Short Volleyball Player Spikes: Score Points Against Big Blockers

These three short volleyball player spikes offer different attack hit strategy options like deep tips, cut shots and roll shots to score against big blockers.  

Vary Your Volleyball Ball Attack To Score Points Against Big Blockers With These 3 Types of Short Volleyball Player Spikes (Ralph Aversen)

This strategy is perfect for smaller athletes looking for short volleyball player spike options.  

In order to score a point, you don't always have to hit the ball hard.

There are other types of volleyball ball attack hits you should know how to do that still require a spike approach but do not require you to make a fast and quick armswing to drive the ball with force into the opposing court. 

• roll shot
• cut shot
• tip deep

The Roll shot  - is done after a spike approach and with the heel of your hand of your hitting arm which contacts the bottom of the front half of a volleyball while moving your shoulder in an upward motion which gives the ball a forward rolling motion.

This lifts the ball up and over the block and the rolling motion helps the ball fall quickly to the ground. 

The roll shot is usually the third volleyball hit and is used to send the ball over the net in a rally. 

Favorite places for hitters to tip the ball usually are

• behind the block

Here are more detailed step-by-step instructions for each type of spike, including footwork, arm positioning, and timing, tailored specifically for shorter players:

Lets review the roll shot technique. 

1. Roll Shots:

- Approach: Begin by standing slightly behind the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart.

- Footwork: Take a quick three or four-step approach, coordinating your footwork with the type of set you and your setter have agreed upon, to generate power,  momentum and lift towards the ball.

- Arm Positioning: As you approach the ball, position your hitting arm slightly behind your shoulder for a roll shot, keeping your elbow high and close to your ear.

- Timing: Time your jump to meet the ball at its highest point, allowing you to control the shot.

- Contact: Use the heel of your hand to contact the bottom front half of the volleyball, applying a rolling motion to lift the ball over the block.

- Aim: Direct the ball towards an open area behind the block, causing it to fall quickly to the ground. Great places to aim your roll shot for is over the middle blocker to the middle of the court which is the area often called the campfire area. 

Beach volleyball cut shot against Amanda Dowdy cross court block (Austin AVP Open photo by Ralph Aversen)

The Cut shot  - is a ball hit at a sharp angle into the opposing court by a spiker.

For example if a hitter in Zone 4 hits a ball to Zone 2 in the opposing team's court, that's a cut shot in indoor volleyball.  

2. Cut Shots:

- Approach: Position yourself behind the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart.

- Footwork: Take a quick four-step approach, coordinating with the setter's timing, generating power and momentum.

- Arm Positioning: As you approach the ball, keep your hitting arm high and slightly extended for a cut shot.

- Timing: Jump explosively off both feet, rotating your body to the desired direction of the cut shot.

- Contact: Direct your arm swing forward towards the ball while using your hand with a rigid wrist and keeping your elbow high, to make contact with the ball at a sharp angle,  causing it to travel across the net at a sharp angle into the opposing court.

- Aim: Target a specific zone on the opponent's court, such as from Zone 4 to their Zone 4, or from your Zone 2 to their Zone 2 to execute the cut shot effectively.

-Note: Cut shots and roll shots are often used by short and tall beach volleyball players since there's so much court space to hit to and only two players in defense. 

The Tip - is done after a spiker makes their three or four step approach to the ball as if to hit it hard, but with the hitting arm slows down their arm swing and

• contacts the ball with the soft pads of their fingertips 
• to push the ball over the block and 
• into an open space on the court. 

Favorite places for hitters to tip the ball usually are

• behind the block and/or
• to the middle of the court 
• deep to the corners of the court

where its harder for diggers to get to the ball. 

3. Deep Tips:

- Approach: Start behind the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart

- Footwork: Take a quick four-step approach, coordinating with the setter's timing, ensuring proper positioning and generating vertical lift and momentum.

- Arm Positioning: As you approach the ball, slow down your arm swing and focus on using the fingertips of your hitting arm for contact.

- Timing: Time your jump to meet the ball at its highest point, allowing you to generate accuracy and precision.

- Contact: Use the soft pads of your fingertips to push the ball gently over the block and into open spaces on the court.

- Aim: Think about directing the ball behind the block, towards the middle of the court, or deep into the corners, making it challenging for opposing defenders to react and dig the ball.

The Volleyball Ball Attack: Learn how to hit a volleyball using, the roll shot, the cut shot , the deep tip to score points especially during long rallies so that you can mix up your attack strategy.

Here's a breakdown of specific challenges faced by shorter players and how they can use their agility, speed, and technical skills to overcome height disadvantages in spiking:

1. Utilize Quick Footwork:

Shorter players often possess excellent agility and quickness on the court.

Use your nimble footwork to create better angles for your approach and avoid being easily blocked by taller opponents.

Focus on faster foot speed during your approach, allowing you to get in position quickly and effectively.

2. Develop Explosive Jumps:

While height may be a limitation, shorter players can still improve their vertical jump to maximize their attacking potential.

Work on plyometric exercises, such as jump squats and box jumps, to develop explosive power.

Strong legs and core muscles will help you gain height and generate extra power in your spiking.

3. Master Timing and Anticipation:

Understanding the timing and trajectory of the set is crucial for shorter players.

Anticipate the set's location and learn to time your approach perfectly to meet the ball at its highest point.

This will allow you to have a better chance of avoiding blockers and executing effective spikes.

4. Develop Technique and Accuracy:

Focus on improving your hitting technique to compensate for height disadvantages.

Work with coaches and trainers to fine-tune your arm swing, hand positioning, and ball contact.

By improving your technique, you can generate power and accuracy, making it harder for blockers to read your shots.

5. Be Creative with Shot Selection:

As a shorter player, you have the advantage of being more agile and unpredictable. Instead of relying solely on power, incorporate a variety of shots into your arsenal.

Practice roll shots, cut shots, and deep tips to keep blockers guessing and exploit open areas on the opposing court.

6. Communicate and Work with Your Setter:

Develop a strong connection and communication with your setter.

Collaborate to find the most effective angles and locations to attack from.

A well-coordinated connection with your setter will allow you to effectively utilize your speed, agility, and technical skills to make up for any height disadvantages.

7. Watch and Learn from Successful Short Players:

Study and analyze shorter players who have excelled in the sport.

Watch their playing style, tactics, and shot selection. Take note of how they use their agility, speed, and technical skills to their advantage.

Incorporate their strategies into your game and adapt them to suit your own strengths.

Remember, each player has their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Embrace your physical attributes as a shorter player and leverage your agility, speed, and technical skills to overcome height disadvantages.

Use what God gave you to your advantage like developing a very quick arm swing, along with a strong volleyball IQ. 

Stay determined, practice consistently, and continue to develop your skills to become a successful and impactful spiker on the volleyball court.

Where do you need to go now? Here are three options: 

1. Learn more about Smart Strategies by checking the links in Related Links section.
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the How To Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page.

1. Improve Your Volleyball Performance with Private Volleyball Coach April Chapple
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2. Six High School Varsity Volleyball Skills That Top Prep Players Crush
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3. Short Volleyball Player Spikes To Use To Score Against Big Blockers
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