Volleyball: basics

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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How do i teach 9 and 10 year olds to serve?

how do i teach 9 and 10 year olds to serve

Archived User Coach

How to plan for 1 hour volleyball training ?

I am going to coach a new team, most of them are beginer-intermediate and we only have 1 hour of training in the hall, what's the best pland for warm up, drill and still have time for to have fun in a game.

Archived User Coach

copy of the rules for volleyball?

Where can I get a copy of the rules for volleyball - I am a first year coach and never played the game. Thanks

Archived User Coach

important tips to help develop a great setter?

What are some great tips to give to setters when developing a smart, AWESOME setter? I was not a setter when I played, I know the basics but not enough to take my setter to the next level. She really wants to play college volleyball as well.

Brooke Bostelman Coach, United States of America

most useless drill

just delete it

Windsor School Coach, England

How to plan for 1 hour volleyb...

I am going to coach a new team, most of them are beginer-intermediate and we only have 1 hour of training in the hall, what's the best pland for warm up, drill and still have time for to have fun in a game.

Archived User Coach

How do i teach 9 and 10 year o...

how do i teach 9 and 10 year olds to serve

Archived User Coach

Best stats program for the And...

I am looking for the best stats program for Android or Ipad.  I am a high school girls varsity coach.  Any suggestions?

Archived User Coach

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