Thanks all. Yes, I don't think S&S is the most optimal approach for beach volleyball.
It seems like my focus should be a 2x BW squat and then lots of plyos to increase vertical as much as possible.
Don't confuse "best" with optimal... and definitely not with consensus. 2xBW
proper squat and
proper plyometric training will increase you vertical leap, probably more more than S&S, but since you related it to beach volleyball than... Winning on the sand has more to do with the quality of your pass-set-attack technical-tactical skills (in that order!!! and serve sandwiched before attack) and less with direct measurements of physical abilities. Your physical abilities (and strength training) need to be good enough to not limit technical development, with some headroom for future use. GPP is king here, SPP will truly benefit those with
high levels of GPP
and t/t skills - basically faces you see on a regular basis on the FIVB world tour / AVP tour. It's all about time and energy expenditure/management.
The best way in my opinion to support the technical-tactical skills is better body management. Pass need good stability in the squat position (goblet squats, log squats), focus and coolness. Setting is about body control (TGU/Bent press/squat), vision, patience & coordination, and emotional commitment (this one is actually first in importance IMO). Attack is about vision, timing, vision, timing (spatial-temporal awareness), healthy thoracic-scapular mechanics (TGU, halos) and full body integration (both ballistic and "slow" - TGU, swing, DL, BtP, loaded carries). I deeply believe (and see results on myself and my trainees) that, especially for the non-professional player, improving your FMS score-sheet and working on better basic human movement will yield both good results in low time and energy expenditure. This will give you more time/ebergy to practice you BVB skills and play. This is more efficient and, in book, more "optimal".
I'll circle back to the "flash" of good vertical. In beach volleyball attack the vertical leap is a tool on the way to higher point-of-contact with the ball. Improving you vertical leap will give you higher point-of-contact, no doubt. But you can also gain 1-2 inches with better thoracic-scapular mobility/stability, which can take about 5 minutes of movement prep. improving your approach position and
timing will not change your vertical leap (actually it probably will) but will have profound affect on the height of contact. All these have low energy demands and can be done daily, which will result in better adaptation (this moderation and consistency thing...). If you have no position/vision/timing issues, have symmetrical 17+ with no 1 score on the FMS and still losing games because you missing 2-3 inches in the attack than by all means, go for heavy squats and plyos.
