Volleyball spike
Heels Up
Since many diggers tend to get rocked back on their heels as a heavy hitter goes up to pound, we offer this good advice:
A huge power wastage on the volleyball court is putting your heels to the floor. But to be a great digger, you need to stay on the balls of your feet as much as possible to allow for quick change of direction and adaptability to the ball and situation.
Reading Hitters, Part 2
Reading hitters is critical to becoming a great back row player. Once you’ve learned as much as you can about your opponent’s style and hitting tastes, you’re ready to watch the play unfold, always looking for clues.
First, you watch the pass, to see where it’s going. Is the ball going straight up from where the passer contacted the ball? Is it headed for center front, where the setter will have more options?
Watch the flight of the ball, and adjust accordingly.
Just Say No!
Anyone can hit hard, but taking away a hard hit is something special:
Blocking should be thought of as a more satisfying than hitting. This is because you have not only asserted your will on your opponent but denied them their objective.
Back Row Spiking
It’s exciting to see a player go up and smash the ball from the back row, and many players can’t wait to try it themselves. But remember, it’s important that the ball go over! Hitting from the back row does no good if you powder the ball into the net.
So, at least when you begin, consider getting under the ball, squaring your shoulders, arching your back and hitting the ball without leaving the floor. You can still put a surprising amount of heat on your hit, and there’s less chance of hitting it into the net.
Once you’re more proficient, you can take on the task of adding a killer leap to your spiking routine.
When It’s OK to Swing Away
Coaches will preach at you not to swing during your pass, and I agree completely … except on the 3rd hit. If you’re in a position where your only option is to put the ball over with a bump, turn sideways and hit it, similar to a baseball player, swinging at a pitch.
This allows you to put at least some heat on your bump, rather than handing your opponent a nice little free ball to ram back down your throat.
One-Arm Dig
When you can’t get two hands on the ball, hyo-sen offers this tip:
In recovering a badly-passed ball too low for a proper pass, use a “biceps curl” action and contact the call with your fist for maximum lift and control.
Spin Serve
A tip for making your serve spin:
By striking the ball slightly off center you can cause it to spin in that direction.
Middle Blocking, Part 2
Middle blockers rule the net. They need to be warriors, constantly in motion, relentlessly aggressive on offense and defense.
To be an effective CF (Center Front), you must love to work hard and be involved in every play. You’re like the shot blocker in basketball. You have to dominate the net, and make it your own, make opposing hitters think about what they’re doing, change their shots, throw off their game.
Here’s tip two for playing tough CF:
When blocking the quick set, look where the setter is. Is she too far back to set it effectively? If so, wait, and expect a regular set, or something outside.
Setting the Back Row, Part 2
The second thing to remember when setting your back row hitters is to do your utmost to set the ball slightlty in front of them whenever possible. This allows them to make an approach and be able to put their entire body into their hit. That will put more heat on their spike, making it harder for the opponents to play.
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