4 Activities to help bring your team- together as one.
1. Eat together - this is easier with a junior high or high school level team.
Have each of the players host a dinner the night before or the same day as a home game. Since pasta and sauce is usually fairly inexpensive most families can afford to make a quick dinner for the team that won't put a huge strain on the pocketbook.
While eating, talk about the game coming up that night or just talk and crack jokes.
2. Secret Friend - This should start at the beginning of the season.
Have the players secretly draw names from a hat (or whatever you have on hand.) The name they draw is the person that they will do special things for during the season.
The goal is to keep it a secret throughout the whole season. Reveal the secret friends on the last day of season or at your team banquet.
Some examples are:
Decorating lockers at school, slipping an encouraging note into their gym bag or leaving some candy on their car.
3. Play games at practice - even the most dedicated player needs a break from the same old practice everyday.
To keep the practices fresh, throw in some old favorite games every now and then like dodge ball (volleyballs are great for this game) or tag.
4. OO7 (The double oh seven) -
This is something I thought up a while ago for my players. It's more Mission Impossible than OO7, but fun nonetheless...
At the beginning of the season put individual missions on cards and hand them out to teams of two that you chose. This usually works best when you pair up the most unlikely of players.
These teams of two will have to complete their "mission", without anyone knowing that they are the perpetrators, in a time span of 2 weeks.
For instance, a mission could be 'Stuff toilet paper into [player's name]'s shoes.' By choosing unlikely pairs and putting them up to silly pranks together they will have to work together to reach a common goal.
The most important thing for team bonding as a coach or captain is to remain alert and nip any fighting in the bud immediately.
If there are internal feuds going on, do not assume they will work themselves out. Address the problem as a team and tackle the problem as a team. The longer the problem is allowed to fester, the worse it will become. Always be fair and do not play favorites. Keep practice fun and remember there's nothing like laughter to bring people together!
Take care,
Hayley
http://www.volleyball-magic.com/ http://www.winningvolleyballskills.info/
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
BASIC RULES ON HOW TO PLAY VOLLEYBALL
Indoor volleyball is played with two 6 player teams. Each team has 3 front row players and 3 back row players. The front row players mainly hit and block. The back row players mainly pass and dig.
The teams are separated by a net over which the ball must cross.
In the men’s game, the net is positioned to 2.43 meters high.
In the women’s game, the net is positioned to 2.24 meters high.
Basic Skills for How to Play VolleyballThere are some basic skills and court positions that you must know before you start playing volleyball.
The skills listed here are just basic.
The basic skills for playing volleyball are serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking and digging.
The serve is what begins the game.
Passing the ball is the skill that’s performed by the player receiving the ball.
Setting is the action of playing the ball to a teammate. Setting is usually done in an overhead motion using the hands. Players that have a hard time getting in good position to hand set may elect to set using a forearm passing motion. This is called bump setting.
Attacking or spiking is the action of sending the ball over the net to the opponent's court. Attacks are usually done by taking steps to approach the net to jump and hit the ball. The volleyball approach and hit is often thought of as the most fun skill in volleyball.
A block is the action of trying to prevent the ball from crossing the net into your court.
Digging is the action of playing the ball in a way that prevents the ball from touching the court after an attack by the opponents.
To get good at these volleyball skills require improving physical proficiency and hand-arm-and-eye coordination. Being able to effectively communicate with your teammates and having an understanding of how to play volleyball will highly influence how well you perform these skills.
On a very basic level, players on the team can be divided into 2 types.
Front row players (attack/blocker)The front row players responsibility is attacking the ball when the setter sets them. Also, front row players try to block the ball coming from the opponent.
Back row players (passer/digger)The back row players main responsibility is to pass the ball that comes from the opponent. Back row players are the main passers on the team when receiving the opponents serve. Back row players also dig balls hit by opposing team spikers.
Here are some basic volleyball positions you should become familiar with when learning how to play volleyball.
