Learning to Play Middle

BHitterDPasser · **Learning to Play Middle -** 11-20-2006, 08:25 AM

I'm making the transition to slightly more competitve ball and because I'm a little taller than some of the guys I play with, I'm often expected to play middle. This is a new position to me and I'm not comfortable with it because I really don't know all my responsibilities, positions, etc. Anyone have any tips, for what I should be doing on serve receive, defense on free balls, how to line up with the setter in a 5-1 when we are both in the front row and when we are not in the front row, etc.,...?

vballnewt23 · 11-20-2006, 09:35 AM

Basically, you are going to become a machine. You are going to be expected to go up for the swing on every ball regardless of whether the setter sets you. You must always be an ever present threat to the opposing team so you draw their middle blocker every time leaving the pins wide open. A good tool to use is the two step approach. In transition you find yourself not able to break off the net and take your full three step approach. Instead you can only take a short left-right step and basically jump straight up. I am a setter, not a middle hitter. But throughout my career I have picked up little tid bits of information for every position, hopefully what I am telling you now is helpful and to an extent correct.

NewEnglandRT · 11-20-2006, 03:14 PM

It's funny you say to jump with every ball, which is something Bry. does very well. So well in fact that anything short of a huge 4 1/2 set he thinks is his

Especially when the setter really doesn't know how to set a 2 and keeps giving him the ball high and off.

cheetah · 11-20-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHitterDPasser

I'm making the transition to slightly more competitve ball and because I'm a little taller than some of the guys I play with, I'm often expected to play middle. This is a new position to me and I'm not comfortable with it because I really don't know all my responsibilities, positions, etc. Anyone have any tips, for what I should be doing on serve receive, defense on free balls, how to line up with the setter in a 5-1 when we are both in the front row and when we are not in the front row, etc.,...?

Great thread BHDP! I too have begun playing middle for the first time this season and am a bit lost....I look forward to reading any input that is shared

biggoon · 11-21-2006, 09:05 PM

you must learn how to block the outside hit and then transition to block the right side hit. the middle blocker is always expected to go up to block.

coachmanzi · 11-21-2006, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggoon

you must learn how to block the outside hit and then transition to block the right side hit. the middle blocker is always expected to go up to block.

it's not just a matter of learning how, but being able to read your opponents offense, defense, hitters, and expect what's going to happen. If I'm MBing, my main focus on blocking the pin hitters is getting my outside shoulder pressed onto the hitters hitting arm.

Marv Dunphy has taught me Ball-Setter-Ball-Hitter.

See the pass, look directly at the setter, where they are setting it, then once you recognize the set, you're whole focus is on the hitter and his approach.

Blocking is a huge science....I've been to 3 day clinic on just blocking alone and I still need work. damn this 40" vert!

Always remember to Penetrate!

set10 · 11-22-2006, 05:39 PM

coachmanzi is absolutely right with the importance of blocking, but since he's taking care of that topic I figured I'd tackle this one.

from what I've noticed, the biggest problem that new middles have is getting lost. They end up getting turned around trying to find the ball on transitions and end up taking themselves out of the offense. This is the same when waiting for serve recieve (if you are not passing) DO NOT TURN AROUND.
and NEVER have your back to the net. Instead, simply back yourself up to where you will take your approach from (depending on the offense it could be 10ft or 5 ft) and look over your shoulder-remember follow the ball with your eyes not your body. Then go directly to the setter with your approach. On transition OPEN your shoulders and hips to where the setter *should* be and go to him

BHitterDPasser · **A Thanksgiving Conversation w/Coach -** 11-23-2006, 10:57 PM

So I had the oppurtunity to chat online with Coach Manzi and ask him a few questions. Today's installment will cover two offensive situations: the free ball & the post attack.

Broken play, free ball on the other side, what do I do?

Transition off the net to about 12' line, keep the ball in the corner of
your eye, seeing your setter in your peripheral. Start your approach for a 1 as the ball reaches it's apex from the pass. You should be in the air before the ball leaves the setters hands.

So I am assuming a free ball, the setter is going to go to his setting position between the mid and the opp hitter, right?

Yea, the setter should release as soon as he knows it's a free ball.

Now assuming it is not a free ball, setters defensive position is typically in the back right? And ideally I should be at the net putting up the big block. So assuming by unworldly powers, they get through the block, is it as simple as drop back to mid court watch the pass that hopefully is going to the
setter and run the same appraoch in prep for a quick?

Setters/Opp always go to the right side but it sounds like you have the right idea.

Thanks Coach. Next time we'll have to get some basic blocking scenarios

strazzere · 11-24-2006, 09:04 PM

My biggest grip about most middles in yankee is their ability to read the setter...

You should be able to block every ball - granted the setter wants to own you and fake you out. However it gets really annoying having to crash in because your middle went opp instead of outside.

Jumping for ever ball is true, you need to get the other middle to respect you - to give your other hitters a 1v1 - if not - kill them lol

kvb · 05:50 PM

I have played middle and setter at various times...

MIDDLE'S JOB

Your #1 job is...U R a blocking machine!! Shut down their hitters & get in their heads. Yeah! Be intimidating! (PS-anticipate, plant, jump 1/2 second after the hitter, remember to close the block and don't drift!!)

2-Get the h#$% outta the way of the setter! Don't have "stuck to the net/sticky net syndrome." Come back for your approach. And no, don't you dare set that ball!!

3-Get ready for the quick and crush it! Start your approach when the ball leaves the setter's hands. Yes it will be there when you get up. Have faith the setter will put it right into your swinging hand!

PS-avoid jumping jack arms if you don't want to clock your fellow blockers in the head. Crouch down and jump straight up.

PPS-If the passes suck, you will not get set much.

PPPS-On the free ball and the good pass, 95% chance the ball is coming to you, get ready for the quick.