Great defense can demoralize the other team. If they get that feeling that no matter what they send to you is going to come back to them, you have won a huge mental victory that will result in a win. Use these six tips to improve your team defense:
1. Before the serve, take a look at the other team and identify hitters and the setter. If you will take the time to read the other team before the play, you will have an easier time seeing the location of the setter (front row/back row) and where the hitters are. When you know where the hitters are, it becomes a lot easier to read the defense. However, make sure that you are reading the defense instead of predicting the defense. There is a big difference between the two...
2. Watch how the ball was passed and the approaches of the hitters. If the ball was poorly passed, some of their offensive options will be limited. You can use this to your advantage by focusing on only the players that could still hit. Also, look at the hitters and how they are approaching the net. If they are almost done with their approach and the setter is just barely getting the ball, you need to be prepared for a quick attack. It is important to watch both the ball and the hitters.
3. You MUST be able to see the hitter hit the ball. If you cannot see the hitter hitting the ball, you are in the wrong spot. This means you are behind the block, or not in the path of the ball. You should be lined up in the angle away from the block, the line away from the block, or the seam between the blockers. You are not helping your team if you cannot see the hitter hit the ball.
4. Although it is difficult, relax when the hitter hits the ball at you. Most players have the tendency when they are getting bombed on to tighten up their arms to receive the impact of the spike. This is the opposite of what you want to do. If you will relax your arms when passing the ball, the momentum of the ball will push your arms back and help you cushion the hit. This will be the difference of passing it to the setter, or hitting the ball back over the net. To be a great digger, you must relax your arms.
5. Watch the arm swing of the hitter. If you see the hitter slow down their arm swing in mid air, or you see the hitter jump with only one hand up, step up and get prepared for a tip over the block. It is easy to be prepared for the tip if you will watch their arm swing in the air. Most players are not good at disguising the tip.
6. Stay on your toes!!! I am surprised how many players will play defense with all of their body weight on their heels. With their weight on their heels, they cannot move quickly to the ball, or adjust their defensive position. The key to quick movements is to stay on your toes and have your body weight forward.
When your entire team will practice these tips and put them into practice, your team defense will improve almost overnight. This can help you put together that run of points that will help you win the game.
No comments:
Post a Comment