Hmmm... what do you think?

Question

well, I've got a problem.

my height- lol.

I know thats a weird thing to say when youre 5'11.

but its true.

I am a really good defensive player for my height, but not as amazing as some of the shorter players. Its also hard for me to stay low, especially in all-day tournaments, where, after playing all the way around. i get tired.

I also am usually better at setting than the setter on the teams i play on (my school is pretty bad, & i cant afford to play on a good club team). This creates problem hitting, beside the fact that i'm not a good hitter to start with. I also am inconsistent at blocking- some matches i may get five, other times none.I'm really bad at timing!!!

Everyone expects me to be a good front row player because im tall, but im better back row, yet still not good enough to play for a large college- which are the only schools that have tall back row players.

Idk what to do. Does anyone have any tips for being more consistent, or learning timing?

Answer 1

If you are good at setting and need help at blocking, maybe you could try being an OPP. OPPs are emergency setters and block the toughest hitter on the opposing team. Just because you are inconsistent at it, doesn't mean should shy away from it. Practice makes perfect.

Your defense is strong so that's a plus too, many people think front row players don't play defense. This is especially a myth when the opposing team hits at OPP, you'll have the strong cross to defend as an OPP.

OPPs don't hit so much, but maybe the change in timing will help you.

Answer 2

I think you should tell your coach how you feel and show him that you are a good back row player. If you prove yourself maybe he will make you the libero.

Answer 3

You should specialize as a libro. If you good enough then they wont really care if your tall or short. Also repatition is key. Just practice over and over again trying to hit the timing right. I had this same problem. But i just worked it out by doing it over and over again.

Answer 4

Good questions, vball babe... welcome back :)

I will see whether I can find answers for you... me myself was playing MB/MH, and my teammates expected me to be more productive in the front row hitting, but I felt (agreed by other players in open gym) that I have been better on defense, especially when I am in back row.

When you play back row, do you get switched to the middle deep? That might be a little more helpful, as you don't have to stay "that low" when patrolling the end line. I sometimes got lost when playing pickup volleyball and they pushed me to middle short (10-ft line) for first receive.

Blocking is not that bad to me, as I could always get 3-5 blocks in each set, but I don't know how to help you on timing, maybe just more practice? Some good players can really stay away from single or even double block; in that scenario you can't do anything about it. You being there for the block makes your back row diggers' job a lot easier as they only need to cover a certain area but not necessarily the whole area. When blocking, jump and reach over the net to "ceiling" the ball, press the ball after your opponent's third touch. If you can't reach over the net all the time, you will need to work on your vertical.

Hitting takes coordination between a hitter and a setter. You just need more practice, and you need at least 30 minutes warm up for both setter and hitter before you start any game.

When I am in defense mode, I move my feet more frequently than other players, which gave me the chance to get to the ball earlier so that I don't have to stay very low... sometimes when you stay low you will lose your mobility, have you realized that? The side effect is that I would need to take a break (being subbed, recently) after two sets.

Oh, you also mentioned that you got tired during all-day tournament. That is normal for all players. We had a tournament one year ago in San Diego (I was not able to make it), and I was told that all our hitters could not jump in play-off after half-day struggle "just to get into playoff". We had a different rotation plan in the latest LA tournament, and we made it thru with only two hitters down. Try talking to your coach and see whether you can get subbed in some easy games so that you can save yourself some energy for "real fighting". A rotation plan to get all players rested from time to time is as important as designing plays.

Hope I have done some help.

Answer 5

Tons of practice.  Work on a tall players strong suits such as blocking and spiking.  If you have a good spiking approach, ya know the alligator pit and such, you will get better.

Answer 6

Being a good tall defensive player is a plus.  That way, they do not have to sub you out when you hit the back row.  They can sub you out to give you a rest or send in the Libero, but they do not HAVE to do it.  In the latter part of the tournament, see if your coach will have the Libero come in for you on one trip across the back row or have a DS so that you can rest.  

The best way to get better at hitting is just to keep hitting.  Getting used to inconsistent setting is tough.  And working out with your setters in the off season will help you and will help them as well.  See if they can work out with you after school several days a week.  

Blocking is a different story.  Blocking is different.  I really prefer to call it shielding.  If you are shielding the worst part of your defense against their best attacks and you do not touch the ball, you are doing a good job "blocking."  It helps your team dig the ball more than you could block.  If you have 5 blocks, it could be on sets that are too close to the net.  Watch their number to see where they are going to hit.  Most hitters hit exactly where their body is aiming.  Go up just after they do.  The closer the set is to the net, the closer to the same time is your jump.  (Example-if the ball is on top of the net, you will jump at the same time.  If it is at the 3 meter line, you will jump well after the hitter.)  

You need to practice almost every day in order to make a good D1 school.  If you have a good friend to work out with you, it is better.  

Good luck.  Keep working out and you will make it.

Answer 7

first your gonna have to choose what you prefer to do. If you want to be a DS, then your best bet is to get more play time as a libero and work that route, but don't neglect the rest of your game.

As far as Blocking and Hitting go, its all about timing and you need to practice that. To practice on your timing for Blocks, you need to learn to read the setter and Hitters.  To help in reading a hitter, watch wear they position their shoulders before they jump for the swing, when trying to read the setter the best you can do is watch for direction...

To practice on your timing for Hits, repetition will win. You need to work with your setter and know their hieghts for sets. Once you know that, it will help you better time your approach to the ball. Standard rule for a hitter is never start your approach until the ball has left the setters hands.

Thats should get you started.....and when I coach my girls juniors team, I alway teach them to swing at everything during practice, whether they are going to hit the net or not...this helps in teaching them how to adjust to an off set that might be short.

Hope this helps some

Answer 8

practicwe

Answer 9

Why don't you specialise as a libero instead?