In volleyball, what is the best defense against a 4-2 offense?

Question

I have a very average to below average league team. We are good enough, but I am tired of losing and we have two issues: defense and passing. I am just getting back into playing and I really enjoy this team even if it is below the skill level I used to play. I would love to help us out and give some pointers any help will be appreciated.

Answer 1

This isn't really a defensive technique but I like to hit towards the opponents setter.  If its an off speed sometimes no one will pick it up, the setter is already moving to his or her setting position.  if the setter picks it up then someone else has to set.  You do have to watch for the setter to set the first ball but if the hitters were blocking it will be hard for them to get back into position for a good hit.

Answer 2

I'm in exactly the same situation as you are.  However, good team-work works for poorly skilled teams as well as highly skilled ones.  Concentrate on blocking and coverage.

Playing defense against 4-2 offense is easier than 6-2 or 5-1 because your opponent has only 2 front row hitters againt your team's 3 blockers at all times.  At least double-block or even triple-block whenever you can.  Team blocking takes some practice and drills.  2 side blockers are the primary blockers and the middle blocker closes the block meaning whether the side blocker blocks line or cross, the middle blocker 'closes' the blocks preventing penetration between blockers.  Back row players in the blocked area should move forward to cover dinks and others should cover the unblocked area and try to dig.  Don't just look at the ball but hitters too.  Learn to read the hitters and where they hit.  Usually, if you line up the set ball and the hitter's shoulder, you get the angle of the hit.

When it comes to passing, the most common error is not being at the right spot.  Players tend to stay close to the middle.  Everyone gathers up to the middle and leave the sidelines and back corners uncovered.  Front row players should play short and back row players should play deep leaving no uncovered area.

Also, if you have a player with bad passing skills, good ones should box him/her out when receiving serves.  Basically, bad players minimize their coverage area and good ones maximize theirs.

I'm trying my best to help out my team/league but there's only so much one can do.  You can't help someone who's not trying to help himself.  Have the playes work on their individual skills, too.      My best wishes.

Answer 3

you need to think about where the hitters are setting up. If the setter is setting from the middle front (ie position spot #3)..then the hitters are going to be hitting more cross court..especially in a league. So your defense wont have to worry as much about the line shots as the cross court ones..so set up your defense accordingly. Also, work on blocking..especially because you only have two hitters in the front row at a time, much easier than say a 5-1 or a 6-2. You could have your "outside" or position 4 player come in a help block with the middle and the weak side (ie position 2)..that is if the setter is setting from position 2, which is where most setters do set from. Another thing is maybe your thinking to technically. You could just try setting up your defense into lanes, so that the back row players (ie spots 5,6 and 1) each play in their own lanes, getting everything ahead of them and behind them. All you really need to do is just hustle real hard and just keep the ball off of the ground, if you do that then you shouldnt need to worry about the techinicality of the game. Just make it your goal to hit the ground and play scappy defense.