Volleyball is a great game for all ages. It is a team sport that requires coordination, communication, and athletic ability. Hitting a volleyball is one of the most important skills in the game. There are many different ways to hit a volleyball, but the following tips will help you hit the ball with power and accuracy, while in the water.
There are several different ways to hit a volleyball, depending on the situation. For example, if you are trying to score a point, you would want to hit the ball over the water volleyball net into your opponent’s court. But if you are just playing for fun, you might want to try some different techniques, like bumping or setting the ball.
To hit the ball over the net, you will want to approach it from the front, with your arm extended out in front of you. Make contact with the ball using the palm of your hand, and snap your wrist to give it extra power. Follow through with your arm so that you end up pointing in the direction that you want the ball to go.
If you are playing for fun, you might want to try different techniques like bumping or setting the ball. Bumping is when you hit the ball with your closed fist, and is often used to keep the ball in play when you don’t have time to set it up for a proper hit. To set the ball, you will want to hold it in both hands in front of you, and then gently push it up into the air so that your teammate can hit it. Try to find a central spot in the pool or lake, away from other players and the edge to allow you enough time to adjust to the ball, as the water slows down your movement speed by 2X more than on land.
Volleyball Selection
Before beginning, it is important to choose the right type of volleyball. There are two main types of water volleyball: recreational and competitive. Recreational volleyballs are typically much softer and have less bounce than competitive volleyballs. As a result, they are much easier to control in games and are better suited for beginners.
Grip
Next, it is important to choose the right grip. The most common grip is the overhand grip, which is when the hand is positioned above the volleyball. This grip is ideal for hitting hard and powerful shots. Another popular grip is the underhand grip, which is when the hand is positioned below the volleyball. This grip is best for softer shots and is often used for serves.
Ball Position
Once the right grip has been chosen, it is time to position the ball. For an overhand shot, the ball should be placed slightly behind and to the left of the center. For an underhand shot, the ball should be placed slightly in front of and to the right of the center.
Setting the Ball
Before you can spike the ball, you need to set it. A set is like a pass, but it’s done with your hands instead of a bump. You’ll use your fingers and thumbs to control the ball.
1. Start by holding the ball in your non-dominant hand. This hand will be used to guide the ball.
2. Place your dominant hand behind the ball.
3. Use your fingers and thumb to control the ball. Squeeze the ball so that it’s snug against your palm.
4. Extend your arm and snap your wrist to send the ball into the air.
5. As the ball reaches its highest point, bring your dominant hand over the ball. This will help you control the ball on the way down.
Spiking the Ball
When the ball is in the air, you’ll need to spike it. This is done by hitting the ball with your palm. Unlike on land, you’ll need to get in position in the water a little earlier, but luckily the water will cushion your landing.
1. Start in an upright position, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. As the ball comes down, jump and extend your arm.
3. Hit the ball with the palm of your hand.
4. Follow through with your arm to ensure that the ball goes over the net.
5. Land on your feet if in the shallow end or get back to a treading water position and be prepared to defend.
Serving the Ball
When you serve the ball, you’ll need to hit it with your palm. This is done by holding the ball in your non-dominant hand and using your arm to snap it into the air.
1. Start by holding the ball in your non-dominant hand.
2. Place your dominant hand behind the ball.
3. Use your fingers and thumb to control the ball. Squeeze the ball so that it’s snug against your palm.
4. Bring your arm back and then snap it forward to send the ball into the air.
5. As the ball reaches its highest point, bring your dominant hand over the ball. This will help you control the ball on the way down.
6. Hit the ball with the palm of your hand.
7. Follow through with your arm to ensure that the ball goes over the net.
8. Prepare to defend.
Diving for the Ball
This is one of the most fun aspects of water volleyball! If the other team hits the ball and it’s headed your way, you’ll need to dive for it. This is done by jumping to the side or the back (out of the water) and using your hands to dig the ball.
1. Start in an upright position, treading water or lightly swimming.
2. As the ball comes your way, assess the situation.
3. If you need to dive, prepare to jump up in the water.
4. Put your hands out in front of you and tuck your chin to protect your head.
5. Dig the ball up with your hands and then get back into position.
Returning the Ball
Once you’ve dug the ball up, you’ll need to return it. This is done by passing the ball to a teammate.
