Volleyball Dig:
Volleyball dig is one of the three most attacking hits where the ball is passed onto the setter after being spiked by the hitter of the opponent team. Digging can be critical, and is well executed when the right posture of hands are incorporated in the play. Giving your hands a comfortable posture will help you excel in volleyball digging. Some of the ways are:
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One of the basic ways to hold the hands is to put one hand above the other. Bend your fingers in such a manner as if you are holding water. Then place your thumbs adjacent to each other, on top of the other arched fingers.
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The next best formation is to making a fist with the left hand and positioning the knuckles towards the right hand. Then place your thumb on top, embracing the fist with the right hand. Then place the two thumbs side by side to deliver a great volleyball dig.
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The last manner in which you can make your hands feel comfortable while digging is the palm on palm manner where the bottom hands are placed on top of the upper palm. Let the palms face up and bend them towards the back bringing your arms straight, in cooperation. This gives great momentum while changing positions or angle of attack.
No matter which position you try, make sure that the arms and shoulders are at equal heights. In order to change the position of the ball, one can slightly raise the shoulders. Keep your feet shoulders width apart from one another and knees flexed, while digging. In order to maintain a stable base, avoid putting one foot before the other. As you practice volleyball dig, make sure to unbent your knees and keep your arms steady. Always face your target while digging as this signals your concentration over the movement of the ball.
Volleyball Block:
Blocking is an important technique in volleyball positions which is seldom taught yet holds great significance for this energetic sport. If you want to know the secrets behind becoming a great blocker, then follow the steps mentioned:
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In the volleyball block technique, timing is very significant. Being spontaneous is the one solution to avoid missing the opportunity to handle the ball.
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Keep your feet at shoulders width and hips parallel to the net. This enables a player to jump off swiftly. -
To achieve the ready position for the volleyball block, keep your knees bent. Stand straight when you are waiting to block.
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Always keep your elbows raised at shoulder level at same length with your arms placed higher. This reduces the time required to position your arms before blocking.
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For an accurate volleyball block, make sure your palms face the net, which also endures less wastage of time making you a blocking expert. -
Allow adequate space to exist between you and the net to prevent violation. This also helps the player not come in contact with the net accidentally.
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Communication among the players makes a better team. Generally the middle blocker is assigned to provide information related to blocking. Keeping the movement of the setters and hitters is important for a blocker so that proper blocking serves can be executed.
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Great foot work helps develop a great volleyball block player. Sidestep and crossover step are the two forms of footwork : -
The sidestep footwork pattern is used when the distance between the hitter and the blocker is 3 to 5 feet. The blockers need to keep one foot close to the hitter, followed by the other maintaining a shoulder length distance. While side stepping, place your hips and shoulders parallel to the net. If one step does not help you reach the hitter, then crossover step is a better option for you.
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When the hitter is more than 5 feet away from the blocker, then take a step with the leg in close proximity to the hitter. Cross the other leg before your body. Keep shoulders square to the net and your hips directed towards the hitter.
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Balance yourself properly while jumping and make sure you and the hitter jump at the same time, when the latter makes contact with the ball.
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When you are blocking, keep your hands close enough preventing chances of deflecting away from other defenders.
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Keep your wrists firm and fingers straight but not rigid.
Basic Volleyball Defense:
Spontaneous and great stimuli are very effective elements of volleyball defense. The players must not take time to restore back to their original positions after serving the ball. The number of blockers required to be incorporated and their positions are decided by the collective effort of the players. If a single blocker defends an attack, it can be well assured that a mistake in volleyball defense has been committed. A common myth in volleyball is that players must concentrate on receiving the ball rather than blocking. When the opponent team handles the ball more and encounter a failed attack, they become more prone to making mistakes. Blocking is a major volleyball defense, without which it becomes easier for the opponent team to win.
The elementary volleyball defense formation is the 2-1-3 in which the players are responsible for conducting only one type of attack. Each of the players is trained to emerge successful before other beginners, as this formation is effectual against dinks and off-speed hits but not spikes. In this, the two blockers and a setter position near the net waiting for a block. In the center of the court stay the middle back player and the rest of the players stay 20 feet away from the net, in close proximity to the sidelines. This position is maintained until the setter decides to switch positions to a free-ball formation or a block formation.
In 2-4 volleyball defense setup, the center back player remains at the core of the volleyball court. The left and right back players maintain a 3 to 6 feet distance from the respective sidelines and position halfway to the attacking line. You make your team vulnerable when some players of your team block while others move in free ball pattern. The off-blocker is not directly associated with blocking but is expected to cover major spikes and dinks.
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