MBsand runs youth beach volleyball lessons right in Manhattan Beach, for kids ages 10 to 17. The program’s led by Patty Dodd, a Beach Volleyball Hall of Famer — so your child isn’t just getting a coach; they’re learning from someone who’s actually played at the highest level. Getting started is simple: the $99 New Client Intro Offer gets new families in the door, and from there it’s drop-in classes or a monthly membership, whatever fits. MBsand South also runs the same program out in Long Beach and Huntington Beach.
If you’ve typed “beach volleyball lessons near me” into Google while walking past the courts at the Manhattan Beach Pier — you’re not the only one. Honestly, the South Bay is one of the best places in the country to learn this sport. The harder part is figuring out which program is actually right for your kid. That’s what this guide is for.
Why Manhattan Beach Is a Great Place to Learn Beach Volleyball
An MBsand player digs a hard-driven ball during practice in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach isn’t just some pretty stretch of sand to play on. This is where the sport more or less took root. AVP and Olympic-level talent have been coming through the pier courts for decades. Honestly, that history is exactly why the coaching pool here runs deeper than almost anywhere else in the country.
That means your child does more than just bump-set-spike exercises while they practice here. They work alongside someone who has actually competed at that level more frequently than you may expect.
MBsand was formed by combining the Dodd Volleyball School and the Manhattan Beach Volleyball Club, bringing decades of coaching experience together under one program.
What to Look for in a Kids’ Beach Volleyball Program
Before choosing a club, parents should look at four things:
- Coaching credentials: Has the coaching staff played or coached at the national or professional level?
- Age-appropriate grouping: Are players grouped by skill and development stage, not just age?
- Track record: Has the program produced real results, like tournament wins or college recruits?
- Trial options: Can your child try a practice before you commit to a season?
MBsand’s BVCA National Championship trophies displayed at the Manhattan Beach Pier
MBsand checks all four boxes: the program is directed by Patty Dodd, a Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame coach and former UCLA All-American, alongside Mike Dodd, an Olympic silver medalist and 75-time AVP Open winner. The club has produced 12 BVCA National Champions, over 4,000 youth medals and 56 players recruited to Division 1 programs.
MBsand Locations in the South Bay and Beyond
MBsand trains players at three Southern California locations:
- Manhattan Beach, CA
- Long Beach, CA
- Huntington Beach, CA
This makes it possible for South Bay, Long Beach and Orange County families to access the same coaching philosophy without traveling far from home.
How Much Do Beach Volleyball Lessons Cost?
MBsand offers several ways to get started:
| Option | Price | Details |
| New Client Intro Offer | $99 | 4 practices over 2 weeks |
| Drop-in rate | $65 | Per single practice |
| 10-practice pack | $57.50/class | 10 practices |
| 8x/month autopay | $359/month | Ongoing monthly training |
Starting with the intro offer is the most common path for new families, since it lets your child train with real coaches and teammates before committing to a longer plan.
What Age Should My Child Start?
MBsand’s programs are built for kids ages 10-17, though readiness depends more on coordination and attention span than age alone. If you’re still weighing whether your child is ready, our guide on what age kids should start beach volleyball breaks down what to expect at each stage.
Many players also come to beach volleyball from an indoor volleyball background. If your child already plays indoor, it’s worth understanding how the two versions of the sport differ before their first sand practice.
What Happens at a First Practice
New players can expect:
- Warm-up: Footwork and ball control drills on sand — which moves differently than a gym floor
- Small-group drills: Grouped by skill level, not just age
- Fundamentals first: Passing, setting, and serving are emphasized before any competitive play
- Real-time coaching: Instructions adjusted based on how each player responds, rather than a fixed script
The goal of the first few practices isn’t to evaluate your child; it’s to help them feel comfortable on the sand and build a foundation the rest of their training can stand on.
Is Beach Volleyball a Big Commitment?
Not at first. Most families start with the intro offer to test the waters, then move to a drop-in or package rate once their child decides they want to keep playing. There’s no requirement to commit to a competitive team right away — many kids train recreationally for months before deciding whether to pursue tournaments or recruiting-focused training.
Ready to Get Started?
MBsand offers a low-pressure way to introduce your child to beach volleyball, with coaches who have trained Olympians, AVP champions and hundreds of junior athletes across the South Bay.
Register for a trial practice at MBsand Manhattan Beach →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find beach volleyball lessons for kids in Manhattan Beach?
MBsand trains youth players directly in Manhattan Beach, with additional locations in Long Beach and Huntington Beach through MBsand South.
What ages does MBsand train?
MBsand programs are designed for kids ages 10 through 17, with training adjusted to each player’s skill level.
Do I need prior volleyball experience to join?
No. MBsand welcomes complete beginners as well as players coming from indoor volleyball or other sports.
Who coaches at MBsand?
MBsand’s coaching staff is led by Patty Dodd, a Beach Volleyball Hall of Famer, alongside Mike Dodd, an Olympic silver medalist and Fernando Sabla, Director of MBsand South.
Have questions about getting your child started? Contact MBsand Director Patty Dodd at (310) 227-6628 or mbsandvbc@gmail.com.
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