Skills: Pre-Season Training

Question: I’m a highschool volleyball player. I’m 14 and will be a sophmore next year. I am completely dedicated to volleyball. I played on a 16’s club team for my area this passed season, they made my position a libero. I am confident in my skills & would like to make my schools varsity team next season, I just think i need more work. Any advice on skills training, besides camps?

This question was asked by Emily.

Ok, well I don’t really have an entire article of information to write up for this one but I’ll give it a shot haha. The only thing I can think of to help your “skills” training outside of the gym and camps etc., is visualization training. Make a routine of “excersizes” that you can do everyday or w/e is most convienent for you, that allows you to go through all the motions of volleyball – without a ball. I like to make it a point when I can’t touch a ball for a while to stand in front of the mirror at night before I go to bed and practice my cut shots. I try to visualize the court in front of me and picture the ball being set and cut the ball to spots 1-6 on the court. For passing you can do the same thing. Practice the motion of passing and following through to target. Picture the ball coming in, practice good form (hands ready, arms high, feet shoulder width, etc.) and follow through to target.

Passing: Tips to Consistency

Question: Do you have any tips on making forearm pass easy.. I play in a YMCA coed league,and my passes run hot and cold.. Thanks for your help..

This question was asked by Clay. Thank you clay for your question.

I have a few personal tips that I tell my girls that I coach that I’m going to share with you.

Hitting: Spotting and Rotation

Question: Hey Brooke. I’ve been having some trouble with hitting lately, my coach says I have a 30″ vertical and a good top spin arm swing but I’m not “putting the ball away” When hitting is it true that all the power comes from getting your left arm up if your right handed and getting your right arm up if your left handed? My coach was telling me that and I’m trying to grasp it but I cant. So do you have any things that I can do to become a better hitter?

This question was asked by Aisha. Thank you for the question. This one poses a difficult answer. I have been trying to make sure I am clear on what your coach is talking about. I think your coach is attempting to refer to something that volleyball players can do to achieve more power on a hit.

Hitting: Timing

Question: heyy brooke! thanks for the link to your site! I actually have a question…How do I work on my hitting? I have a great jump and i can reach the net. But I really think its just my timing. But sometimes when I actually have great timing, its off and I don’t know how to angle myself to get it to where I want it like you can… so you think you can help?? =]

This question was asked by Tiffany.

Thank you for the question Tiffany! Throughout my few years coaching and playing I have come across this problem with many players as well as myself! The issue of timing can be a headache, and although it seems that it would be a difficult thing to fix, it’s actually not! The technique I try to teach my girls consists of trusting your brain. Yes, I said it, your brain!

Blocking: Reading the Hitter

Question: When blocking how can you read the hitter, to know where they plan to hit the ball ???

This question was turned in by Clay. To help answer your question Clay, I pulled up an article that I once refered to myself to answer the same question. It includes tips to help read the hitter, as far as their shoulder and body position, as well as the direction of their approach. Hope this helps! And thank you for asking!