Setter A setters main job is to set spikers. This is done by waiting for a teammate to pass the ball to them.
Spiker A spiker (attacker) is a player that attacks a ball over the net. The spiker is a front row player and their main job is to spike balls at the net.
Passer A passer is player that passes the ball up to the setter. The better a passer is able to pass, the easier it is for the setter to set which results in a better attack by the spiker.
Digger A digger is a defensive player that passes the ball up to the setter. The digger is skilled at digging hard driven spikes and chasing down off-speed shots by the opponent.
Server The server is the player on the team that puts the ball into play to start the rally. The players that undstand how to play volleyball the best are often the best servers on the team.
The teams are separated by a net over which the ball must cross.
In the men’s game, the net is positioned to 2.43 meters high.
In the women’s game, the net is positioned to 2.24 meters high.
Basic Skills for How to Play VolleyballThere are some basic skills and court positions that you must know before you start playing volleyball.
The skills listed here are just basic.
The basic skills for playing volleyball are serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking and digging.
The serve is what begins the game.
Passing the ball is the skill that’s performed by the player receiving the ball.
Setting is the action of playing the ball to a teammate. Setting is usually done in an overhead motion using the hands. Players that have a hard time getting in good position to hand set may elect to set using a forearm passing motion. This is called bump setting.
Attacking or spiking is the action of sending the ball over the net to the opponent's court. Attacks are usually done by taking steps to approach the net to jump and hit the ball. The volleyball approach and hit is often thought of as the most fun skill in volleyball.
A block is the action of trying to prevent the ball from crossing the net into your court.
Digging is the action of playing the ball in a way that prevents the ball from touching the court after an attack by the opponents.
To get good at these volleyball skills require improving physical proficiency and hand-arm-and-eye coordination. Being able to effectively communicate with your teammates and having an understanding of how to play volleyball will highly influence how well you perform these skills.
On a very basic level, players on the team can be divided into 2 types.
Front row players (attack/blocker)The front row players responsibility is attacking the ball when the setter sets them. Also, front row players try to block the ball coming from the opponent.
Back row players (passer/digger)The back row players main responsibility is to pass the ball that comes from the opponent. Back row players are the main passers on the team when receiving the opponents serve. Back row players also dig balls hit by opposing team spikers.
Here are some basic volleyball positions you should become familiar with when learning how to play volleyball.
Setter A setters main job is to set spikers. This is done by waiting for a teammate to pass the ball to them.
Spiker A spiker (attacker) is a player that attacks a ball over the net. The spiker is a front row player and their main job is to spike balls at the net.
Passer A passer is player that passes the ball up to the setter. The better a passer is able to pass, the easier it is for the setter to set which results in a better attack by the spiker.
Digger A digger is a defensive player that passes the ball up to the setter. The digger is skilled at digging hard driven spikes and chasing down off-speed shots by the opponent.
Server The server is the player on the team that puts the ball into play to start the rally. The players that undstand how to play volleyball the best are often the best servers on the team.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
BEGGINER VOLLEYBALL DRILLS
Toss and Pass - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This drill is for beginning volleyball players. This volleyball drill requires two players.
One player tosses an easy ball to the other player to pass. This should be done for a specific number of repetitions and then the players switch rolls.
Players focus on passing to each other with proper passing technique. Variations - After players have become comfortable passing off of a toss, players can now try to continuously pepper the ball, passing the ball back and forth to one another.
Benefits When first learning for passing, it’s important to start out passing a ball that’s being tossed to you because it’s the easiest ball to pass. You know the ball is coming right to you and so you can concentrate on good passing form.
Wall Hitting - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This drill requires only one player, a ball, and a wall.
Pick a spot on the wall to hit to. Toss the ball to yourself and try to hit the spot. Focus on using proper arm swing technique.
VariationsOne variation of this volleyball drill is mimicking serving technique. Toss the ball up, take a step, and try to hit a spot on the wall.
