Hitter defense

Question
I've been out of the volleyball arena for a while, but have recently volunteered to coach a club team.  What kind of hitter defense do you suggest?  I've read some articles about perimeter, box and U defenses. ?

Answer
Stacy,

I think all three of those defenses are fine.  I use the perimeter defense on the three teams I coach, so that is the one I am most comfortable with.  I think if you have a good block any defense will be effective.  I think that the perimeter defense takes away the most of the hitters options.  Make sure your wing players play out to in (meaning that they play deep to the side lines so that they have to move into the court to dig a short ball and do not get sucked in behind the block).  I also let the libero roam.  We discuss where the other team hits the ball most of the time and we let her cheat that way.

Make sure you work on your blocking, if your team gets that down you can play any defense as long as you get your players to understand it and they get to their ssigned positions.

Good luck,
Steve