October 1996

Saving Grace

Six defensive secrets that can help you bring your team back from the brink of defeat.

By Mike Schlegel

The collapse

The Collapse

Here is one rule for anyone trying to pass a serve: It's never too late to make the pass. This is especially true for a short serve, one that looks as if it's headed for your stomach and then suddenly drops like a rock five feet in front of you.

Well, take a lesson from a guy who has seen plenty of serves in his career -- U.S. national team swing hitter Bob Ctvrtlik. In this photo, Ctvrtlik is using the "collapse," a technique that can prevent an ace. Your objective in using this move is to drop to the floor and get your clasped thumb and knuckles or forearms under the ball before it reaches the pine.

To collapse effectively, hit the deck as fast as possible. Push forward a little with your legs so that they aren't directly under your torso, then drop so your knees and arms hit the floor at about the same time.

Once you're on your way to the floor, focus on getting your hands under the ball before it reaches the hardwood. While doing this, hook your elbows and wrists so you can pop the ball up.

The ice cream cone

The Ice Cream Cone

There are several ways to pop a ball up with your hand and wrist, but the "ice cream cone" is the easiest to master and the most reliable.

This dig gives you a flat surface for the ball to contact. There is no other way to dig that gives you as much flat area. Also, your wrist is very strong in this position, and your elbow gives you maximum strength to send the ball up.

The mechanics of the "cone" are simple. Reach forward the way U.S. national team setter Lori Endicott does here. Extend your arm, and pop the ball up.

If you aren't able to follow through in a dive by sliding on your chest and rolling over on your shoulders and back, this dig probably isn't going to work for you. It also has limitations when diving to your left or right. But if the ball is in front of you, there's no better way to pop it up.

The hook shot

The Hook Shot

One of the most difficult defensive skills is hooking the ball back into the court when your body is travelling in the opposite direction. But the "hook shot" is a necessity when the opponent's spike goes off the block and out of bounds.

U.S. national team setter Lloy Ball demonstrates the skill perfectly in this photo. His elbow and wrist are bent in a hooking motion so he can bring the ball back into the court.

A key to this skill is the timing of the wrist snap. You'll know if your timing is off because the ball will either go up in the air or it won't. After trying it a few times, you should get a feel for when to snap your wrist.

Make sure the point of contact is on your thumb knuckle. In this photo you can see the ball coming off Ball's lower thumb bone and knuckle. It's a great surface because it gives the ball the extra little bounce it needs to go high in the air.

The sweep

The Sweep

It's not always convenient to dive, even if you think you should. By diving, you usually give up a lot of control, which is why it's important to know how to use "the sweep" when a setting a teammate on a low pass or dig.

When you need to set the outside hitter on a low-to-the-floor dig or pass, try sliding underneath the ball on your backside, sweeping your arms to send the ball on its way.

The key, as you can see from this photo, is the platform. The sweeping motion of your arms must start long before you contact the ball because you need to generate enough force to get it to your teammate. Don't swing your arms wildly. When your legs position you under the ball, "sweep" towards it in one fluid motion with a firm and controlled platform.

As you contact the ball, remember to follow through. (It's like a batting swing in baseball.) A strong follow through with your arms is important because it gives you control and strength to save the ball.

The fall-away

The Fall-Away

One of the best feelings in volleyball is successfully digging a crushing spike. The difficult platform adjustments and speed of the ball aren't the only reasons players have trouble with a hard-driven spike. Even if you're quick enough to get in front of the blast, the sheer force of the ball against your platform is enough to send it sailing into the stands.

So, if a bullet is heading your way, pretend you're in an old western movie and you just got shot in the stomach. The stiffer your arms and body are, the harder the ball will bounce off. So relaxing acts as a cushion for the ball and it will make it easier to control and keep in play. It's okay to fall on your butt and roll backwards. You may even end up flat on your back.

But before you start flopping around like Clint Eastwood's latest victim, take note of your feet and use good form. The biggest key, as Stanford's Andy Gacia demonstrates here, is making sure your hands stay clasped until after the ball bounces off your arms. Also, be sure to keep your arms a little less limp than the rest of your body because you don't want them to break form when the ball strikes.

The one-arm reach

The One-Arm Reach

It's best to dig the ball with both arms, but we all know that isn't always possible. For instance, what do you do when a spike is traveling off to your side and deep into the corner of the court? You might be playing shallow defense (like a wing digger) in this situation, and that makes it impossible to turn your torso and dive sideways in time to intercept the ball.

This is when it's a good idea to use the "one-arm reach." The key to this move is control. There's a lot more to a "one-arm dig" than just sticking your arm out. The skill starts with a proper defensive stance --low, weight on the balls of your feet and arms in front of you. Then, as the ball is hit deep and into the corner, use your legs to push laterally as your arm extends. The push and the extension of your arm to the ball should take place as one, flowing, controlled motion.

A lot of players miss this play because they don't properly follow through. Remember: Control is crucial. After contacting the ball, allow yourself to gently fall to the floor with your thigh touching the floor first, then your forearm. Then begin sliding in the direction you're moving. As you slide, the side of your body will come to the floor. Turn your chest upward and finish the slide on your back.