The set is getting behind me, and Ive lost power on my hit

Question
I have this problem with my swing. I recently just started playing volleyball again after about a year I play in a recreational league every Tuesday. I'm 6'2" and have about a 30-32 inches under me when I jump. It's been three weeks now with my team and my setter keeps telling me I am hitting the ball behind me. I looked at pictures he posted up and it does seem like I am. I also feel my power is not there. I used to be able to hit the ball on the 10 foot line and now I cant. I play middle blocker and outside (mostly middle). How can I fix my problem?? And how can i get my power back?

Answer
Good morning!  Welcome to www.allexperts.com.

Your question is normal.  Many players just over-run the set. I have a few ideas!

a) Are you using ONLY 3 steps for your spike approach?  If not, then try to go down to only "left-right-left" (switch if you're left-handed).  

b)  OK, let's say you're using only 3 steps.  Are each of your strides the same length?  If so, then you're probably still overrunning the set b/c your strides are too long.  Then, instead of your three steps being "big, big, big," make them "little, big, big."  Some coaches even teach "big, little, little," but I've never seen a person successfully do that.  "Little, big, big" will help you complete your spike approach, not run past the setter, hit around the blockers, complete your swing w/o often getting into the net, and put the ball down quicker.

c) The most important part of hitting is (i) how high you can reach and (ii) how well you snap and crunch.  If you are hitting w/o being completely extended, then that'll cause you to be blocked more, hit into the net more, and your hits will go further towards the back of the court.  To see what I'm talking about, check out the pics at www.biggirlinthemiddle.com.  There are some GREAT pics of women hitting the ball completely extended!

d) As for getting your power back, I don't know many hitters who have lost their power.....unless they're had shoulder surgery, have a shoulder injury, are getting older (like me!), etc.  huh.  I would guess that you really haven't lost much at all (unless one of the previous situations describe you).  I'm hoping that when you "little, big, big," that your power will come back to you.

Thank you for visiting!  Please go by and visit www.coachhouser.com. I think you'll like the free downloads and all the links!

Coach Houser