Principles

• We are trying to jump high and hit hard with timing, so we need momentum, arm lift, and an approach that will develop these things and assist with timing.

• We will need torque to hit hard.

• Simple movements are better than complex movements – the simpler the movement the easier it is to repeat 

Spiking Keys

1. Four Step Approach (R, L, R-L) for ALL hitters in Serve Receive

   • Right Foot Forward

   • Small, Bigger, Biggest

   • Slow, Faster, Fastest

   • Second Step on or behind 10 Line

2. Double Arm Lift

   • Relax on First Step

   • Forward and Down on Second Step

   • Back on Third Step (Big Reach, Straight Back, Long Arms)

   • Forward and Up on Fourth Step

3. Bow and Arrow Arm Swing

   • Torque

Timing

Timing is a function of a four-step approach relative to when the setter has the ball. Timing then regulates attacking, and timing can best be accomplished if we teach our players about these four kinds of sets:

• 1st Step Sets

• 2nd Step Sets

• 3rd Step Sets

• 4th Step Sets

Attacking at an Angle

There are several good reasons to attack at an angle:

• It’s easier to hit the ball back in the direction it came from as opposed to picking it off as it goes by.

• Increased cross-court range as we prepare to attack the entire court with range.

• Better look at the block.

• Easier to adjust to inside/outside sets.

• Easier to open up to the setter after they have jumped (more torque).

Opposites

• Run down the line (if you are right handed. Attack at an angle if you are left handed).

The approach

Must have momentum, a double are lift, and timing (a fast-powerful step-close with great acceleration and deceleration to store energy so we can hit hard).

Movement Patterns: Serve Receive

All these movement patterns have a specific rhythm to the approach. Players must keep their arms relaxed until they reach the last two steps of their approach (double arm lift).

Outside Attackers from Zone 5 have three basic footwork patterns:

1. NPHF (No Pass Hit Fast) Shuffle: L, R-L, R-L this creates rhythm and angle. 4-Step Approach: R, L, R-L

2. PHF (Pass Hit Fast) 4-Step Approach: R, L, R-L

3. PSHF (Pass Shuffle Hit Fast) this is used for a pass off the net. Shuffle: L, R-L this creates rhythm.

   4-Step Approach: R, L, R-L

Outside Attackers from Zone 1 have three basic footwork patterns:

1. NPHF (No Pass Hit Fast) Shuffle: R, L-R, L-R this creates rhythm. 4-Step Approach: (smooth from shuffle) R, L, R-L

2. PHF (Pass Hit Fast) 4-Step Approach: R, L, R-L

3. PSHF (Pass Shuffle Hit Fast) this is used for a pass off the net. Shuffle: R, L-R. 4-Step Approach: (smooth from shuffle)

   R, L, R-L

Pipes:

1. From the Left Back: R, L-R, L, R-L

2. From the Right Back: L, R, L, R-L

Middle Attackers from Serve Receive:

1. Moving left to right: R, L-R, L, R-L or R, L, R-L

2. Moving right to left: L, R-L, R, L, R-L or L, R, L, R-L

Movement Patterns: Transition

At least 50% of women’s volleyball is played in transition, so we must train to this. The players must have great footwork patterns in order to be available in transition.

Outside Attackers:

1. 4 Off with a jump turn, 4 Back

2. 4 Off with a jump turn, Negative 4 Back

3. 3 Off and 3 Back (when in a hurry)

Outside Attack (Off Blocker):

1. 4 Off with a jump turn, 4 Back (if they don’t play the ball)

2. 3 Off and 3 Back (if they play the ball)

3. Run 5 and 4 Back (when triple blocking the right front)

Opposites:

1. 3 Off and, Negative 4 Back

2. 5 Off and 4 Back (if they have time)

Opposites (Off Blocker):

1. 4 Off with a jump turn, 4 Back

2. After playing the tip: Shuffle R, L-R, L, R-L

Middle Attackers:

1. Moving Left: 3 Off, 3 Back

2. From the Middle: Always turn to the right because it gives the middle a faster approach and fewer steps. 3 Off, 3 Back

3. Moving Right: Turn to the left and come down running L, R, L. Then based on situation: 4-Step Approach R, L, R-L or run in a circle with R, L, R-L.

Attacking Toolbox

Before the Serve

• Know who is blocking you

• Know how they are blocking you

• Know where the setter is

Toolbox for pin Hitters

• See the blockers and hit around the blockers

• See the blockers and hit high and hard off the blockers on good and bad sets

• Hit with different speeds

• Hit tight sets

• Hit to get blocked and covered

• Tip bad sets

• Tip good sets

• Wipe off trap sets

• Roll shot to 10’ line

• Roll shot to corner

Toolbox for middle attackers

• See the blockers and hit around the blockers

• See the blockers and hit high and hard off the blockers on good and bad sets

• 5 Shots (Approaching from both directions)

  • Cross Body Sharp

  • Cross Body Deep

  • Tip

  • Sharp Away

  • Sharp Deep

Basic Drills

These Drills will help get the keys in place.

Semi-Live Drills

These drills will allow us to work towards a greater variability, but still allow us to have some elements of control.

Movement Drills

Work on repeating correct movements using the following sequencing:

1. Coach Toss to Attacker

2. Coach Toss to Setter, Set to Attacker

3. Coach Toss to Passer, Passer to Setter, Setter to Attack

Movement Drills

• Serve Receive reps off toss: NPHF, PHF, PSHF

• Transition reps off toss:

  • Left Front

  • Right Front

  • Middle Front

  • Pipe