Volleyball is among one of the safest games that have been played for many years now. When playing volleyball, one should know everything about the rules, skills, and etiquette.
There are also some essential things to take care of while you have been playing for some time. Here are some bits of advice that you won’t find in any volleyball guide book, but will help you to score. With the help of these tips, you can easily prevent volleyball injuries.
Call YES, Even If It’s Obvious
One of the essential things while playing volleyball is calling ‘Yes’ when you’re in the position to receive the ball. When you play at an advanced level of volleyball, this becomes ingrained, and you unknowingly call ‘Yes,’ even when it seems pretty obvious.
For beginners, this instinct isn’t as natural. Eventually, when you don’t hear someone calling ‘Yes,’ you might assume that the ball is up to receive.
Calling “Yes” seems funny, but after a few games, you will realize how common yet so important it actually is. So don’t hesitate to speak up and call for that ball.
Use All Three Hits
In volleyball, each team can hit the ball three times before passing it back over the net. Despite, some amateur players might get nervous and hit the ball over the net before their team has maximized three hits.
If we talk about the strategy, this could result in missing out a scoring opportunity. Also, sometimes hitting the ball on the second hit can be a confusing strategy and could result in a point.
However, players must think about the right time to hit the ball over the net to maximize the scoring opportunity for their team, and that’s usually by using all the three hits.
Let the Lifter/Setter Hit the Second Ball
During the match, each team gets to hit the three times before passing it over the net. But it is vital to let a lifter hit that second ball until he asks for help. The lifter is a skilled position that takes the second ball and lifts it for smashers.
And the thing with lifters is that they must be fast-acting and alert players. Even when lifters run towards the ball, they will very likely get an excellent lift for one of the smashers.
However, a skilled setter knows when it is more convenient to let another player of the team take that second ball. That’s why; if you feel like the second ball is coming towards you and not the lifter, step in and help your team.
Never Catch the Ball During A Match
This seems rather silly, but holding the ball during a match is considered as a foul.
We all know that tournaments are Loud – players yelling, referees blowing whistles, balls bouncing, etc. That is why; during the match, there is a possibility that a player thinks he heard a whistle blow. But don’t catch the ball to end the game until you are not sure. Keep Playing!
Eventually, you will find it out, or the referee will again blow the whistle, then you can catch the ball and end the game.
Bring All Right Equipment and Accessories
It is a human tendency to forget things, happens to many of us. However, don’t make it a habit. Make a quick checklist while packing your volleyball kit without rushing things on last minute. Review all your accessories before heading out for training or professional matches.
There are a few things you can buy – a pair of socks, a pair of shorts, for instance. Moreover, there are some other things that you probably don’t want to share with anyone – for example, a water bottle, or a towel.
Apart from these things, make sure other accessories are in good condition — for example, a volley ball court, a volley ball net, a blue-ribbon ball, etc.
Defensive Position Is Very Necessary
A defensive position is a stance you take when the opposite team is serving or spike the ball in your zone. Having an excellent defensive position means you can act against that attack as rapidly as possible.
When you are standing with your arms clutched and legs straight, it is a spectating position. A good defensive posture is that when you bend your arms in front of you so that you can move them in any direction possible. Your legs are bent forward near the waist, slightly leaning forward.
It is not just about physically responding to the ball, but also to make sure you are mentally prepared to respond.
Final Words
Heed these tips for playing volleyball, the next time you are going to hit the court. Whether you are a beginner or an expert player of the volleyball, the tips mentioned above will help you feel more comfortable on the court.