Practice Drills

Question
I was cut from my high school's volleyball team this year, but I'm dedicated to getting better so I can make JV next year. I am usually a back row player or libero. Do you have any drills or ways to practice that I can do by myself. I have limited access to a net. I am also a good blocker and I would like to improve those skills as well.

Answer
Hello Samie and welcome to www.AllExperts.com

My name is Coach Tovar

To make sure that all my readers young and old can understand some of my comments, I have chosen to use simple vocabulary words and interpret the rule for this sole purpose.

Well Samie there is something that you need to understand. Volleyball is 10% physical and 90% mental. It's not so important on the drill you do but how well you understand the job duties for that position. "A smart player is an excellent player" Tovar
By learning and understanding the job duties for that position, you will already have more knowledge and an advantage over your opponent. I will describe these duties below.

There are certain things as a Libero that you can do to prepare yourself in preparing for a good hitter who shows very little signs on what actions he or she are going to do before they spike, dink, or move the ball. After all, being a good Libero deals with reading hitters and offenses.

Here are a few things that will help you.

1. Identify the front row hitters when they are 3 front row players. Make sure you know who is who as they warm up.

2. Identify the 2 front row players, this means the setter is a front row player. This will give your team an advantage.

3. The setter in the front will also let you know that their hitting chances are limited and they might hit from the back row.

3. Look at their hitters during their warm ups to identify their approach technique, if they are left or right handed, and see if they hit the ball at it's highest point. If they do not, you will probably be chasing tip balls from blocks all day long.

4. Communicate with your blockers to interchange according to your best blocker with their best hitter. By solving this problem, your team will not be behind all day.

5. Communicate with your blockers on who to make sure they block more than others.

6.If your blockers concentrate on those tough hitters, then you can better prepare your self to pick up a dig.

7. Most hitters hit in the same area most of the time. Look for this during the warm ups.

8. Do not underestimate how quickly the ball moves towards you. Always take a small
step towards the spike.

9. If the spiker is facing the setter during their approach, take that step towards the spike. If the spiker is facing the net during their approach then look for a down the line hit or towards the middle.

10. The wrist, hand of a spiker can manipulate the ball in so many ways so don't concentrate too much on those factors.

11. An excellent Libero must communicate effectively with their blockers during practice and always be one second in front of the hit.

12. Always take a small step towards the setter every time the setter touches the ball and then move away to your position.

13. An excellent Libero always knows where to be in every hit.

14. As you practice with your team, practice the following 12 steps above. Especially practice communicating with your blockers and identifying the hitters at all times.

Here are basic skills needed to help you fulfill your goals in becoming a great Libero.
You must find videos with the following below in mind.

Be able to run through the ball.
Must be able to read the server for type of serve.
Must practice bumping very difficult balls.
Must be able to run to a spot, stop and position themselves to bump the ball towards the setter.
Must be able to have the necessary strength to both pass and bump the ball towards a long distance.
Must be totally focused on the hitters and their spiking tendencies.
Must be able to to pick up a volleyball in many different ways.
Must be able to position themselves in the perfect area of estimated ball expectancy.
Must be able to hit a good spike from the back row, standing or jumping.
Must be able to talk to their defense and Identify hitters strong and weak ones.
Must be able to set the ball.
Must be able know how to dive, perform a pancake, dive and roll among others.
Must be able to pass the ball while traveling at a fast pace left or right.
Must know how to attack a dig.
Must study opponent's players during warm-ups and during bench time.

Practicing the block
Just like practicing any other skill you should first find out the proper way to block. Find a wall and mark a target goal for you to practice everyday. I would suggest not penetrating into your opponent's court and instead use a soft block. By not penetrating into your opponent's court, you will be able to gain an average of 6" to 10" inches upward. A soft block is performed by letting the hands absorb the impact of the volleyball hit. Basically letting you hands become inactive as the volleyball touches your hands. Always see the block as you are performing this skill. This will also let you see the purpose for that hitter. You do not always have to use a soft block but do not penetrate into your opponent's court. Learn how to angle your hands if you do not penetrate into your opponent's court.
I hope this answers your question. Please take the time to rate me. Any feedback you can provide for me will be great.

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