Monday, 25 Nov 2024

Pro Tips for Attacking, Middle Blockers, and Beach Volleyball

Originally published in VolleyballUSA, Winter 2017-18

Volleyball is a versatile sport, and every player has their unique style and strategies. In this article, we will share some expert tips for attackers, middle blockers, and beach volleyball players to up your game. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a dedicated fan, these insights will help you understand the nuances of these positions and improve your overall understanding of the game.

Attacking

Jordan Larson

As a U.S. Women’s National Team outside hitter, Jordan Larson knows a thing or two about attacking. Her advice for attackers is to focus on the last two steps of your approach, also known as the step close. These steps are essential for getting your feet to the ball and hitting with range. By mastering a dynamic and strategic approach, you can hit to all areas of the court, giving you the power and vision to spot where the defenders are positioned.

Karch Kiraly

Karch Kiraly, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, emphasizes the importance of a shorter approach for hitters. Many players tend to have long attack approaches, which can hinder their jump height and make it challenging for setters to accurately set the ball. Kiraly advocates for a “slow to fast” approach, where the first two steps are more controlled, followed by an explosive third step that propels the hitter forward. This technique allows for better acceleration, higher jumps, and improved verticality.

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Beach Volleyball

Theo Brunner

Beach volleyball offers a wide range of opportunities for hitters. Some excel in power shots, while others prefer finesse and accuracy. Regardless of the style, one common factor among world-class beach volleyball hitters is keeping the ball in front of them. By maintaining peripheral awareness of the opposing team’s defense, players gain valuable time to assess and react. This practice, known as “waiting,” prevents hitters from getting under the ball and falling into defensive traps set by the opposing team.

Middle Blockers

Leanne Piscotty

Leanne Piscotty, head coach at Shippensburg University and a two-time All-American at Penn State, shares her insights into the role of middle blockers. As a shorter player in her position, Piscotty had to find creative ways to outmaneuver taller blocks. One key strategy she adopted was approaching towards the gaps in the block, forcing the blockers to move and creating opportunities to exploit those openings. Effective communication with the setter is crucial for middle blockers, both visually and vocally, to ensure accurate sets and maximize scoring chances.


FAQs

How can I improve my attacking skills in volleyball?

To improve your attacking skills, focus on the last two steps of your approach, known as the step close. These steps are critical for getting your feet to the ball and hitting with range. By mastering a dynamic and strategic approach, you can hit to all areas of the court and have better vision of where the defenders are positioned.

What is the “slow to fast” approach in volleyball?

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The “slow to fast” approach is a technique advocated by coaches like Karch Kiraly. Instead of starting the approach too quickly and far away, this approach emphasizes controlled and smaller steps in the beginning, gradually accelerating to an explosive third step that propels the hitter forward. This approach allows for better acceleration, higher jumps, and improved verticality.

How can I keep the ball in front of me in beach volleyball?

To keep the ball in front of you in beach volleyball, practice “waiting” on your approach. By maintaining peripheral awareness of the opposing team’s defense, you gain valuable time to assess and react. This prevents you from getting under the ball and falling into defensive traps set by the opposing team.

What strategies can middle blockers use to outmaneuver taller blocks?

Middle blockers can approach towards the gaps in the block to force the blockers to move and create opportunities to exploit those openings. Effective communication with the setter, both visually and vocally, is essential to ensure accurate sets and maximize scoring chances.


In summary, these pro tips offer valuable insights for attackers, middle blockers, and beach volleyball players. By incorporating these strategies into your game, you can enhance your skills and understanding of the sport. Remember to focus on your approach, keep the ball in front of you, and communicate effectively with your teammates. Take these tips and apply them to your training sessions and matches to elevate your performance on the court. For more volleyball resources, visit our website.

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