1. Start in an upright position.
2. As the ball comes your way, assess the situation.
3. If you need to dive, conserve some energy.
4. Put your hands out in front of you and tuck your chin to protect your head.
5. Dig the ball up with your hands and then get back into position.
6. Pass the ball to a teammate using a bump, set, or spike.
7. Be sure to follow through with your arms to ensure that the ball goes where you want it to.
8. Prepare to defend.
How to Block at the Net
In volleyball, you can block a ball that’s headed your way. This is done by jumping out of the water and putting your hands up to deflect the ball.
1. Start in an upright position, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. As the ball comes your way, assess the situation.
3. If you need to block, jump and extend your arms.
4. Put your hands up to deflect the ball.
5. Be sure to follow through with your arms to ensure that the ball goes where you want it to.
6. Land on your feet and be prepared to defend.
7. If the ball is headed toward the ground, you can also dive in the water for it.
Tips
- Use your fingers and thumb to control the ball. This will give you more control over the ball.
- Follow through with your arms on every hit. This will help ensure that the ball goes where you want it to.
- Be sure to stay light and do not overcommit. This will allow you to move quickly and be ready to defend.
- If you need to dive for the ball, tuck your chin and put your hands out in front of you. This will protect your head and protect others nearby from injury.
- When blocking, extend your arms and jump. This will help you deflect the ball.
- Practice, practice, practice! The more you play, the better you’ll get.
- Use the right grip. There are two main grips for hitting a volleyball: the forearm pass and the overhead pass. The forearm pass is when you grip the ball with your palm and fingers, and the thumb is behind the ball. The overhead pass is when you grip the ball with your whole hand.
- Use the right arm motion. When hitting a volleyball, you want to use a smooth, continuous motion. You do not want to stop your arm in mid-air or jerk it as you hit the ball.
- Hit the ball in the sweet spot. The sweet spot is the area on the volleyball that is between the center and the edge of the ball. Hitting the ball in the sweet spot will give you the most power and accuracy.
- Make sure you are following through with your swing. After you hit the ball, you want to continue your arm motion until your hand is above your head. This will help you generate more power and accuracy.
- Make sure you are using the right footwork. When hitting a volleyball, you want to start with your feet in a wide stance and then step into the ball as you swing your arm. This will help you generate more power and accuracy.
FAQs
How do I hit a volleyball over the net?
When hitting the ball, you’ll need to make contact with the ball above your waist. This will send the ball over the net. You can also use a combination of arm and wrist snap to generate power. Be sure to follow through with your arms to ensure that the ball goes over the net.
How do I keep the ball in play?
When receiving the ball, be sure to control it with your fingers and thumb. This will give you more control over the ball. You can also use a light grip to increase the speed of the ball. Be sure to follow through with your arms on every hit to ensure that the ball goes where you want it to.
What is the best way to defend?
When defending, be sure to stay light and keep treading water. This will allow you to move quickly and be ready to defend. If you need to dive for the ball, tuck your chin and put your hands out in front of you. When blocking, extend your arms and jump. This will help you deflect the ball.
What is the best way to attack?
When attacking, you’ll need to make contact with the ball above your waist. This will send the ball over the net. You can also use a combination of arm and wrist snap to generate power. Be sure to follow through with your arms to ensure that the ball goes over the net. When blocking, extend your arms and jump. This will help you deflect the ball.
How do I block at the net?
In volleyball, you can block a ball that’s headed your way. This is done by jumping and putting your hands up to deflect the ball. Start in an upright position, with your feet shoulder-width apart. As the ball comes your way, assess the situation. If you need to block, jump and extend your arms. Put your hands up to deflect the ball. Be sure to follow through with your arms to ensure that the ball goes where you want it to. Land on your feet and be prepared to defend.
What kind of ball is used in Water Volleyball?
Most traditional volleyball balls are leather, which absorb water and are unsuitable for water volleyball. Usually people use neoprene or polymer-based balls to minimize water damage. Note that neoprene balls may be heavier after being sprayed and have no rubber core, so it may sail a bit more in the wind. A great water volleyball is made with waterproof plastic or vinyl, which makes it completely waterproof all weather.
Summary
By following these tips, you will be sure to hit a volleyball properly and improve your game. With practice, hitting a volleyball can become an easy and enjoyable task. Volleyball is a great game that can be enjoyed by all. So get out there and start playing!