With what do you play volleyball?
“THE VOLLEYBALL!” Yes. duh. Obvious answer, but reasoning deeper, some players may argue, “hands, arms, FEET!.. That's a big one.. And they’re all correct, but they’re not the answer I’m looking for.
When you really examine any sport, we play it with our eyes.
So what are you looking at? Oh.. and what are you looking FOR?...
Do you have any ideas?!
Mike Mann, founder/creator of Python Optics, (www.pythonoptics.com) and old friend of mine is basically pioneering the eye tracking industry in our sport. A conversation with him sparked my idea behind this blog. It's taken me a while to write it, but I’ve taken some time lately to arrange it into an understandable idea that I think a lot of young players can use to adjust their game with.
According to Mike, the underlying fundamental "is to get your eyes off the ball as quickly as possible and onto the next touch." The player will communicate with their body language what they're going to do.
The idea is to focus on one thing at a time; one movement at a time.
"When talking from a defender's perspective, we are ultimately looking for the hand before and just after contact." This is the point when a lot of players are looking at the ball instead of the opponent. Let's change this.
To begin a change in your eye sequencing, you must realize how much time you spend watching the ball. This will be your trial and error phase. Trying something different is the ultimate way to create a change... so here is what I suggest you attempt.
I’ve applied this to the beach game, but simple adjustments can be made in the indoor aspect.
Consider watching the play progress following this process.
1. The pass
Is the ball over the net back to your side, in system for the other team, or out of system for them?
2. Setter
Hand setting or bump setting or taking the two ball?
3. Set
Again on, off, or over? Also consider is the wind taking the ball over or tight to the net.
4. Hitter
Where are they facing, are they going to jump and swing with the ball in front of them, or are they off the net?
5. Contact and post contact
If you take nothing from this post at least remember this!
***Be still on the opponent's contact. It is easier to start a movement toward the ball than change your direction.
If you can learn to be ahead of the action by spending less time spectating the volleyball, you can put yourself in a better position to dig more balls.
And that brings me to my next point: What playing defense is really about. Touches.
We can attack that next time, but first check out below your take aways from this blog.