Volleyball Defensive Strategies How Does Blocking and Digging Work?

Volleyball defensive strategies are used between the front row blockers whose job it is to stop an attacker and diggers dig anything that gets past the block

Volleyball Defensive Strategies: What To Do After You've Served The Opposing Team-Learn how blocking and digging work together (Michael E Johnston)

The block in volleyball is the first line of your team's volleyball defense when your squad has earned the right to serve the ball.

Once the ball crosses the net your players and teammates are on defense.

Volleyball Defensive Strategies When your team is serving, once the ball crosses the net your players and teammates are on defense. (Ralph Aversen)

The three players in the front court as blockers work together with the three in the back court who's job it is to keep the ball off the floor when and if it comes past the block.

Just so I'm clear, there are two ways to try and keep the other team from scoring a point when your team is serving the ball.

The first way is at the net where your front row players are in charge of blocking the opposing team's attempt to hit the ball into your team's court.

Volleyball Defensive Strategies: When your team is serving, once the ball crosses the net, your team is on defense. Your Front row blockers are the first line of defense against the opposing team's attack hits. (Aversen)

The second way this happens is if the opposing team has successfully hit the ball past your block and into your court.

Then your team's back row players are in charge of digging or defending that ball in an effort to keep it off the ground on your  side.

This example is illustrated perfectly in the picture of the volleyball player below who's digging a ball after the opposing hitter was successful in getting the ball past the triple block put up by the digger's front row players.

Volleyball Defensive Strategies: Colorado Triple Block Directing The Ball To Their Defensive Player After Taking The Hitter's Line Shot Away

When playing defense, the ultimate goal of the defensive team is to 

•  first keep the ball off their floor
• second run an offensive play in an attempt to score a point

Volleyball Defensive Strategies: When playing defense, the ultimate goal of the defensive team is to keep the ball off their floor. (Laurie Mayer)

A team in defense has blockers that take one area at the net while diggers plant themselves in the back court outside of the area that the block takes.

When the blockers  take away a certain area of the court, the diggers should systematically cover the other parts of the court.

On volleyball defense when blockers take away an area of the court, the diggers cover the other parts of the court. Texas blockers block cross court while the libero digs the line. (Ralph Aversen)

This way most of the open spaces on the court are covered in team defense, making it harder for the opposing team to hit the ball to an open space. 

Basically if the front row players can't do their job successfully by putting up a good block then its the back row's player responsibility to keep the ball off the floor.

The front row players spend hours in blocking practice drills so that they can work in tandem with their back row players, so that everyone knows where to be, what to do and when to do it.

Volleyball Defensive Strategies: Front Row Blockers With Backrow Players In Defense Photo by Chris Daines

Learning how and where to time your jump when you block in volleyball is important because when the blockers are consistent with their movements and placement in the front row, then the players in defense behind them know exactly where they need to place themselves in the back court.

In order to effectively do this, the front row blockers have to know where to be when they have a hitter who hits in a particular direction, let's say cross court.

Volleyball Defensive Strategies: Utah Blockers With Backrow Defenders Outside of the Block Against Iowa Hitters

They have to be disciplined enough to set up in the correct spot consistently so that their back row players know what they are doing and know where to set up behind them for each and every play and for each and every possible scenario that the offensive team might try against them.

In volleyball defense blockers should use good technique against different hitters who spike different kinds of sets, at different speeds, at different areas on the net. (Shakes KC)

That's why it's crucial for in volleyball defense for blockers to have good technique against different hitters who spike different kinds of sets, at different speeds, at different locations along the net.

This is what helps many top defensive teams win points. 

This is a basic explanation of volleyball defensive strategies.

Individual volleyball defense skills like

• digging,
• communication with your teammates and
• having an aggressive attitude 

are important for a player to be good at, especially if you play all six positions for your team during a match.

As players learn more about the game, then they learn more advanced volleyball defense strategy like

• digging the seam of the block 
• playing more advanced defense systems like 

1. rotational defense
2. perimeter defense
3. man up defense 
4. man-back defense 

Oklahoma Sooners Volleyball Players In A Defensive Dance Dig Volleyball Photography by Michael E. Johnston

All these things are a part of learning how to adopt your team's volleyball defense strategies.

Conclusion

Defensive strategies in volleyball, specifically blocking and digging, are critical elements that determine the outcome of any game.

Understanding how these techniques work together and perfecting their implementation can set a strong defensive foundation for your team.

From ensuring suitable placement on the front row for blockers to clear communication and collaboration between players, a successful defensive strategy requires a considerate approach with disciplined execution.

If your team can master these strategies and adapt to the dynamics of each unique game, you will not only keep more balls off the floor but also set your team up for more effective offense, pushing you a step closer to victory.

The role of each player is pivotal, ranging from the blockers at the net to the diggers in the back court - everyone plays a part in protecting the team’s court from the opponent's attack hits.

1. Blocking and digging:

The two primary elements of volleyball defense. Blockers prevent the ball from entering their court while diggers cover the areas blockers don't and keep the ball off the floor.

2. Blockers and diggers work in tandem.

Blockers station themselves in specific areas at the net. Diggers adjust their positions based on the blockers' locations.

3. Effective communication

Direct communication between blockers and diggers is vital for covering open spaces on the court. It makes the defense stronger and more synchronized.

4. The importance of consistent blocking.

Keeping a consistent block helps the backcourt players set up effective defense. They can trust their blockers and position themselves appropriately based on the blocker's actions.

5. Continued learning and practice.

As players progress, more advanced volleyball defense strategies such as rotational defense, perimeter defense, man up defense, and man-back defense can be adopted.

Remember, a good defense often translates to a good offense. So, keep honing your defensive skills and strategies for better game performance.

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!

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I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 

Alright, alright, alright! Time to study something something. You still have those three options: 

1. Let's learn more about defense strategy for blocking, digging and how to defend your court by exploring the Related Links below. 
2. Or you can choose the suggested reading on our Sitemap page   Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the Volleyball Strategy section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 

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