Wednesday, January 2, 2013

How To Spike A Volleyball


One of the most basic, yet important skills to learn in volleyball is how to spike a volleyball. A spike, sometimes called the attack, is the art of hitting the ball over the net, often at a downward angle, in such a way that it is virtually impossible to return. This can be a devastating move when performed correctly, since it usually ends with the ball hitting the court in between players of the opposing team. It can also have blinding speed and power behind it, meaning that even if hit or blocked by the opposing team, the ball flies off course.
Spiking is usually done by the front row players, those closest to the net. In fact, if the ball is within the 10 foot line, that is the line set 10 feet behind the net, the front row players are the only players allowed to spike it. While the ball can be spiked behind the 10 foot line by the back row, this is a difficult move to make, and can lack some of the speed and precision of those closer to the net. Knowing how to spike a volleyball involves knowing the 2 steps involved, the approach and the attack.
The idea of the approach is to position the body in the best position to gain speed and momentum for the hit. A spiker usually hits the ball by jumping off of both feet after a couple of steps to the ball. The main part of the approach is the last two steps leading to the jump. These two steps are the most important steps to focus on when practicing the spike, though the spiker can take as many as four. The first step of the approach is performed with the hand the spiker uses. For example, the first of the two steps is started with the right foot if the hitter is right-handed. When using either the 3 or 4 step techniques, the second to last step should always be on that foot. Using the same right-handed player, a 3 steps approach would begin on the left foot, the next step would be on the right foot, and the final step on the left again. Of course, the final part of the approach is the jump. This is where the coiled energy of the approach is transferred from forward motion to upward motion.
The key part of the attack is the point of contact with the ball. The hit should be performed with the arms straight, keeping the elbows extended. The trick is to contact the ball above and possibly slightly in front of the body, while reaching high. Hitting the ball with a snapping motion of the wrists will force the ball into a downward direction. If hit in the proper manner, the upward energy of the approach is transferred to a downward force on the ball. This should force the ball over the net at a downward angle at a high speed. Returning a ball hit in this manner can be very hard to accomplish.
How to spike a volleyball is one of the fundamental skills needed to play volleyball. An understanding of the forces involved, and how to apply them can make the difference between a killer spike and bump over the net. Putting the ball away in this manner will go a long way to ensure victory for the spiking team.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4960680

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