Digging Techniques, Anyone?

[VBSmiles]

Does anybody here play Libero or Defensive specialist? I was wondering
If you you had some pointers for digging consistently...

[VBLIGUY]

#1 you have to be in the right position. To get there you need to learn how to read a hitter and you have to know what your block is going to to.

#2 get low and get your arms out to your sides about 40* from center. You want your thighs to be pointed toward your hitter and up at something like a 30* angle as well. This may sound odd but the goal here is to be in a position that if the hitter hits the ball so fast that you have no reaction time that you are as big and have any surfaces (arms, legs) pointed up in case you get hit. IMO the arms out is key, I see too many players standing there with a platform already made. I never liked this because if the hit is off to your side you can't react as fast and the one arm digs generally don't happen.

#3 learn as the game goes on. Some hitters want to hit down all the time...some are smarter than that, as a defender you need to learn what each hitter will want to do. If you get one of those guys/gals who hits steep all the time then for god's sake move in closer. If you have a good hitter then it is harder, if you go in they will hit deep, if you stay back they will hit short. It becomes a chess match and you basically need to try to fool the player into thinking your somewhere you aren't. I found playing a lot of doubles helps in this area. Heck I believe playing a lot of doubles helps anyone become a good defender because you basically have the whole court to cover. When you get to playing 6s defense gets a lot easier.

#4 get an attitude and that attitude is that NO ball is going to hit the floor on your side of the net. May sound stupid or impossible but if you think like that and go after every ball in every play like that you will get a lot of balls you never thought you could get and a lot less balls will drop on your side of the net.

[Pancake]

The art of digging is like a derivative of passing. It differs that it's like taking the well formed boxed thought of passing and opening that box up. There will be situations that which you wont be able to center yourself on the ball to make a pass. At other time you may need to slide onto the floor and pancake or air pancake the ball. Sometimes you will have to run full speed and pass that ball 180 degrees in the direction of your travel. You may even be in situations that all you can do is protect your face from injury, yet the results and intentions may even be a dig. What more is there to digging? It's making a pass out of the dig. The train of thought would be attacking the ball, only to keep the ball on your side of the court or better to feed your setter the pass. Whether you use your foot, your hand, or even your head, you could always somehow react in a manner that directs the ball away from the floor.

You should also check out:
http://www.volleyball-training.de/vo...1.htm#seitlich

For other "German" techniques click here - mouse right, "open a new window":
http://www.volleyball-training.de/vo...te_gif.htm#Top

[Lemiwinks]

Digging all depends on your teams defense. Your not going to dig a ball unless the whole team is doing your job. If your block is taking away some of the court then most defenses are designed that the hitter has no option but ot hit the ball into the defenders (unless hitter is going over the block, then not much you can do). When digging stay low and keep your weight forward, keep one foot back and be ready to move. Keep your arms out with palms up and be ready to recive a ball with your hands, look at the block and the hitters arms to see where the ball probally will go.

[ShortCake]

Originally Posted by Pancake

The art of digging is like a derivative of passing. It differs that it's like taking the well formed boxed thought of passing and opening that box up. There will be situations that which you wont be able to center yourself on the ball to make a pass. At other time you may need to slide onto the floor and pancake or air pancake the ball. Sometimes you will have to run full speed and pass that ball 180 degrees in the direction of your travel. You may even be in situations that all you can do is protect your face from injury, yet the results and intentions may even be a dig. What more is there to digging? It's making a pass out of the dig. The train of thought would be attacking the ball, only to keep the ball on your side of the court or better to feed your setter the pass. Whether you use your foot, your hand, or even your head, you could always somehow react in a manner that directs the ball away from the floor.

You should also check out:
http://www.volleyball-training.de/vo...1.htm#seitlich

For other "German" techniques click here - mouse right, "open a new window":
http://www.volleyball-training.de/vo...te_gif.htm#Top

Great links but I don't understand read Dutch someone should ask for permission and translate it even posted the English version.

[coachmanzi]

c'mon, the court is only 30x30. it can't be that hard...

[Trafficfixr]

VBLI guy has some really good advice for you. Stay low, hands out, be in good position in advance, and STAY LOW! Footwork is also real important, be set on the balls of your feet leaning slightly foward ready to move. Most of all guard your grille! a facial can ruin your day. :-)

[Mr. Owl]

Originally Posted by VBLIGUY

#1 you have to be in the right position. To get there you need to learn how to read a hitter and you have to know what your block is going to to.

#2 get low and get your arms out to your sides about 40* from center. You want your thighs to be pointed toward your hitter and up at something like a 30* angle as well. This may sound odd but the goal here is to be in a position that if the hitter hits the ball so fast that you have no reaction time that you are as big and have any surfaces (arms, legs) pointed up in case you get hit. IMO the arms out is key, I see too many players standing there with a platform already made. I never liked this because if the hit is off to your side you can't react as fast and the one arm digs generally don't happen.

#3 learn as the game goes on. Some hitters want to hit down all the time...some are smarter than that, as a defender you need to learn what each hitter will want to do. If you get one of those guys/gals who hits steep all the time then for god's sake move in closer. If you have a good hitter then it is harder, if you go in they will hit deep, if you stay back they will hit short. It becomes a chess match and you basically need to try to fool the player into thinking your somewhere you aren't. I found playing a lot of doubles helps in this area. Heck I believe playing a lot of doubles helps anyone become a good defender because you basically have the whole court to cover. When you get to playing 6s defense gets a lot easier.

#4 get an attitude and that attitude is that NO ball is going to hit the floor on your side of the net. May sound stupid or impossible but if you think like that and go after every ball in every play like that you will get a lot of balls you never thought you could get and a lot less balls will drop on your side of the net.

VBLIGuy, you are on the money!

[NewEnglandRT]

To elaborate on some of it....

Great players learn how to read, and play a few seconds into the future. What kind of pass or dig is their defense able to make? A good clean pass will more than likely result in a good clean set. Trouble equals trouble. Once you've is going to be good eyes on the setter read first their direction of travel and body position, then their hands, then the ball (communicate what you see! Backset, dump, outside or quick etc.). Once your eyeing the ball user your periferal vision to scan for the possible hitters. Zone in on the hitter, first their approach (again the better the approach, the more likely it's going to be a better hit) most hitters will hit inline with their approach. Move your eyes to their waist, again another indicator of the speed and location of the shot. Conitue up to their arm swing and finally their hand just as their hitting the ball, this is the final indicator of the direction. Don't forget to read your blockers as well... I see alot of balls blocked/tipped away from the defense. Learn your blockers tendencies as well.

A great way to practice reading is to play sand. It's a little slower than indoor hardcourt and will allow you a little more time to read.

Always remember to move your feet first, then your arms. I've got a big problem with this as i was trained as an ice hockey goalie, so my first reaction is to dive at the play. I've been working on it though!

The book "Pass, Set, Crush!" has alot more on defensive skills and reading. Check it out.

[OmniSpiker]

The shovel

Just like that! You dig your hands down and scoop up dirt, ball, and everything, well just ball...