Essential Skills for a Hitter in Volleyball: Tips For Short Attackers

A short hitter in volleyball can aim the ball for the seam of the block to score since its harder for defenders to block at the net or dig up in the back row. 

A short hitter in volleyball can aim the ball for the seam of the block to score since its harder for defenders to block at the net or dig up in the back row.

Volleyball is a game of strategy, precision, and effective teamwork.

One important part of a successful team is the hitter, and budding athletes especially short hitters, need to master crucial volleyball hitting techniques to stand out on the court.

A valuable spiking technique is aiming the ball for the seam of the block.

This tactic becomes a potent tool when smartly exercised by a short hitter in volleyball.

The seam refers to the area between the outside blocker's hands and the middle blocker's hands.

The idea behind aiming for the seam is that this area can be challenging for defenders both to block at the net and to dig up in the back row.

A common practice among these is to test the defense by continuing to hit at the seam until the block is closed, or your shots have been successfully dug once or twice.

A hole in the block, which sometimes appears when the middle blocker and outside blocker do not form a solid block together, can be exploited for scoring points until the opposing team rectifies their formation.

A hole in the block, which sometimes appears when the middle blocker and outside blocker do not form a solid block together, can be exploited for scoring points until the opposing team rectifies their formation

Even teams that use swing blocking often leave this hole in the block intentionally, designating a libero to guard the area.

But remember, it's not an easy hit to dig, providing an opportunity for the attacking team to score.

As a hitter, you need to remain vigilant and comfortable with hitting at this space as it often remains undefended in the back row.

However, teams adapt, and strategies must evolve with the game. If the opposing team manages to close the block, you must shift your approach.

Quick thinking and flexibility are fundamental virtues of a good hitter. You might need to consider other tactics such as hitting around the block or targeting the top of the blockers' hands.

Quick thinking and flexibility are fundamental virtues of a good hitter. You might need to consider other tactics such as hitting around the block or targeting the top of the blockers' hands.

Unknown (Asahi Shinbun), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Volleyball, in many ways, resembles a grand game of chess. Each move from your side should incite a reaction from your opponent, which, in turn, opens up opportunities for your next move to score points.

By continuously switching your spiking tactics, you force your opponent to adapt their defense, providing you a chance to exploit weaknesses that emerge in their formations.

Always remember: persistence is key.

Maintain an aggressive, yet adaptive playing style. Keep doing what works, repeatedly scoring points until it doesn't work anymore.

Unknown (Asahi Shinbun), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When a tactic fails, be prepared to move on and try different volleyball hitting techniques that may break the opponent's defense.

Mastering these techniques and strategies will give you a competitive edge on the volleyball court.

Your journey to becoming an exceptional hitter in volleyball starts today.

Keep training, stay agile, and never stop learning.

As with any sport, continuous practice and dedication are the keys to success and improvement.

Aim for the seam when the middle blocker and outside blocker do not go up and form a solid block together. 

The seam is the area between the outside blocker's hands and the middle blocker's hands. 

Cleveland State hitter in volleyball attacks the seam between the block.

It's that space they're supposed to close when they block together at the net. 

That's a "hole in the block" that you need to be comfortable hitting at because there's a good chance there's no one defending that space in the backrow.

A Villanova hitter in volleyball aims for the seam, the hole in the block between the two Chapel Hill blockers.

If they don't then that's an easy play for you to make. 

Alot of teams that swing block leave that hole in the block on purpose and have a libero cover that area but its not an easy hit to dig.

A smart hitter in volleyball should test the defense. Hit at the seam until the block closes it or until you've been dug once or twice. (Ralph Arvesen)

A smart hitter in volleyball should test the defense. Hit at the seam until the block closes it or until you've been dug once or twice. (Ralph Arvesen)

So test the defense.

Hit at the seam until the block closes it or until you've been dug once or twice.

When you see a hole in the block, hit right at it. Keep doing that until the opposing team closes the block. (R. Aversen)

When you see a hole in the block, hit right at it. Keep doing that until the opposing team closes the block.

Many times you'll find that you score more points doing this than if you didn't try it. 

Keep doing what works..until it doesn't work anymore.

Then move on to try another tactic like hitting around the block or hitting the top of the blockers hands. 

In many ways volleyball is a big game of chess and you need to force your opponent to make moves that allow you to make additional moves that score points. 

Of course, learning the strategies is only part of the equation. Implementing them and honing your skills is equally - if not more - vital.

Below, I share some training tips designed to enhance your capabilities as a hitter in volleyball:

Neon Tommy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Timing is crucial in volleyball.

Whether you're hitting the seam, aiming for the corners, or engaging in rapid-fire exchanges, your timing significantly impacts your accuracy.

Engaging in hitting timing exercises during training can dramatically improve your hitting skills.

The approach is just as essential as the actual spike hit. Practice a smooth, controlled three-step or four-step approach that ends with a high, explosive jump resulting in a powerful hit.

Practicing with a setter can significantly improve your timing and coordination.

Your core plays a pivotal role in hitting mechanics, affecting both your power and stability.

Include exercises like planks or Russian twists to your training regimen, focusing on strengthening your core muscles.

Jump training (Plyometrics) enhances your explosiveness, enabling you to reach higher at the net.

Squat jumps, tuck jumps, box jumps, and frog jumps are excellent plyometric exercises for volleyball players.

The game of volleyball hosts a variety of positions each with varying roles, and for hitters, strategies can differ significantly based on their position:

Neon Tommy, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As an outside hitter, you face the most blocks since it's an easier position for the opposing team to reach.

Aiming the attack down the line, attacking the block's outer hand, or targeting the deep corners can maximize scoring opportunities.

A middle hitter often performs quick attacks.

One effective strategy is to aim your hit between the opposing team's middle and outside hitters.

Off-speed shots can also throw off the opponent’s timing.

Befitting its name, the opposite hitter position mainly involves hitting from the right side.

While hitting cross-court shots, aim for the deep corner as it's usually the hardest area for defenders to cover.

Backrow hitters tend to use the pipe attack (hitting from the back row in the middle of the court).

The goal here is to hit high, deep, and aggressively towards the back third of the opposing team's court.

Remember, becoming a proficient hitter in volleyball requires patience, persistence, and continuous practice.

Keep open communication with your team, especially setters and liberos, and adjust your strategies based on what the game situation calls for.

Understanding and implementing these tips, strategies, and positions might be challenging at first, but with regular practice and determination, you'll see a notable improvement as a hitter on your team.

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