How To Be A Better Middle Hitter In Volleyball

The Middle Hitter In Volleyball Has A Crucial Role In Any Offensive Strategy.

 

If you are a middle hitter in volleyball, you should be master the techniques of the quick middle attack. This is considered riskier because it allows for less margin of error. But it is faster, and it puts pressure on the opposing team’s middle blocker. It makes it harder for them to block the attack.

 

For this kind of set, it is up to the middle hitter to “travel” with the setter and follow the trajectory of the ball. Timing is important for this play to be successful. As the setter touches the ball, the hitter should be ready to jump off the ground. The arm should be back, ready for a big swing.

 

It is important to focus on the ball, not the setter. Otherwise, you can get too close to the net. The hitter and the setter should always be in sync. As hitter, you must trust your setter and focus on your position.

 

Quick Recap: What Is A Middle Hitter In Volleyball?

 

The middle hitter is also called the middle blocker. This position is often assigned to the team’s tallest player because height is an advantage in this role. The general responsibilities of a middle hitter include blocking the other team’s attacks and reading their hitters to set up the block.

 

As mentioned above, the middle hitter is also responsible for quick attacks. When the team is on offense, they can act as decoys, confusing the opposing team and spreading out the blockers.

 

Hitting Techniques And Tips

 

• Always be in your proper form. Distribute weight evenly on both feet. Keep your knees bent. This allows you to react faster and adjust your position when the ball comes. It is also important to hit the ball properly. It is not just your arms and shoulders that are involved when you contact the ball. It should be your entire upper body. Hands should be open, and fingers should be spread. The trajectory of the ball should be downward.

 

• Watch the net. If you get too close, you risk netting the ball. If you are too far, it is more difficult to make your move. The ideal distance is about a foot away from the net.

 

• Follow the ball. Watching the ball means not just waiting for it to come your way. It means following the pass. This allows you to anticipate the play and strategize your attack.

 

• Communicate. Part of the middle hitter’s job is to call the opposing team’s hitters and setters. It helps your team by giving them crucial information. You can also use this strategy to distract the opponent’s blockers.

 

Hitting Drills To Hone Your Skills

 

These middle drills can help budding hitters refine their skills and develop into more powerful players on the court.

 

• Transition middle blocker. The middle will block against a hitter standing on a box on the opposite side of the net. She will then back off and prepare to approach to hit a transition set. The goal here is to train middle blockers to be available as hitters.

 

• Hit the middle. The goal is to practice hitting middle from serve receive. On one side of the net, there should be a server with a middle blocker. On the other side, there should be three passers with a middle hitter and setter.

 

The play starts with the server. The middle hitter goes into position to hit. The serve-receive passers pass to the setter. The middle hitter calls the set as she approaches. Setter sets to the hitter, and the latter attacks. The middle blocker attempts to block the attack. This goes on until the middle hitters achieves a set number of good hits. The blocker and hitter can also switch positions.

 

Learn With OTL Volleyball

 

Visit our website for programs that best suit your skill level or schedule. Or check out our official YouTube channel for free resources on all thing’s volleyball.

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Different Sets In Volleyball: Let’s Focus On Situational Setting

There Are Different Sets In Volleyball That You Should Practice But For Those Tight Passes, You Need To Master Situational Setting.

 

As a player or as a coach, often, our tendency is to focus on the different sets of volleyball that we know. But just as important is preparing for the imperfect scenarios. The reality of the game is that there will be tight situations and these too, need to be practiced.

 

This is what situational setting is all about. It is about those less-than-ideal plays that require quick thinking from the setter.

 

For instance, if the ball is too tight to the net, the setter should jump above it and maintain the proper hand position. Squaring the hips allows for a quick set to the middle hitter. It is crucial that the jump is vertical, and that the feet get to the ball before jumping for it. The hands should be open, and the fingers spread so you can still control the ball.

 

In some cases, the setter will need to go for a single-handed set. The technique is pretty much the same. In these situations, it is just as important for the hitter to be quick and on time. If the hitter cannot go to the ball fast enough, the setter can go down to a lower stance or drop down to the knees. The goal is to create a small set to the middle hitter. To do this, the hips should turn into the court.

 

Quick Recap: What Is Setting In Volleyball?

