight we will be playing volleyball. Now volleyball is one of my favorite games but my play has been limited to backyard picnics and reunions. 

 When I say volleyball, I mean people that are serious about it. The odd thing is that everyone has a little bit different take on the rules, and generally, you find out what you did wrong after the error. Knowing the rule could have made it simpler. 

One night when I was on the front line on the right, another player informed me that, "This whole space is mine. If I can reach it, it's mine. If you get in my way, I will run you over." Need I say that this did not inspire trust or confidence in me? And I spent most of the night staying out of his way. 

Later after I let the third ball drop between us, someone said, "Those are y

our balls." I replied, "He said if he could get it, he would, or he'd run me over. I'm staying out of his way." Long, awkward pause...some mumbling of denial on his part and the game goes on... More stories to come.