Learning how to dig a volleyball is critical in mastering the sport. Hey, my name is Stein Metzger, a NCAA MVP at UCLA, 2004 Olympian, NCAA champion setter, and a two time Manhattan Beach Open champion. I am originally from Hawaii and was recruited straight from high school at the age of 18 to play volleyball at UCLA.
When learning how to dig a volleyball it is important to follow the steps in these six videos below. Defending is just as important as making a kill. Being an on point defender is critical to the game. You can not win if you can not defend. Practicing how to dig a volleyball is one of the most important aspects of volleyball. I recommend that you devote a few hours of practice to defense every week and in no time you’ll be digging the dig.
You can watch all six videos on how to dig a volleyball by being a member at volleyball1on1.com.
Positioning
Positioning is key when learning how to defend. If you are not in the right position you will miss the ball and the other team will have a kill. Being able to read the field and anticipate where the ball will go is key in being able to position yourself right. Over time this will become easier for you, by practicing your positioning it will only make understanding the game and how to anticipate the next play come easier and faster.
Opposite Hand
One hand contact should only be used in emergencies, but in those instances you should be prepared and know what to do. A practice that is very valuable to learning how to control the ball with one hand is something you can do while watching TV or listening to music in your room. For this drill you will want to practice hitting the ball straight up with your weaker hand; if you are right handed practice this with your left hand.
Hard Driven
Balance is key in volleyball! Being able to keep your balance at all time is critical for your level of play. If your balance is off you will not have proper control over the ball and your hit will be off. Do not react to a hit until the ball is in the air and on its way down, if you anticipate where the ball will go before the player has made contact with it you could be completely wrong and miss the ball entirely.
The Shot
To defend against a good shot you must keep your balance and put yourself in a position where you are ready to move at all times. Once the shot is made you must stay low and drive to the ball as low to the ground as possible. This will allow you to have more time to reach the ball and make a good pass.
Fake Out
A fake out is where you put yourself into a position that confuses your opponents into thinking you are doing one thing but in turn you do something completely different. One of my favorites is when you make yourself look as if you are about to move positions but end up staying in the same spot, but because you looked as if you were about to move your opponent ends up hitting directly to where you are standing.
Transition
Transitioning from defense to offense is very simple but a key thing to do. You do not want to get caught standing in the same position you just were in, not ready to receive the set from your partner. After you play defense you must move with out the ball and prepare yourself for the hit!
Being able to properly play defense is very important in volleyball. It is an opportunity to ensure that your opponents do not make a kill while also allowing you and your team to prepare yourself to play offense.
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