You can also mimic hitting. Toss the ball up, bring your arms up in the air, and then swing as if you were an attacker. You can angle your hit so the ball bounces off the ground then wall so it will rebound right back to you for another repetition.
BenefitsHitting against a wall is a great way to work on armswing. This volleyball drill is also great because you can do it by yourself.
Wall Blocks - Beginner Volleyball Drills
The purpose of wall blocks is to train players to block without brushing the net with their arms on the way down after a block.
Players are basically performing block jumps in front of a wall. Start by standing in front of a wall in a blocking position. The players then jump up and touch as high as they can on the wall using good blocking form. The players then come back down to the ground and land in blocking position. Benefits The idea is to be able to perform the block jump without scraping your arms against the wall. This will be an incentive to perform the block jump with good technique.
NOTE: Both Wall Hitting and Wall Blocks are beginner volleyball drills that can be done alone. It's important for beginning players to realize there is a lot they can do on their own to make themselves a better player.
1 on 1 Setting Drill - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This is a good drill for developing consistent setting through repetitions setting. Have two players set back and forth to each other over the net.
If a player can’t get to the ball with their hands, they should bump the ball up to themselves and then set the ball over. The object is to keep the ball in play as long as possible.
Line Passing - Beginner Volleyball Drills
Have players get into 2 lines facing one another. The players at the front of each line pass the ball. After a player passes, the player goes to the end of the line.
Variations
This volleyball drill is usually done for a certain time period. The drill can also be done by counting each good pass. BenefitsPlayers can count out loud each good pass until they reach a goal. This makes the drill more interesting and makes players focus on their passes because only good passes are counted.
Progressive Serving - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This drill is for beginning servers. This drill requires two players. One standing on each side of the court. The players take turns serving to each other.
First, start serving inside the 10ft line also known as the baseline so you are close enough to get the ball over the net. Try to serve to your partner.
As your serving skills develop, gradually back up until you can serve from behind the baseline.
This drill is for beginning volleyball players. This volleyball drill requires two players.
One player tosses an easy ball to the other player to pass. This should be done for a specific number of repetitions and then the players switch rolls.
Players focus on passing to each other with proper passing technique. Variations - After players have become comfortable passing off of a toss, players can now try to continuously pepper the ball, passing the ball back and forth to one another.
Benefits When first learning for passing, it’s important to start out passing a ball that’s being tossed to you because it’s the easiest ball to pass. You know the ball is coming right to you and so you can concentrate on good passing form.
Wall Hitting - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This drill requires only one player, a ball, and a wall.
Pick a spot on the wall to hit to. Toss the ball to yourself and try to hit the spot. Focus on using proper arm swing technique.
VariationsOne variation of this volleyball drill is mimicking serving technique. Toss the ball up, take a step, and try to hit a spot on the wall.
You can also mimic hitting. Toss the ball up, bring your arms up in the air, and then swing as if you were an attacker. You can angle your hit so the ball bounces off the ground then wall so it will rebound right back to you for another repetition.
BenefitsHitting against a wall is a great way to work on armswing. This volleyball drill is also great because you can do it by yourself.
Wall Blocks - Beginner Volleyball Drills
The purpose of wall blocks is to train players to block without brushing the net with their arms on the way down after a block.
Players are basically performing block jumps in front of a wall. Start by standing in front of a wall in a blocking position. The players then jump up and touch as high as they can on the wall using good blocking form. The players then come back down to the ground and land in blocking position. Benefits The idea is to be able to perform the block jump without scraping your arms against the wall. This will be an incentive to perform the block jump with good technique.
NOTE: Both Wall Hitting and Wall Blocks are beginner volleyball drills that can be done alone. It's important for beginning players to realize there is a lot they can do on their own to make themselves a better player.
1 on 1 Setting Drill - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This is a good drill for developing consistent setting through repetitions setting. Have two players set back and forth to each other over the net.
