Learning beach volleyball defense technique is critical in mastering the sport. Hey, my name is Stein Metzger a NCAA MVP at UCLA, 2004 Olympian, NCAA champion setter, and a two time Manhattan Beach Open champion. I am originally from Hawaii and was recruited straight from high school at the age of 18 to play volleyball at UCLA.
When playing volleyball defending is just as important as making a kill. Being an on point defender is critical to the game. You can not win if you can not defend. Practicing how to dig a volleyball is one of the most important aspects, I recommend that you devote a few hours of practice to defense every week. The first of six videos give you a taste of what is covered.
You can view all six of these beach volleyball defense technique videos by being a member of volleyball1on1.com.
Beach Volleyball Defense Technique – Positioning (Video 1)
Positioning is key when learning how to defend. If you are not in the right position you will miss the ball and the other team will have a kill. Being able to read the field and anticipate where the volleyball will go is key in being able to position yourself right. Over time this will become easier for you, by practicing your positioning it will only make understanding the game and how to anticipate the next play come easier and faster.
Beach Volleyball Defense Technique – Opposite Hand (Video 2)
One hand contact should only be used in emergencies, but in those instances you should be prepared and know what to do. A practice that is very valuable to learning how to control the volleyball with one hand is something you can do while watching TV or listening to music in your room. For this drill you will want to practice hitting the ball straight up with your weaker hand; if you are right handed practice this with your left hand.
Beach Volleyball Defense Technique- Hard Driven (Video 3)
On a hard driven ball balance is key! Being able to keep your balance at all times is critical. If your balance is off you will not have proper control and your dig will be off. Do not react to a hit until the ball is in the air and on its way down, if you anticipate where the ball will go before the player has made contact with it you could be completely wrong and miss the ball entirely.
Beach Volleyball Defense Technique – The Shot (Video 4)
To defend against a good shot you must keep your balance and put yourself in a position where you are ready to move at all times. Once the shot is made you must stay low and drive to the ball as low to the ground as possible. This will allow you to have more time to reach the ball and make a good pass.
Beach Volleyball Defense Technique – Fake Out (Video 5)
A fake out is a great defensive strategy where you put yourself into a position that confuses your opponents into thinking you are doing one thing but in turn you do something completely different. One of my favorites is when you make yourself look as if you are about to move positions but end up staying in the same spot, but because you looked as if you were about to move your opponent ends up hitting directly to where you are standing.
Beach Volleyball Defense Technique – Transition (Video 6)
Transitioning from defense to offense is very simple but a key thing to do. You do not want to get caught standing in the same position you just were in, not ready to receive the set from your partner. After you play defense you must move with out the ball and prepare yourself for the hit!
Being able to properly play defense is very important in volleyball. It is an opportunity to ensure that your opponents do not make a kill while allowing you and your team to prepare yourself to play offense.
To get all six videos of beach volleyball defense technique plus more, become a member of volleyball1on1.com.
|  |
