Digging in volleyball is an important defensive technique that requires a player to use their arms and hands to pass the ball back to their team. It is essential for players to understand how to properly adjust their positioning, predict the direction of the ball, and maintain a defensive stance when attempting to dig.
This article will discuss the techniques, drills, and terminology related to digging in volleyball. It will explore how players can become more proficient diggers by applying the correct lessons, drills, and techniques.
Furthermore, it will examine the importance of understanding volleyball terminology such as down balls, liberos, and kills in order to maximize digging efficiency.
Positioning and Stance
Appropriate positioning and stance for digging in volleyball are paramount for success, as illustrated by the lessons, drills, and techniques discussed. Adjusting positioning based on blockers and the hitter’s approach is key in predicting the direction of the ball and making a successful dig.
Defensive stance involves feet twice shoulder-width apart, knees bent, shoulders over knees, and weight on toes. Arms should be bent and out to the sides, ready to spring into action, while avoiding reaching down to touch the floor.
Additionally, watching the setter’s body for tells on their play and using blockers as a shield are also important.
Finally, breaking the power of the hit if necessary by letting arms give a little, and using one arm in an emergency if unable to get both hands on the ball, are also beneficial.
Digging Techniques
Effective execution of a dig requires an understanding of positioning, prediction of ball direction, and the use of proper defensive stance. The arms should be bent and out to the sides, ready to spring into action. The feet should be twice shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and weight on toes. Watching the setter’s body for tells on their play and determining which hitter is getting the ball are also essential.
Additionally, adjusting the last few feet to get in a strong passing position and producing a quality platform with straightened elbows and hands together are important techniques. Breaking the power of the hit if necessary by letting arms give a little and using one arm in an emergency if unable to get both hands on the ball are key techniques.
In summary:
- Adjust positioning based on blockers and hitter’s approach.
- Produce a quality platform with straightened elbows and hands together.
- Break the power of the hit if necessary by letting arms give a little.
Drills and Terminology
Various drills and terminology related to volleyball can be used to enhance the skill of digging.
‘Digging to Catch’ focuses on accuracy and catching the dig.
‘Digging the Wall’ requires solo play with rebounds from the wall.
‘The Endless Dig’ is a game-like situation.
‘Dig, Tip, Chase’ combines digging, tipping, and chasing wide shots.
‘Rapid Fire Digging’ is for quickly responding to shots from hitters.
A down ball in volleyball occurs when someone attacks from a standing position.
A libero and defensive specialist have different roles and substitution rules.
A kill in volleyball is an attack resulting in a point since the defense is unable to play it.
All of these drills and pieces of terminology can help to improve the skill of digging in volleyball.
