Last Updated: October 19, 2023
The effectiveness of an attack depends on the hitter’s ability to read the defense and then use good judgment to beat the opposing team’s defense formation.
From assessing the opposing team’s weaknesses to evaluating the gaps on the other side of the net, a lot goes behind a successful attack. In fact, volleyball players at the highest-level study their opponents even before the match.
In this article I will go over some foolproof strategies to develop the necessary skill of reading the defense to execute volleyball attacks at the right moment.
Reading the Defense – Where to Hit?
First and foremost, you need to study the position and body language of the opposing defenders and blockers. See where they position themselves during different game situations.
It’s important that you remain focused to identify moments when the opponent’s defense is disorganized or vulnerable. If you notice a particular player struggling in a certain area, plan your shots accordingly to exploit his weakness.
Based on the opposing team’s defense formation, the following strategies can be implemented to execute an attack.
Strategies to Attack in the Right Moments
Back Row Attack
When the opposing team has placed solid blockers on the front-row as a part of their defense strategy, you can strategize a back row attack to find a way through the defense.
To execute a back row shot, a hitter should take an approach from the 3-meter line (also known as the attack line) and hit the ball with power and accuracy, aiming to direct it over the blockers on the front.
There should be good coordination with the setter to time the attack well. You should signal your readiness for the shot you intend to strike, enabling the setter to release the volleyball at the right moment.
Usually, the opposing blockers do not expect attacks from the back row. This makes a back row shot an effective attack strategy for scoring points. It’s a game-changer when executed perfectly.
Roll Shot Attack
When faced with agile blockers who are not necessarily strong or tall, the roll shot can be used to enhance the scoring opportunity for your team. The strategy behind this attack is to catch the blockers off-guard.
Instead of hitting the ball hard, the hitter will take a soft and slower hit at the ball to send it over the outstretched hands of the blockers.
The approach of the hitter would matter a lot to get the timing right. You should not rush towards the ball. The approach must be at a consistent pace and at a steady and controlled rhythm.
Ideally, you should use your open hands to softly connect with the ball to take the pace off the volleyball. You will then give a delicate flick of the wrist to float the ball over the blockers.
Power Spike Attack
When confronted with blockers who do not have the necessary expertise to defend against hard hits, the power spike attack can prove highly useful for scoring points against them.
The goal is to strike the ball with maximum strength, energy, and effort so that it sails to the other side of the net like a missile, making it virtually non-defendable by less efficient blockers.
You will initiate your approach with a quick and explosive cadence to generate maximum momentum while watching the ball as it travels toward you.
You should jump as high as possible and at the right time, so that you contact the volleyball at the peak height, ensuring a clear path to send it over the defending hands of the blockers.
Of course, some adaptability is required to improve the scoring chances. You may have to adjust the timing of your attack based on the game situation. Sometimes, you may have to strike the ball later or quicker.
Cut Short Attack (Sharp Angle)
If the opposing team has tall blockers with high reach to block your shots, you can try using a sharp angle to score points. The goal is to target the court’s corners, where even tall blockers may struggle to defend.
Instead of striking the ball straight ahead, you will target the specific angle you desire. Of course, you still need to pay close attention to the position of the blockers and defenders to execute the cut short attack efficiently.
To execute the shot perfectly, you will snap your wrist at the time of contact with the ball while directing the ball toward the corner of the court. The wrist snap will cause the ball to dip quickly after crossing the net.
Precise timing is critical to avoid getting defended by the blockers. You will strike the ball only after the blockers have committed to their jump, which will allow you to target the least defended area of the court effectively.
Slide Attack
This attack strategy is effective against slow, inexperienced, or less organized blockers because a slide attack requires a quick reaction for defense. The need for a fast response explains why a slide attack is an effective strategy against slow blockers struggling to adapt quickly to different game situations.
For those who don’t know, the approach angle for the shot would be diagonal, enabling the hitter to strike the ball from behind the setter or even from the side. The approach angle will also be faster than that of a standard spike. A hitter will typically take a quick step or two before jumping.
Recommended read: Common Spike Mistakes to Correct for Optimal Performance
As for striking the ball at the right moment, the trick is to time your jump well. Hitters should ensure they are in midair when the ball reaches them. The hit should then be executed with full power so that the ball travels to the other side of the net with great velocity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it takes a solid understanding of the opposing team’s moves and your own capabilities to fine-tune your spikes for a perfect attack.
No doubt, it’s challenging, but consistent practice will get the job done because regular training will give you the confidence and instincts to execute well-timed attacks during matches.