When a setter tosses the ball up for an outside off-hand hitter, the opposing center blocker quickly moves to take away his angle to the center of the court by setting up next to the outside blocker. This will, in most cases, present an obstacle that shouldn’t be attempted. It’s risky to believe you can get around four giant hands and arms, which leaves the outside hitter with few alternatives. However, one of those alternatives, if mastered, will put the ball on the floor and leave the blockers feeling foolish. That’s right, I’m talking about hitting down the line.
Before I explain this technique I’ll back up a step to Volleyball 101 and briefly explain what I mean by off-hand. Assuming you are right handed, your off-hand side is in the front row, all the way to the right, also known as position #2 on the court. This means that your dominant hand is off the court, furthest away from your setter. And, of course, position #4, all the way to the left, would be your on-hand side, with your dominant hand on the court, closest to the setter.
If a blocker is worth his salt he/she will always watch the body language of the hitter in an attempt to divine the direction the spike is going to go. The approach to the ball, the position of the hips, and direction of the shoulders will usually give away the hitter’s choice. That’s why it’s vitally important to say “angle” with your body while your mind is all “line.” This will keep the blockers a half-step inside and leave the line open.
Now, telling the blockers you’re going angle with your body will make it very difficult to get a good shot at the line unless you allow the ball to travel further across your body before you make contact. This will also put you slightly off balance because you will have to lower your left shoulder at the last second, which will pull your weight to the left.
One of the wonderful things about our bodies is that we have the ability to recover from the most awkward positions with slight adjustments with our other limbs. For example, if a gymnast is on the balance beam and she gets slightly off center, she will throw an arm or leg the opposite direction to compensate, bringing her back on center.
Letting the ball travel across your body before you make contact will cause your left shoulder to drop, rotating your body to the left. You can compensate for this torque by turning your head and twisting your torso to the right. This will bring your weight back on center and bring you down evenly.
One thing you must keep in mind is how close you are to the net. Since you are waiting a little longer for the ball to cross your body, your follow-through will be almost straight at the net, leaving you vulnerable to a violation if you’re not very careful. This threat can be reduced by good communication with your setter, who can put you a little further off the net when you are on the off-hand side.
The great thing about this technique is that if you like to hit cross-court, the blockers will only be fooled a few times before they, or their coach, picks up on your ability and makes an adjustment. At that point they will move to their right a full step, leaving the center of the court open for you to pound your favorite shot.
Get together with your setter and try it a few times. You’ll be delighted with the results.
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