How to read the hitter?

Question

Im on a junior olympics volleyball team, and i play back and front row. My hits are turning out better than i have been, and im a consistent server. I have very, very good passes- but the problem is, i have the MOST trouble getting to the ball. I have a huge backside (hehh) so i have trouble turning fast or making quick reactions. I really want to learn how to read the hitter. But i dont know how- ive looked into it, and it seems impossible. The hit is so quick, how could you think about all that and move in maybe one or two seconds? please help :/

Answer 1

one trick that i have picked up from watching the really good players play that really helps (shh its a secret.lol) is the whole they are in the back row, they are moving around forward and back and side to side

within their spot before the hitter hits the ball.

this gives the hitter trouble with where to hit the ball because they dont know exactly where you're going to be.

also, i the back row (unless they are really good) most hitters will hit in the direction  that their shoulders are facing,if not they have a tendency to hit to the same spot, that you can pick up by watching.

Actually it is the blockers responsiblity to take up a large % of the court, so you should set up behind them.(just off their shoulder)

another thing is, volleyball is a game of reactions, you really dont have time to "think". you can be quicker by staying low,

this also helps with rolling/diving to get  the ball.

when you are a blocker, you can tell where to go, by following the hitters midsection, they may fake with their head or whatever, but their stomach/abs never lie.

thats all i can think of right now, hope it helps.

Answer 2

i find it easy if you look at which way their shoulders are pointing

Answer 3

Watch the hitters during warm ups.  Many hitters give clues to where they are hitting if you know what to look for.  Many younger hitters hit exactly straight.  If you get in line with their approach, you will dig the ball.  As hitters get older and more experienced, they will turn their bodies and shoulders to hit in a different direction.  Some will even angle their hands to turn the hit around the blocks.  

You should try to read your blockers more than just the hitters.  I am going to discuss the outside hitter.  The other positions are nearly the same.  If your outside blocker takes the line, you should not be on the line expecting to dig a hard spike.  You will only get a tip over the blocker.  If your blocker is trying to stop the cross court spike, you should be on the line expecting to get the hard spike.  (Maybe)

If your team is using double blockers for the outside hitter, you should be looking cross court of the middle blocker or the seam between the blockers.  

You should do all of your moving before the ball is hit.  If you are moving during the hit or after the hit, you will have trouble.  Move quickly before the ball gets to the hitter and then get stopped.  

Good luck.  Digging the ball is a very tough skill.

Answer 4

Two things, the first is try to figure out the player's tendencies, some players hit cross-court almost every single time, others never do. If you know a players tendencies try to cheat that way a little before the hit. Then as the player is going up to hit watch his/her chest, if their chest is facing cross-court, it's virtually impossible for them to make a hard hit down the line, and vice-versa. Also if your block is in the way of you being able to see the hitter's chest, then you are probably out of position, because there is no chance the hitter will get a hard hit through the block...

Answer 5

look how they take off and look at the set and reed their shoulders or just stay in the middle and run to the ball

Answer 6

You "read" by researching on those opponents with your coach, anticipating their plays in real game.

Practice your blocking/digging with your teammates against each of your opponents' play, if your coach could get to that point. It is a team effort and your blockers should "protect" the area that has your "weaker digger".

Playing more competitive games could also help you get to the ball more quickly.

Don't blame your body, as we can all see that you are a perfect athlete :)

Answer 7

For my team my coach always tell us to watch the players hips.  The hips will always tell you the direction that the player intends to take thier approach to hit.  Also look at their shoulders to check the direction that the ball is going to go in.  But you also have to be wary of tips and make sure that your able to get their in time.  reading is only half of the solution, your footwork is the other half.  Make sure your always on your toes.  my coach always says to make it so you can slide a paper under your feet.  Also just make sure your low.  Practicing plyometric drills helps to work on your speed and agility.  The "fast feet" drill also helps.  Some players rock side to side so they're always ready.

Answer 8

It's tough, but you have to watch their shoulder. The direction their shoulder points is the direction the ball is going.  If their arm is all the way back, be prepared for a slam. If their arm is to the side or not in the right hitting position, watch and call out for tips. Just stay low and on your toes. Also, don't run with your hands together; it slows you down dramatically and if you have to, dive and pop it back up with one hand.