Wind forecast in knots

On the sand, less is more

Beginner's guide to beach volleyball

Beach volleyball was born out of its sister sport volleyball and the new kid on the block is beginning to outgrow its elder sibling in terms of popularity.

It has proved a huge draw at the Olympics, although cynics would have you believe that was only because of the clothing - or lack of it.

On the sand, less is more.

Smaller costumes, a third of the players and fewer points - but all the basic skills remain the same.

Entries for both the men's and women's 24-team competitions are based on the Volleyball Federation's world rankings.

Each tournament will feature a pool phase followed by a straight knockout competition as has been used on the international circuit for the last two years.

Countries are allowed to enter two teams per tournament and continents not represented can be granted a wildcard.

Another key difference compared to volleyball is that the ball, despite being the same size as that used indoors, is heavier so that it is stable in the wind.

Players need to be more versatile than their indoor counterparts as there are only two players on a team, although they still cover an area only slighter smaller than an indoor court, measuring 16m by 8m.

The players have no fixed position and can attack from anywhere on their side of the court, although soft one-handed tips at the net are banned.

And in an effort to keep the game moving despite the demands put on the teams, players are allowed only 12 seconds between rallies.

Tips to put colour in your life

Feeling blue with all the recession news -- Dun Laoghaire lifestyle consultant Tina Dunne thinks now is a good time to bring some extra colour into our lives. Tina has a degree in home economics and science and studied natural nutrition and colour therapy before setting up her lifestyle company, www.tinadunne.com, in 2003.

She offers an extensive range of services in nutrition, lifestyle choices, marketing and communications. She is also the author of Colour for Living: How To Change Your Life with Colour. Here are Tina's 10 tips for leading a more colourful life.

1- Boost mood - choose orange: Orange is associated with vibrancy and life, so use it if you need a sudden burst of enthusiasm. As a colour, it stimulates energy. Influential and independent people are said to be the strongest supporters of orange.

2- Increase energy levels - choose red: Red is the most emotionally charged colour. It symbolises energy associated with power, leadership, sexuality and heat. Those who like red tend to be animated, optimistic and extrovert.

3- Reduce stress - choose blue: Always wear blue when feeling tired or stressed: in the 1940s, a Russian scientist, SV Krakov, established that the colour blue stimulates the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system (that encourages tranquillity).

4- Improve sleep - choose purple: Because purple is the colour that governs the head, it can promote relaxation and sleep.

5- Support immune functioning - choose a rainbow of colour: A healthy immune system is vital to maintaining good health and well-being. Give your taste buds a workout.

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