Community | Base-Position Defence Drill

Attacking efficiency measures kills minus errors divided by attempts. Top attackers maintain high efficiency by varying their shots, reading blocks, and selecting appropriate attacks for each situation. Power alone doesn't create elite attackers.

Shot Arsenal

Versatile attackers have multiple options:

Line shot: Down the sideline, often against cross-court blocking.

Cross-court: The high-percentage angle shot to the opposite corner.

Cut shot: Sharp angle shot that lands short in the court.

Tip: Soft placement over or around the block.

Roll shot: Controlled placement with topspin to open areas.

Reading the Block

Block position: See where hands are and hit where they're not.

Timing: Late blockers can be hit through or around.

Single vs double: One blocker offers more options than two.

Tool shots: Use the block - hitting off hands for kills.

Decision Making

Set quality: Tight sets limit options - adjust expectations.

Approach angle: Your angle determines available shots.

Game situation: When ahead, be aggressive. When behind, reduce errors.

Opponent tendencies: Know where defenders are and hit elsewhere.

Technical Foundation

Approach consistency: Same approach for all shots hides intention.

Arm swing variety: Adjust contact point and wrist action for different shots.

Late decision: Read the block in the air before committing to a shot.

Contact point: High contact gives more angles and power.

Key Coaching Points

  • Shot variety is as important as power
  • Reading the block determines shot selection
  • Same approach for all shots maintains deception
  • Situational awareness improves decision making
  • Practice all shots, not just the comfortable ones

Drills for Attack Development

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DESCRIPTION

This drill helps volleyball players to identify their defensive positions when the opposition is attacking, and allows them to practice moving to those various positions. These defensive positions can then be applied in a game situation. 3 defenders will start at their first base positons at the green conesbehind the 3m line. There will be 3 front court players; 2 attackers at either ends of the net and a setter/feeder in the middle of the front court. The drill begins with the ball being thrown into the setter who will set the ball to one of the attackers, who will then hit the ball towards one of the cones. If the ball is set to the red attacker, they will hit the ball towards one of the red cones. The same applies to the blue attacker. When the ball is set to one of the attackers, the 3 defenders must move to their defensive base position, indicated by the cones. If the ball is set to the red attacker, they must move to the red cones, likewise with the blue attacker. They must defend the hit by digging the ball, which should be passed back to the setter for them to set again and continue the drill. The drill must be repeated where the setter can set to different attackers each time, and the attackers hitting towards different cones each time.

COACHING POINTS

Defenders should keep their eyes on the ball, and move to their different base positions using a quick side-ways shuffle. Their shoulders should face towards the attacker, then when the ball is hit at them, then they should face the setter so they can direct the ball back into the setter. After each pass defenders must move back to their starting positions before they move again to their defensive positions. Attackers must ensure they keep their shoulders facing towards the target they are hitting. Progressions: Players can rotate to find a new position and repeat the drill. The ball could be hit harder by the attackers. Cone markers could be removed once players get used to their defensive positions.

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

This practice has no progressions

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