VB ADDICTION May 2013: Tips for Shorter Players
Playing against taller and bigger teams can be intimidating. They can reach higher and hit harder. But every powerhouse team has their weaknesses and can be defeated. Here are some things to focus on that will help you beat your tall opponents at the net.
Develop a consistent, mindful, great serve. Before you even have to go up and outplay a bigger team, take away their first opportunity for offense. It does not have to be a hard overpowering serve, but one that is smart and limits the opponent's serve receive attack.
Serve towards clusters of players.
Serve into the setters' or middle hitters' paths and make them take a different route.
Serve to your wing attackers and make them move towards the inside of the court to pass the ball. This will limit their approach pattern
Expand your attack range. Contact the ball at your highest reach. Mix up your shots and hide your intentions by snapping your wrist in different directions. Misdirect off the opponent's block by aiming high and away from the court. When confronted by a tight set or big block, learn to recognize the situation, tap it in and play it back up. Be a smart blocker. Prepare yourself before every serve and remind yourself who is up to hit and where your responsibilities are. Know your opponents hitting tendencies. See what is coming and establish good position. You are not looking to stuff block the hitter, but to take away their strongest shot and force them to hit their less preferable shot. Play up when the team is down. Why you are still playing volleyball even with your height disadvantage? Because you love the game. You probably put out great energy on the court when you play. See struggles as opportunities, stay positive, and work your opponents with everything you have. Eventually things will break down on the other side. Seize that moment to shine and take back the momentum of the game. Visit our Coaching Page for helpful books, tools, and equipment to improve your team's game. Are our tips helpful? Do you have a request? Want to give us your own two cents? Please Facebook us with your questions/comments and we will be sure to include you into our next VB ADDICTION! digest.