Making the transition from middle to outside?

Question

I'm on my varisty team in HS and my coach is moving me to the outside position next year. I really belong on the outside anyway cause im alittle on the short side(5'7) i also have the jump hight and the "fire power" needed to be a good outside hitter

the only problem is ive been a middle hitter for the past 3 years. im one of the best blockers and the team and ive learned to avoid the block and place the ball well. ive also made a real connection with my setter and our quicks and huts are run to perfection.

now that im on the outside its a totally different story. i struggle with my timing and i absolutely hate when i get balls off the net which is all the time. it also frustrates my setter cause she doesn't know what i want.

don't get me wrong i do feel more comfrotable on the outside and i absolutely love it when i get that perfect set and i can hammer it down; but when im off my game im REALLY off!

is there anyway to make the transition easier?

Answer 1

You really just need to get lots of reps in. Going from middle to outside is probably the hardest switch possible. try and let your setter know you want them a little tighter.

also, you really have to learn to be patient and wait on the set. first instincts tell you to take your approach slow so you can time the set better, but waiting and then getting an explosive jump will help you out tremendously.

hope the transition works out well.

Answer 2

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

Answer 3

The above answers are correct.  See if your setter can get together with you in the off season and work out together.  

On the high outside set, you can not leave before the setter touches the ball.  

One thing to your advantage would be if you and your setter could add a quick offense to the outside.  Since you are used to the quicks in the middle, you will be able to run quicker sets outside and the 31 in the seam.  Your team could run quick in the middle and outside and use the back row set as the emergency high set.

Answer 4

I'm not a volleyball player, but much like learning Martial Arts, it's a matter of practice. Repetition is always going to improve your game. What I would suggest is to talk to your coach and get some input as to how to improve your game. Tell him/her what your having trouble with. Also, you're on a team, so don't be afraid to go to your teammates and let them know what you're having problems adjusting to. They will help, rather then have the team suffer, as a whole.