Scoring on the Overpass Every Time

Attacking an overpass is a great way to gain momentum for your team because, when executed well, it leaves so little opportunity for the other team to react. The opponents are still in their attack mode and are defenseless. However, making an error on such a play can give that same momentum to the other team. Making the proper attack decision and executing it well are vital to a successful overpass attack. In any overpass situation you – the attacker -- have options:

All three can earn a point for your team, but choosing the right option is not always an easy decision. Let’s look into your choices: 

Taking a swing should be your first thought. However, you will have to make sure that you put your body in the best position to take a swing. Early identification of the location, height, and speed of the ball will allow you to take the necessary steps to attack the ball in a normal hitting posture. Most errors on overpass attacks are made when a player does not move her feet to the ball and reaches either to the side or behind to attack the ball. If you have aligned yourself with the ball correctly and are in a good hitting posture, then take a rip. Attacking this ball to the opponent’s right back area of the court generally yields the best results, as its setter will be vacating this area. It is also a good idea to sneak a peek at what is going on in front of you. Beware the sneaky front row setter that is preparing to block.

Blocking an overpass or re-directing it (sweep block) can be the most effective way to score. The re-direct gives you the most control over the ball and with the opposing team in disarray you can quickly spot an open area of the floor to place the ball. If this is your choice, it is usually best to aim your block or attack so that you move the ball along the plane of the net to the area where the left or right side blockers would be (zone 2 or 4), as they will be transitioning to attack and those areas should be open. In doing this, it is important that you do not merely set the overpass, but rather get your hands on top of it and put it down with authority. Too many times inexperienced players will simply set (or lightly push) the ball back to the middle of their opponent’s court, allowing the opponent to pass a free ball to target. The best time to block or re-direct will be when the ball is tight to the net or is coming across the net on a low, fast trajectory.

Passing the overpass to target may be the least glamorous of these options, but sometimes it is the best choice. As an attacker, however, resort to this only if the ball is passed so far over the net that you cannot easily jump and attack it. Secondly, if the ball is passed to the ceiling and is coming down from the clouds at high speed and timing your jump and swing is nearly impossible, then you should pull out your platform and show off your defensive skills or even better break out your hands and speed up the play. Lastly, if you decide to step back and pass, do not defer to a back row player until you are absolutely certain she has called you off and has a good play on the ball.  

Knowing your options is the first step to becoming the best overpass attacker in the business. It is one of the great momentum changers in the game – especially if you bury the ball by getting your body into the proper position by moving your feet.