Volleyball Skills
Competitive volleyball players require a certain amount of physical conditioning, but there are also very specific volleyball skills that are particular to the positions and plays in a game of volleyball.
Volleyball Skills - Attacking
The attack is the third and final contact a returning team has with the ball. The purpose of the attack is to send the ball back over the net to the opposing team in a way that makes them unable to return it and continue rallying. The most common type of attack is the spike, which is a hard shot that is slammed over the net directly at the floor on the opposing team's side of the court.
Attacking involves a two- or three-step approach to the ball, jumping up to meet it and swinging for contact. Always be sure to take quick steps on your approach. When swinging, swing both arms back and then bring them both up to utilize your body's momentum most efficiently. In order to develop a good, consistent swing, hit the same spot on every contact.
Volleyball Skills - Blocking
Blocking is usually used when intercepting a spike. A player blocks by jumping up, arms up over their head, and meeting the ball right at or just over the net immediately after the opponent makes contact with it.
Blockers most often use the palm of their hand to connect with the ball. A good blocker must have superb vision on the court, accurate judgment and speedy decision-making skills. The ability to jump high and straight up is important to having an effective block jump. When awaiting contact, the fingers are spread wide and the thumbs face up.
Volleyball Skills - Digging
Digging is basically stopping a ball that is extremely close to the ground before it hits the court. Usually digging is done in response to a spike, and it can have the appearance of a dive but is controlled to prevent injury. When performing a dig, stay on your toes, in position and ready to receive the ball, with eyes focused totally on the hitter.
Volleyball Skills - Passing
Passing is probably the most important skill in volleyball. Passing is how the receiving team handles their opponent's serve or ball return, and it sets up the continuing play. The pass is used to get the ball quickly and accurately to the setter, and it is usually done by a bump, or underarm hit, although there is also an overhand pass.
Volleyball Skills - Serving
Serving is another important volleyball skill, and it is the way a rally begins. A serve must be completed from behind the endline, and the goal is to serve the ball so that the opposing team is unable to hit it back. There are several different types of volleyball serves, and the most popular and efficient are overhand serves.
Volleyball Skills - Setting
The set follows the pass and "sets up" an attack shot. Setting is used to get the ball perfectly positioned in the air and ready for a spike. The overhand set is used more often than a bump, because it allows for more control over the ball's direction and speed. With an overhand set, the ball should come in contact with your finger tips only and not your palms.