 

Setting in volleyball refers to an overhead pass to the hitter so that, in turn, they can spike the ball and score. The goal for the setter is to get in the direct line of the ball. This is crucial to setting it accurately and on time for the hitter.

 

A good setter should be able to move around and react quickly. She should also be in sync with the hitter. The setter should know where to put the ball in a way that makes it easy for her teammates to make a play.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Sets In Volleyball?

 

• Ten. Also called setting the pipe, this ball is set to be attacked from the back row, near the 10-foot line.
• Five. This is a backset to the hitter on the right side.
• Four. This type of set goes high to the outside hitter.
• Three. This is a quick set between the outside and middle.
• Two. This is a middle-of-the-court-set usually intended for the middle hitter.
• One. This is a quick middle set.

 

Setting Drills For Volleyball Players

 

It is crucial for setters to develop a proper technique so delivering clean and ‘hittable’ sets become second nature to them. These volleyball setting drills are a great way to get into the habit.

 

• Crosscourt pepper. This drill practices ball control. Two players will stand cross-court on opposite sides of the net. The first one will start with a down ball. The receiving player should pass and set to self, and then down ball back to the other player. For variation, the players can receive the first contact overhead and hit the second contact. They can also go farther apart to make it more challenging.

 

• Set to box. This drill practices setting proficiency. One player should be standing in a box (or chair) in the area where the hitter should be. Their hands should be in an attacking position. The setter will set to the player in the box. The intent here is to practice developing consistent sets.

 

Learn How To Set Like A Pro

 

Setting is a basic volleyball skill that you will learn in one of our programs. Over time, as you practice and play more, you will learn to use this skill more instinctively, no matter how tight the play is.

 

Check out our website for more information or visit our official YouTube channel for more free volleyball resources.

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Piper’s Tribute From The OTL Girls | We Love You Piper!

Watch on YouTube here: Piper’s Tribute From The OTL Girls | We Love You Piper!
Via OTL Volleyball Videos

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Drills To Improve Passing In Volleyball Focusing On Angles For Serve Receive

Drills To Improve Passing In Volleyball Are A Basic Part Of Any Training Program.

 

Passing is the first step to an offensive strategy. It is the team’s first touch after a ball has been sent over by your opponent. Drills to improve passing in volleyball should be practiced for all players.

 

If they cannot pass, then the setters and attackers cannot do their jobs. As a team, you only get three hits before the ball must be returned to the other side. Thus, effective and strategic passing in volleyball is crucial.

 

Before we get to the drills, here is a quick rundown of the kinds of passing in volleyball.

 

• Bump. This is the most basic pass in the sport. It is also called a forearm pass because players use their forearms, just above the wrist, to execute this move. The goal is to pass to the setter so she can set it up for an attack. When doing this pass, the arms should be away from the body at a 90-degree angle. The knees should also be bent.

 

• Overhead Passing. As the name implies, this pass involves an overhead motion with the ball targeted to a teammate. This type of pass is executed with the fingers. Unlike in setting, the fingers should be stiffer, and the hands can be closer together. Overhead passing is ideal on short serves and if the ball is traveling above the player’s head. It is considered an easier way to pass to the setter, especially if the ball is flying high above the passer.

 

Passing Drills In Volleyball

 

A reminder to coaches: It is important to practice as many passing scenarios as possible. Drills should not always focus on the midline. It is just as vital to get used to receiving serves from all angles—left and right. Drills should include right-to-left (for the right-back passer) and left-to-right (for the left-back passer) passing, depending on the location and the intensity of the serve.

 

Here are some drills that can help:

 

• A simple drill for beginners is to have one player toss the ball to another player. The latter’s goal is to pass it back while shuffling and without crossing their feet. The tosser should be at least 10 feet away from the passer. She must throw the ball high and vary the direction so the passer cannot anticipate it. The intent is to teach players body control and a seamless approach to the ball. Footwork and agility drills help players get behind the ball faster.

 

• This two-way pepper drill requires four players—two back row players on each side of the net. The goal is to develop ball control and focus. The starting players begin with a down ball to the player in front of them. The two players on the other side pass and set to themselves, and then finish with a down ball straight across. One side can do a cross-court while the other does it straight.

