Volleyball: approach

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

VIEW ALL ATTACK DRILLS

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 300+ volleyball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
approach DRILLS
View All
Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
approach ANSWERS
View All

What are some good plyometric exercises for volleyball?

I am looking for some good plyometric exercises (for all levels) for volleyball?

tasneem harms Coach, South Africa

SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING TACTICAL ELEMENT OF GAME?

SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING TACTICAL ELEMENT OF GAME FLOW? PLEASE

Archived User Coach

I'm preparing for next season and new recruits?

I'm preparing for next season with some off season session plans for my team. I will probably have a 2 hour slot to look at new players for the season. There will be players of all abilities so my question is ... What are some of the recommended approaches to evaluating these new recruits? I can run then through an actual training session and see if they can handle it but I don't want to discourage players from coming out. Also just to make things a little more interesting it will be a coed session. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Glenn Tom Coach, United Kingdom

how can improve the power of smash.????

how can improve the power of smash.????

vishnu Coach, India

How should she talk to her coach about this?

My Daughter is playing on a 13’s team and some of the girls seem to be having a problem staying focused. And it is frustrating her. How should she talk to her coach about this?

Jeff B Coach, United States of America

Defense positioning.

Has anyone heard of middle middle 2 by 2 defense? If yes, do you like it?Thanks.

Steve Batten Coach, Canada

What are some good plyometric ...

I am looking for some good plyometric exercises (for all levels) for volleyball?

tasneem harms Coach, South Africa

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 300+ volleyball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of volleyball coaches plus 300+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT