Volleyball is a quick, dynamic game that requires lightning-fast reflexes, endurance, and strength. All of those qualities are developed through skill practice and drills specific to your position. To be successful on the court, you must have a powerful technique. If you don’t have the right form while playing volleyball, it will be nearly impossible to get past your opponent in a game situation.
Even if you’re smaller than most other players on the court, solid skills make all the difference. Here are 5 ways to improve your volleyball technique so that you can become more proficient at the game.
Identify Your Weaknesses
To improve your volleyball technique, you must first be honest with yourself and identify your weaknesses. If you’re an outside hitter who struggles to keep your feet moving while you’re in the air, a quick footwork drill will help.
If you’re a middle blocker who has trouble with your blocking technique, a technique drill is right up your alley. You may have to try several drills before you find one that is optimal for your game, the time spent doing so will pay off.
Practice Your Footwork
Footwork is one of the most crucial aspects of volleyball. You must be able to move quickly, change directions in an instant, and plant your foot to set yourself up for a successful hit. If you don’t have the footwork to back up your hits, you’ll quickly find yourself out of the game.
If it’s a serious weakness, consider hiring a private coach to help you iron out those kinks in your game. Coaches can help you pinpoint your problem areas, offer advice on how to correct them, and provide you with drills to strengthen your stance.
Hit the Weights
Weight training is a great way to improve your volleyball technique. It will help you increase your overall strength, which is crucial for success on the court. If you’re a smaller player who struggles to move heavier opponents out of the way, weight training can help you gain the upper hand. However, don’t go overboard with the exercises. You want to build strength, but you don’t want to sacrifice your speed and agility either.
Focus on both by doing endurance training as well. Some of the best bikes for increasing cardio are available on the market and make it easy to incorporate them into your workout routine. You can also jog on the beach to increase your speed, doing so improves your toe strength and reaction time.
Know Your Position
Each position on the court requires a different skill set. For example, setting requires quick reaction times and excellent hand-eye coordination, while serving requires serious upper body strength. If you know what’s required of you and your position, it will be much easier to improve your volleyball technique.
If you don’t know where you fit on the court, ask your coach to help you out. He or she will walk you through the different types of players on the court and what you need to do to succeed.
Commit to a Routine
All elite athletes commit to a routine. It’s a way to structure your time, keep yourself on track, and make sure you’re working on the right things at the right time. If you’re struggling with commitment, set up some short-term goals and follow a routine to help you stay on track.
For example, set a goal of improving your blocking technique. You can then follow a routine that includes practising with a blocking partner, studying your position, and watching a game film. Relying on a routine will help you focus on the things that matter most, which will ultimately improve your volleyball technique.
Bonus: Learn From Your Coaches and Teammates
Volleyball is a team sport, so ask questions and learn from your coaches and teammates. If you find that your game is lacking power, ask your teammates and coaches about ways to improve your serve. If you’re struggling with your blocking technique, ask them if they have any tips.
Being a member of a team is a great way to learn, but you have to ask questions and learn from those around you.
Conclusion
To become a better player, you need to hone your skills and perfect your technique. Did you know that having poor technique can lead to more mistakes, missed passes, and awkward hits? Improving your volleyball game is all about putting in the work. You must practice your drills often to see results. It may not be easy, especially when it’s a physical sport, but it’s worth the effort.
