Volleyball Techniques: Serving, Blocking, Passing, and Attacking
Volleyball Techniques
Technical Background
Various techniques are used to drive the ball in different game situations. In all cases, the ball must be hit, not caught or thrown. Retention, drag, or accompaniment of the ball is a foul. The arbitral discretion in applying this rule is a common source of controversy for fans who attend games.
Serve
Each section begins with a kick of the ball from behind the baseline. The player throws the ball into the air and hits it, looking for weaknesses in the opponent’s defense. It can be done on foot or jumping. Orientation is important because if the opponent pulls out, they are obliged to receive the shot and are limited in participating in the subsequent attack.
Block
A block is an action to intercept any attack from the opposing team, jumping at the net with arms raised, looking to directly return the ball to the opponent’s court, or failing that, to deflect the ball to the frontcourt to induce the opponent to throw the ball out of bounds. The block can involve up to three players (the three forwards) to increase the chances of interception. It is also important to have support from the second line to retrieve the ball after a block attempt. One option for the attacker is to jump and throw the ball with force directly against the block, looking for an opening.
Receive and Pass
Receiving and passing involves intercepting and controlling a ball, aiming it towards another teammate in a good position to play. Low balls are received with the forearms together in front of the waist, and high balls are received with the fingers above the head.
In other cases, more spectacular moves are required. It is common to see a player dive, stretching their arm to hit the ball with their hand instead of letting it touch the ground, thus avoiding the point.
Set
Generally, the second touch is intended to provide a ball in optimal conditions for an attacker. The set is done by raising the hands with a finger pass, the most accurate pass in volleyball. The setter has the responsibility of distributing the ball to the various attackers in different areas. They usually use forearm techniques, overhead passes, or hit the ball with any part of the body as a last resort.
Hit or Attack
The player jumps and hits the ball with attacking force, looking for poorly defended areas or exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses in terms of speed or direction, such that they cannot control the ball and it goes out of bounds.
The player can also opt for deception or dribbling, leaving the ball softly where it is not expected. Although there are three touches per team, a player can make an attack (or fake) on the first touch to catch the opposing team off guard.
Different Types of Attacks:
- Back Row Attack: An attack performed by those in defensive positions without exceeding the 3-meter line.
- Zone 4 Attack: The attack carried out by the attacker who is in Zone 4.
- Zone 2 Attack: The attack made by the attacker who is located in Zone 2.
- Middle Attack: The attack made by the attacker in Zone 3.