If a player can’t get to the ball with their hands, they should bump the ball up to themselves and then set the ball over. The object is to keep the ball in play as long as possible.
Line Passing - Beginner Volleyball Drills
Have players get into 2 lines facing one another. The players at the front of each line pass the ball. After a player passes, the player goes to the end of the line.
Variations
This volleyball drill is usually done for a certain time period. The drill can also be done by counting each good pass. BenefitsPlayers can count out loud each good pass until they reach a goal. This makes the drill more interesting and makes players focus on their passes because only good passes are counted.
Progressive Serving - Beginner Volleyball Drills
This drill is for beginning servers. This drill requires two players. One standing on each side of the court. The players take turns serving to each other.
First, start serving inside the 10ft line also known as the baseline so you are close enough to get the ball over the net. Try to serve to your partner.
As your serving skills develop, gradually back up until you can serve from behind the baseline.
SETTING DRILLS
There are many different techniques to setting a volleyball. What’s most important is developing a consistent setting style. When you hand set, you want to train your hands to contact the ball the same way every time.
Hand Position for Setting a Volleyball
To find your volleyball setting position… Put your hands above your head with your index fingers and your thumbs together. When first learning setting position, to start, make a triangle with your fingers. Your goal should be to position your hands so that the volleyball would hit you right between the eyes if you were to let the ball go through your hands.
Bring your hands together.
Put your hands together with your finger tips touching.
Open up your hands, forming a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs.
Bring your fingers apart to a distance that would be perfect for placing a ball.
This is the position you want to get your hands in just before you contact the ball setting. You should be able to place a ball into this hand position and let the ball just sit there comfortably. When setting a volleyball, the ball should only be contacted by your fingers and never the palms of your hands.The points of contact on your fingers should be close to the same contact points as when you formed the triangle (basically, you want your finger tips on the ball).
The ball should contact your thumbs and first two fingers with an equal amount of force, while your last two fingers on both hands contact the ball with much less force.Setting TipThe ball spinning after you set is a good indication you aren't contacting the ball cleanly.
Watch your sets and see whether they spin or not. Get in the habit of setting without putting spin on the ball and you will likely never be called for a double contact. Typically, volleyball setters that set the ball much slower will tend to contact the ball with more fingers on the ball.
This extra prolonged contact allows for greater control for more accurate setting placement. Also, with a longer contact, you can take more spin off the ball which can be good for avoiding double hit ball handling calls.On the other hand, the more fingers on the ball, possibly the greater chance of double contacting the ball. A shorter contact time also keeps you from being called for lifting the ball. Both a quick setting style and slow setting style have their advantages and disadvantages. It may be best to experiment with setting at different speeds and styles to see what you are most comfortable with.
Setting MotionWhen you perform the volleyball set, you want to use both your arms and wrists to some degree.Your elbows should be slightly bent at the time of contact and your hands should be in the ready position as the ball contacts your fingers.You can practice setting a volleyball at home by lying down on the floor and setting the ball straight up toward the ceiling.
Hand Position for Setting a Volleyball
To find your volleyball setting position… Put your hands above your head with your index fingers and your thumbs together. When first learning setting position, to start, make a triangle with your fingers. Your goal should be to position your hands so that the volleyball would hit you right between the eyes if you were to let the ball go through your hands.
Bring your hands together.
Put your hands together with your finger tips touching.
Open up your hands, forming a triangle with your index fingers and thumbs.
Bring your fingers apart to a distance that would be perfect for placing a ball.
This is the position you want to get your hands in just before you contact the ball setting. You should be able to place a ball into this hand position and let the ball just sit there comfortably. When setting a volleyball, the ball should only be contacted by your fingers and never the palms of your hands.The points of contact on your fingers should be close to the same contact points as when you formed the triangle (basically, you want your finger tips on the ball).
The ball should contact your thumbs and first two fingers with an equal amount of force, while your last two fingers on both hands contact the ball with much less force.Setting TipThe ball spinning after you set is a good indication you aren't contacting the ball cleanly.
