Volleyball is a popular and challenging sport that requires precise technique and understanding of the game. A shank is a common mistake made in volleyball and occurs when incorrect technique is used to hit the ball. This mistake can often result in an off-target pass or serve.
The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of a shank in volleyball, including the primary challenge in avoiding a shank, drills and techniques to reduce shanks, and the importance of learning defense in volleyball.
Through this article, readers will gain a better understanding of the technical aspects of volleyball and how to reduce the chances of shanking the ball.
What is it?
A shank in volleyball is an errant pass or hit, often resulting from incorrect technique, which is generally caused by a lack of preparation for the ball or a misunderstanding of the game. It is a mistake that can happen to both experienced and inexperienced players and can easily disrupt the flow of the game.
The challenges of shanking the ball are the faster, more powerful serves with greater spin, as well as the more targeted hits that make it difficult to dig or pass properly.
To prevent shanks, players must:
- Get into position faster
- Make the decision to play the ball
- Observe the server’s position and tendencies
- Keep their feet moving
- Stay ready with knees bent and arms prepared
Proper technique for receiving the ball includes:
- Receiving in midline at waist or above
- Avoiding stretching out to the side
- Creating a solid passing platform with clasped hands and locked-out arms
- Using legs for additional force and push
- Aiming the pass in the direction of the setter
- Controlling the pass with upper body to reduce the force of hard-driven balls
Drills such as:
- Serve-receive or passing drills
- Mid-court box serving drill
- Wall box drill
- Russian passing drill
- Deep shank chase drill
- Chase the bounce drill
- Laying down on the job drill
Can help reduce shanks.
Knowing the terms, statistics, acronyms, and abbreviations of the game is also important in enhancing understanding of volleyball.
Lastly, learning the basics of defense is essential in order to become a better volleyball player.
Preventing Shanks
Receiving the ball in a midline position at waist or above and avoiding stretching to the side are key components to effectively preventing errors in passing.
To reduce the possibility of a shank, it’s important for players to get into position quickly and make the decision that it’s their ball to play.
Proper technique should be used for receiving the ball with clasped hands and locked-out arms, and the upper body should be used to control the ball and reduce the force of hard-driven serves.
In addition, the legs can be used to provide additional force and push to the pass.
Drills such as serve-receive, wall box, and deep shank chase drills can be used to reduce shanks and enhance understanding of the game.
It is also important to learn the terms, stats, acronyms, and abbreviations associated with volleyball for successful play.
Receiving Techniques
Proper form is essential for successful passing. Techniques such as clasped hands and locked-out arms are utilized to receive the ball. Receiving should be done in midline at waist or above, and the pass should be aimed in the direction of the setter.
Upper body should be used to control the pass, and legs can be used for additional force and push.
To reduce shanks, drills such as:
- Serve-receive or passing drills
- Mid-court box serving drill
- Wall box drill
- Russian passing drill
- Deep shank chase drill
- Chase the bounce drill
- Laying down on the job drill
can be used.
