Volleyball is a highly competitive sport that requires both physical and mental agility. One of the most impressive and difficult techniques to master is the pancake.
This move is rarely successful but can be extremely impressive when executed correctly. The pancake requires excellent execution and timing to get a good hit, and often has an unpredictable direction and height.
This article will discuss the execution technique, practice progression, and other skills necessary for a successful pancake.
Execution Technique
The execution technique of a pancake in volleyball consists of a defensive stance. Stepping forward with the non-dominant foot allows the body to fall further toward the ground. Driving forward to transition momentum is crucial. Reaching out the dominant hand in a one-armed dive is the next step. Finally, timing the hand slap with ball contact is essential.
After contact, players must call to their teammates for a quick response. Then, they should get up and out of the way. Such a move is practiced extensively by competitive teams due to its difficulty to master.
For beginners, it is best to practice with a partner dropping the ball for pancake contact. Then, progress through the steps of tracking lobbed balls, simulating tips from the net, and starting deep in the court for challenging saves. The dominant hand should be used for easier saves.
It is important to practice the move at game speed in order to increase the chances of success.
Practice Progression
Practicing the pancake dive can be done in a progression of steps, from partner dropping ball for contact to simulating tips from the net. Start with the partner dropping the ball for the pancake contact, then separate and work on tracking lobbed balls. Simulate tips from the net for a realistic practice. Then move on to starting deep in the court for challenging saves. Use the dominant hand for easier saves and practice the pancake at game speed to increase success.
| Step | Content | Process |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Partner dropping ball for contact | Start with the partner dropping the ball for the pancake contact |
| 2 | Tracking lobbed balls | Separate and work on tracking lobbed balls |
| 3 | Simulate tips from the net | Simulate tips from the net for a realistic practice |
| 4 | Start deep in the court for challenging saves | Start deep in the court for challenging saves |
| 5 | Use dominant hand for easier saves | Use the dominant hand for easier saves |
Other Skills
Digging, spiking, and strong passing are all important skills to have in volleyball. Digging is a defensive hit that prevents the ball from hitting the floor. Shank is a mis-hit that makes the ball unplayable, typically resulting in losing the point. Spike is a powerful move that requires strong passing skills.
Better at Volleyball offers information and resources for players, parents, and coaches.
It is also important to practice other aspects of the game such as pancake diving. Pancake diving is a last resort move that is rarely successful but can gain respect from teammates, coach, and fans. It is a difficult move to execute correctly and can result in injury if not done properly. The execution requires a defensive stance, stepping forward with the non-dominant foot, and a one-armed dive. Timing the hand slap with the ball contact is important, as well as calling out to teammates for a quick response and getting out of the way.
Pancake diving should be practiced in progression, starting with partner dropping the ball, then tracking lobbed balls, and finally simulating tips from the net.