Watch your sets and see whether they spin or not. Get in the habit of setting without putting spin on the ball and you will likely never be called for a double contact. Typically, volleyball setters that set the ball much slower will tend to contact the ball with more fingers on the ball.
This extra prolonged contact allows for greater control for more accurate setting placement. Also, with a longer contact, you can take more spin off the ball which can be good for avoiding double hit ball handling calls.On the other hand, the more fingers on the ball, possibly the greater chance of double contacting the ball. A shorter contact time also keeps you from being called for lifting the ball. Both a quick setting style and slow setting style have their advantages and disadvantages. It may be best to experiment with setting at different speeds and styles to see what you are most comfortable with.
Setting MotionWhen you perform the volleyball set, you want to use both your arms and wrists to some degree.Your elbows should be slightly bent at the time of contact and your hands should be in the ready position as the ball contacts your fingers.You can practice setting a volleyball at home by lying down on the floor and setting the ball straight up toward the ceiling.
VOLLEYBALL TERMS
Learning Terminology for Volleyball
Here are some basic volleyball terms.
Ace A serve is an ace when the other team shanks the serve or the ball hits the floor without anyone touching it.
Stuff Block A stuff block is when a player jumps above the net and blocks the ball back into the person that spiked the ball.
Kill A kill is when a team spikes the ball and it is successfully put away.
Six Pack A six pack occurs when a defensive player gets hit in the head or face by a spiked ball. Also called a facial.
Paint Brush When the hitter swings and barely "brushes" the bottom of the ball. The ball often drops over the blockers for a kill.
Tool Deliberately hitting the ball off the block for a kill. This is also called using the block or a wipe.
Youth Players - Volleyball Terms
Roof When a player jumps above the net to block, and blocks the ball straight down.
Lollipop A lollipop is a very easy serve. This serve is often done with a high arc which is easy to pass. When you serve a lollipop you will probably get licked.
Redwood A redwood is a tall awkward blocker. Redwoods aren’t very mobile.
Chester To be nailed in the chest by a hard serve or spike.
Tagged A player gets tagged when they can’t get out of the way of a hard hit ball.
Swipe or Wipe When a hitter pushes the ball off of the opposing block so it lands out of bounds. Also called tooling the block.
Kong Block A one-handed block like the move King Kong does on the biplanes in the original King Kong movie.
Tuna A tuna is when a player commits a very obvious net violation. Also called a flounder.
ChowderA really bad double contact on a hand set is often called chowder.
Here are some basic volleyball terms.
Ace A serve is an ace when the other team shanks the serve or the ball hits the floor without anyone touching it.
Stuff Block A stuff block is when a player jumps above the net and blocks the ball back into the person that spiked the ball.
Kill A kill is when a team spikes the ball and it is successfully put away.
Six Pack A six pack occurs when a defensive player gets hit in the head or face by a spiked ball. Also called a facial.
Paint Brush When the hitter swings and barely "brushes" the bottom of the ball. The ball often drops over the blockers for a kill.
Tool Deliberately hitting the ball off the block for a kill. This is also called using the block or a wipe.
Youth Players - Volleyball Terms
Roof When a player jumps above the net to block, and blocks the ball straight down.
Lollipop A lollipop is a very easy serve. This serve is often done with a high arc which is easy to pass. When you serve a lollipop you will probably get licked.
Redwood A redwood is a tall awkward blocker. Redwoods aren’t very mobile.
Chester To be nailed in the chest by a hard serve or spike.
Tagged A player gets tagged when they can’t get out of the way of a hard hit ball.
Swipe or Wipe When a hitter pushes the ball off of the opposing block so it lands out of bounds. Also called tooling the block.
Kong Block A one-handed block like the move King Kong does on the biplanes in the original King Kong movie.
Tuna A tuna is when a player commits a very obvious net violation. Also called a flounder.
ChowderA really bad double contact on a hand set is often called chowder.
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