 

Tips On How To Be A Better Passer In Volleyball

 

• When doing the forearm pass, it is important not to swing the arms. Extend your arms and keep your elbows steady so that the ball has a solid platform. Remember that the goal is to control the ball. In some cases, it helps to move backward to absorb the impact of the ball as it makes contact with the forearm.

 

• Focus on the ball so you can anticipate where you need to be. Do not take your eyes off it.

 

• Learn how to read the server. Check out our post on why reading in volleyball is a fundamental skill for any player.

 

Hone Your Passing Skills With OTL Volleyball

 

Passing is one of the basic skills we teach in our programs and camps. Visit our website to find out more or check out our YouTube channel for all things volleyball, including drills you can practice at home.

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Jump Float Serve In Volleyball And The Proper Footwork

Do You Know How To Do A Jump Float Serve In Volleyball?

 

A jump float serve in volleyball is a type of serving technique that creates a more favorable trajectory for the server. It also puts added pressure on the opposing team.

 

What are the benefits of a jump float serve?

 

For starters, it is an attack serve. So, when done right, it can help your team score quicker. It adds power and height to a float serve. This makes it more challenging for the receiving team.

 

A good jump float serve will be hard to anticipate because it gives the opponent less time to react. It also demands more strength and accuracy to return successfully.

 

The four main components of this serve are the footwork, the toss, the swing, and the ball contact.

 

How To Do A Jump Float Serve Part 1: Footwork And Toss

 

The 3-step jump float serve refers to the footwork involved in this technique—left-right-left (if you are right-handed). The 4-step jump float serve just adds another step—left-right-left-right or right-left-right-left, depending on the hitter.

 

You will notice that the footwork for this type of serve is similar to attacking. One main difference is the position of the hips. When you attack, your upper body is open, and you swing to gain momentum. In a jump float serve, you want to keep the hips square. You also want to minimize rotation in the lower body to keep the ball trajectory low.

 

The tempo is also similar to hitting. But with this serve, you can move forward into the court after you contact the ball.

 

For the toss, the key is to not overdo it. If it ends up too high, there is a possibility that the hitter will miss it. It is called a toss, but it is really more of a lift—as high as the player’s arm can reach.

 

The ball should come down right in front of the nose as you jump. And it should come down on the hitting shoulder side.

 

How To Do A Jump Float Serve Part 2: Swing And Contact

 

When it comes to the swing, the most common mistake is doing the back-arm swing. This can cause the player to miss the ball. In a jump float serve, you want to go straight into the lift in a ready and open position.

 

The final move is contacting the ball. The common mistake is swinging the arm and creating a topspin or sending the ball backward. The goal is to contact the middle of the ball with the center of the palm, not with the fingers. You want a strong and crisp finish. It should almost look like you are ‘high-fiving’ the ball.

 

A simple way to practice is to hit the ball with the meaty part of the hand as you walk or against the wall. This is a great way to develop muscle memory since the jump float serve requires specific and targeted movements.

 

Learn With OTL Volleyball

 

Jump float serve in volleyball is one of the more challenging techniques in the sport. But once you master it, it will give your team a competitive edge. As a player, it will help you become a true force to reckon with on the court.

 

Check out our official YouTube channel for more tips and tricks. Or contact us now to learn more about our training programs for volleyball players across all skill levels.

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Volleyball Skills: Reading Is A Skill Often Ignored

We Know That Setting, Hitting, Serving And Blocking Are Key Volleyball Skills Every Player Must Master.

 

But a truly well-rounded player knows that these volleyball skills are not enough. A competitive athlete must also learn how to read.

 

In volleyball, reading refers to the ability to anticipate another player’s next move—whether it’s your teammate or your opponent. Knowing how to read means knowing where the ball will go without necessarily looking at it the entire time. It also means knowing how your movement affects the team.

 

Reading is a skill that is not always taught in many volleyball skills clinics. Often, the focus is on technical skills used in volleyball. And while these are important, learning how to read well is what distinguishes competitive and successful athletes.

 

Volleyball is a fast-paced and high-intensity game. It is common for most players to focus on just the ball or the opponent. But expanding your vision of the game gives you, and your team, a competitive advantage because it allows you to work better as one unit (without having to talk) and anticipate the opponent’s attacks.

