TO BE A GREAT HITTER

After everything else goes right when a volleyball comes over the net, you get to make the play everyone came to the gym to see: The big hit that brings the crowd to its feet! Every player (including the setter) wants to crush the ball.

As with all volleyball skills (except for serving), you must have great pre-ripping movement in order to get your feet, body, and arm into the proper position to make an effective and efficient swing at the ball. This is called the proper body/ball relationship. This article primarily addresses proper hitting technique. Proper technique for hitting includes:

1. Getting all the way to your approach position with your left hip (right-hander) facing or within 45⁰ of the net. This is when the coach yells at you to get to your approach spot.
2. Delaying your approach (unless you are running a quick set) until you see where the set is going. This is when the coach yells at you to wait on your approach.
3. Planting with your feet facing the setter, not facing the net. This is when the coach yells at you to stay open to the setter.
4. Planting your feet so that the ball is between you and the net when make contact with the ball. This is when the coach yells at you to keep the ball in front of you.
5. Jumping as straight up and down as possible in order to keep the ball in front of you. This is when the coach yells at you not to drift when you hit.

Proper armswing and hand contact with the ball in order to produce a good hit with effective top spin on the ball includes:

1. Both arms go up to prepare to hit the ball.
2. Abdominals are engaged (belly button pulled back) so you do not arch your back.
3. Left hand leads to the ball (for a right handed-hitter).
4. Right hand is above the shoulder, higher than the elbow, and facing the floor.
5. Right arm is fully extended as arm swing starts, led by the elbow, with the wrist cocked.
6. Hand reaches as high as possible to hit ball at the highest possible point.
7. Hand moves as fast as possible through the ball – swing hand as fast as possible.
8. Wrist snaps immediately upon contact with the ball and the thumb points down.
9. Left shoulder tilts down and arm continues past the right hip, not across the body.
10. “Spank” the ball with an open hand and strong wrist to be a “loud” hitter.

If you are hitting an up tempo set, such as a front or back quick (B or C), everything is the same except that the approach begins early enough to be in the air when the setter is setting the ball.

An effective hitter must be able to recognize and execute the seven basic attacks:

1. Cross court              2. Line                         3. Hole in the block    

4. High seam               5. Off block                 6. Out-of-system

7. Off speed (tip and roll shots) to all zones

A great hitter must have the heart and will of a Riverboat Gambler. If a set is in-system, it is your job to terminate with an aggressive play – hard hit or aggressive tip or roll. It doesn’t matter if you have been blocked or missed your last seven hits – you go after the ball and believe it is going down to the floor.