Volleyball is a fast-paced, exhilarating sport that requires both physical and mental prowess from its players. While many people enjoy playing the game recreationally, the sport also has a competitive side that demands players to develop and refine a wide range of skills.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential volleyball skills that players should focus on to excel in the sport, from serving to communication and game strategy.
Serving
Serving is the first point of contact in volleyball and sets the tone for each rally. A well-executed serve can put the receiving team on the defensive and provide an opportunity for the serving team to score points.
Overhand serve
The overhand serve is a powerful, versatile serve that can generate top spin or float, depending on the player’s technique. To execute this serve, players toss the ball into the air and strike it with an extended, rigid arm, following through to generate power.
Underhand serve
The underhand serve is a more controlled, beginner-friendly option. To perform an underhand serve, players hold the ball with one hand, swing their other arm back, and make contact with the ball using the heel of their palm.
Jump serve
The jump serve combines the power of an overhand serve with the added momentum of a jump. Players toss the ball high, take a few steps, and jump to make contact, maximizing the serve’s speed and unpredictability.
Float serve
The float serve is a variation of the overhand serve that aims to minimize spin on the ball. By striking the ball with a flat palm and following through without a wrist snap, the serve creates unpredictable movement, making it difficult for the opposing team to receive.
Topspin serve
The topspin serve is another overhand serve variation. Players snap their wrist upon contact, generating topspin that causes the ball to dip quickly, making it challenging for the receiving team.
Receiving (Passing)
Receiving or passing is a fundamental skill in volleyball, as it allows teams to control the ball and set up offensive plays.
Forearm pass (bump)
The forearm pass, or bump, is the most common passing technique. Players form a platform with their arms, contacting the ball with their forearms and guiding it towards the setter.
Overhead pass (set)
The overhead pass, or set, is used to control high balls and direct them to attackers. Players position themselves under the ball, using their fingertips to control and direct it.
Platform pass
The platform pass is a variation of the forearm pass that uses both hands to create a wider, more stable platform for receiving the ball.
Dive and roll
The dive and roll technique allows players to reach balls that are out of their standing range. Players dive, extend their arms to contact the ball, and roll to absorb the impact and quickly return to their feet.
Setting
The setter is the playmaker in volleyball, responsible for delivering well-placed balls to the team’s hitters.
Back set:
The back set is a deceptive move that sends the ball behind the setter, surprising the opposing blockers and creating an opportunity for an attack.
Outside set
The outside set is a high, arcing pass to the outside hitter, providing them with ample time and space to execute a powerful attack.
Quick set
The quick set is a fast, low pass to the middle hitter, aiming to catch the opposing blockers off guard and create a scoring opportunity.
Jump set
The jump set is an advanced technique that adds height and speed to the setter’s delivery, making it harder for the opposition to anticipate the play.
One-handed set
The one-handed set is an emergency technique used when the setter cannot reach the ball with both hands. Players use their dominant hand to control and direct the ball towards the hitter.
Hitting (Attacking)
Hitting, or attacking, is the primary means of scoring points in volleyball. A successful attack relies on power, precision, and timing.
Spike
The spike is the most common attacking move in volleyball. Players approach the net, jump, and use a strong arm swing to hit the ball downward, aiming to find gaps in the opposing team’s defense.
Tip
The tip is a strategic attack that relies on finesse rather than power. Players lightly tap the ball over the opposing blockers, targeting undefended areas of the court.
Roll shot
The roll shot is a deceptive attack that resembles a spike but changes trajectory mid-air, causing the ball to land short and catch defenders off guard.
Off-speed hit
The off-speed hit is a variation of the spike that uses less power, making the ball drop unexpectedly and forcing defenders to adjust their positioning.
Back-row attack
The back-row attack is an offensive play that involves a hitter jumping from behind the three-meter line and attacking the ball, adding an element of surprise and increasing the team’s offensive options.
Blocking
Blocking is a crucial defensive skill that aims to prevent the opposing team’s attacks from entering the court.
Single block
The single block involves one player jumping and extending their arms above the net to block the ball, typically performed by the player closest to the attacker.
Double block
The double block involves two players working together to cover more area and increase the chances of stopping the attack.
Triple block
The triple block is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that involves three players attempting to block the attack, leaving fewer defenders to cover the court.
Soft block (cover)
The soft block, or cover, is a technique used to control the ball after blocking an attack, allowing the team to transition quickly to offense.
Swing block
The swing block is an advanced technique that adds momentum and height to the block, making it more effective at stopping powerful attacks.
Digging
Digging is the skill of defending against attacks, particularly spikes, by keeping the ball in play and transitioning to offense.
Forearm dig
The forearm dig is the most common digging technique, using the arms to create a platform and direct the ball upward.
Overhead dig
The overhead dig is used to defend against high, powerful attacks, requiring players to use their fingertips to control and direct the ball.
Pancake dig
The pancake dig is a last-ditch effort to save a ball that is about to touch the ground. Players dive and slide their hand under the ball, allowing it to bounce off the back of their hand and remain in play.
Dive and roll dig
The dive and roll dig is an extension of the dive and roll technique, combining the ability to reach far-off balls with the skill of keeping the ball in play.
Serving Reception
Serving reception is the skill of anticipating and controlling the opponent’s serve, setting up the team for a successful offensive play.
Split-step
The split-step is a footwork technique that prepares players to move quickly in any direction, allowing them to react to the serve effectively.
Reading the server
Reading the server involves observing the server’s body language, positioning, and technique to anticipate the direction, speed, and spin of the serve.
Angling the platform
Angling the platform requires adjusting the arms and body position to direct the received serve toward the setter.
Conclusion
Mastering essential volleyball skills is crucial for players looking to excel in the sport. By focusing on the fundamentals of serving, receiving, setting, hitting, blocking, digging, and communication, as well as understanding the nuances of court movement, footwork, and game strategy, players can significantly improve their performance on the court.
With dedication, practice, and teamwork, volleyball enthusiasts can transform themselves into formidable players and enjoy the thrilling experience that this incredible sport has to offer.