 

If you think you’ve got the basic skills in volleyball covered, good on you! Now, it is time to complete your volleyball arsenal and hone your reading skills.

 

Reading The Setter

 

A good setter will know how to disguise her intention on where to send the ball. Therefore, it is important for blockers to know how to read the setter.

 

If the ball is off the net, then you know the setter cannot make a quick set to the middle. If it is tight to the net, the setter may try to dump the ball over. If the ball is in front of them, the setter cannot set behind them.

 

As a blocker, make sure you are always ready to move fast in any direction. Your weight should be evenly dispersed, and your knees bent, with your hand above your head. Keeping your hands high will allow you to react to the ball as quickly as possible.

 

If you are not sure about where the setter is going with the ball, try not to do a full jump. Instead, do a half jump so you still have a better chance of deflecting the ball.

 

Reading The Attacker

 

You can find clues by looking at the attacker’s shoulders and eyes. Check the ball’s position in relation to the shoulder. It is a good idea to position yourself in line with the ball and the attacker’s shoulders. Watch where they are looking. Maintain your blocking form so as not to compromise your team’s defense.

 

If you can, do some pre-game research on the opposing team’s hitter. What are their tendencies? Where do their hands go on outside sets? What do they do on tight sets? Look for patterns in certain situations.

 

Join An OTL Skills Clinic To Learn How To Be A Better Reader

 

The true test of your volleyball skills is in a game. But these skills need to be trained in the right direction so it can translate to performance. With reading, the best way to develop it is to know what to look for and to continuously refine your vision.

 

Check out our YouTube channel for tips and information on all thing’s volleyball. You can also visit our website for more information on our volleyball clinics and training programs.

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Advanced Volleyball Setting Drills While Seated

Are You Looking For Advanced Volleyball Setting Drills You Can Practice At Home?

 

Advanced volleyball setting drills can help you improve ball control. A successful and effective setter delivers quality touches. Volleyball setting drills can help players develop the habit of creating a clean set. A clean set increases your hitter’s chances of scoring.

 

One advanced level setting drill you can do at home focuses on practicing a no-spin set. This requires a second player. One will be the tosser who is standing up. The other one seated on the ground will be the setter.

 

The tosser gives a heads up before tossing the ball, so the other player is ready with hands in position. The setter sets the ball back to the tosser. The goal is to do it fast and without the ball spinning. This drill is also an exercise in developing fast hands and quality touches.

 

Other Seated Drills To Improve Setting In Volleyball

 

Here are some more seated setting drills you can try at home.

 

• This is like the abovementioned drill except both players are seated across each other, about 10 feet apart. Set the ball back and forth. The goal is to throw the ball in a high arc and of course, get it to the other player. This is a simple and effective drill aimed at developing arm and wrist strength. It also helps practice coordination, especially for new setters.

 

• Sit on a computer chair and practice setting the ball. You want the ball to reach the ceiling as you set it and move around. Just make sure you don’t break anything along the way. Choose a part of the house where there is a hard floor so you can easily scoot.

 

• You’ll need a partner who will be the tosser, a chair, and a wall. Sit on the chair which should be about eight feet away from the wall. Find a target on the wall. Your partner, who is in front of you but slightly to the side, will toss the ball. Your goal is to set against the wall and catch it when it bounces back. Stay on the same spot and aim for five solid sets. Then move to the side and repeat. The goal is to master ball control from different angles.

 

Quick Tips For Setting In Volleyball

 

When it comes to setting, consistency is important. Ideally, your hands should be in the same position when you contact the ball each time. Imagine a triangle formed with your fingers. The ball should be right between your eyes when you let it go. Practice setting without the ball spinning. When it spins, it means it was not a clean contact and therefore, not hittable.

 

It’s also good to keep your hands high and your body position consistent. This makes it harder for the blockers of the opposing team to read your moves. When you visibly arch back, then it can only mean you are preparing to set back. If the ball is too far in front, you are obviously setting it forward.

 

Advanced Volleyball Setting Drills At OTL

 

Setting a volleyball looks easy if you are doing it right. On the court, we know it is a difficult skill to master. It requires the continuous practice of the right techniques. We teach setting drills for volleyball players as part of our programs.

 

Contact us now to learn more. You can also check out our YouTube channel for free resources on all thing’s volleyball.

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