Coaching Tip: Visual Clues

Don Hardin, University of Illinois Head Women's Volleyball Coach

Visual cues are important in becoming an outstanding blocker. The five key visual cues a blocker should watch for in preparation for attempting to block a ball are:

• Identify the opponents' attackers (hitters)
• Glance at the pass (ball)
• Look at the setter (setter)
• Glance at the set (ball)
• Watch the hitter (hitter)

Courtesy of "The Volleyball Coaching Bible," edited by Don Shondell and Cecile Reynaud.

Drill for Success: Dig 10

Joan Powell, Coronado (Colorado) High School Girl's Volleyball Coach

Purpose: This drill provides an opportunity for defensive players to become accustomed to reading the setter and gives them a chance to work on various defensive alignments.

Setup: Three coaches are on boxes on one side of the net. A group of six players set up on the other side (figure 8.17).

Execution: The group of six on the floor attempts to dig 10 balls. The ball is put in play from a setter on the opposite side of the net so the defense becomes accustomed to reading the setter. The setter sets in the general direction of one of the coaches. That coach then tosses a ball to attack or tip against the defense. Repeat the sequence 10 times before switching players on defense. Work on various defensive alignments. Compete to see which group gets the most digs out of 10.

Coaching Points: The ability to read the setter is paramount for a successful defense. When introducing live hitters, the drill becomes even more gamelike.

Variations: The drill can be done with three live hitters at each position instead of coaches.

Rules Trivia

By Marcia Alterman, NCAA Women's Rules Interpreter

FACT or FICTION? The libero has served once in game one, in replacement of player #12 For the rest of that game, it is allowable for any of the following to serve in that position: player #12, the libero, or any legal substitute for player #12.

FACT! NCAA Rule 13.1.4 states: "The libero may replace the server in one rotation In that rotation, the libero, the player who started the game in that position, or any legal substitute for the starting player, may serve". This ruling would be the same for NFHS rules.

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