Coach Dion's Volleyball Tips

Volleyball Tips For Beginning Players

DION RUGOSI'S "THE ART AND SCIENCE OF VOLLEYBALL" TRAINING PROGRAM

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Question # 80:

How can I instantly improve my tip coverage. I rush to just behind the 3 metre line and I sometimes just miss digging up a short volleyball tip that I should have had.

SHORT ANSWER:

Move to one step INSIDE the 3 metre line rather than one step behind the 3 metre line.

LONGER ANSWER:

As well, scientific studies indicate it takes about 1.2 seconds for a tipped ball to land - from the top of the net to the floor. But studies also indicate that an average player is only able to move about 3 metres forward in 1.2 seconds.

Therefore, in order to get a tipped ball:

1) the digger's starting position must be within 3 to 4  metres of the net. Or 2) the digger may start deeper but he must pick up cues earlier so he can anticipate earlier and he must be MOVING forward quickly  as the tip is about to happen - so that by the time the tip is actually made , he can end up just inside 3 metre line.

As well,  for over 30 years I have witnessed (especially at the lower levels) that the diggers who end up one step INSIDE the 3 metre line are generally more successful at picking up more short tipped balls with more control - then the diggers who plant their feet one or more steps behind the 3 metre line or on top of the 3 metre line.

Note: There are at least 15 different hand/body positions/techniques to retrieve a tipped ball down the line - each with their advantage and disadvantages to successfully digging up a tipped ball. One technique might be ideal for one situation but less favourable for a slightly different situation.