Whether you're a drop-in volleyball enthusiast or an avid recreational volleyball player, you know that each position in volleyball requires a unique set of skills. From the powerful spikes of the outside hitters to the strategic sets of the setters, each role contributes to the overall success of the team. In this blog post, we'll delve into how to train for specific positions in volleyball!
1. Outside Hitters
Outside hitters are often the primary attackers on the team. They need to have a strong vertical jump, powerful hitting skills, and the ability to hit the ball at various angles. Training should focus on plyometric exercises for jumping power, arm swing drills for hitting power and hitting drills that practice different types of hits.
2. Middle Blockers
Middle blockers are the first line of defence against the opposing team's attacks. They need to have a good vertical jump, quick lateral movement, and excellent blocking skills. Training should focus on plyometric exercises for jumping, agility drills for lateral movement, and blocking drills to practice timing and hand positioning.
3. Setters
Setters are the playmakers of the team. They need to have excellent ball control, strategic thinking, and good communication skills. Training should focus on setting drills to improve ball control, strategic games to develop a game sense, and team drills to improve communication with hitters.
Here’s a YouTube video by Championship Productions that entails even more drills for setters: The Best of Championship Productions: 30 Setting Drills
4. Liberos
Liberos are defensive specialists. They need to have quick reflexes, excellent passing skills, and the ability to read the game well. Training should focus on reaction drills for quick reflexes, passing drills for ball control, and game-like drills to practice reading the game and anticipating the opponent's attacks.
5. Right Side Hitters
Right-side hitters, also known as opposite hitters, play a crucial role in both offence and defence. They need to have strong hitting skills, good blocking skills, and the ability to hit from the right side of the court. Training should focus on hitting drills from the right side, blocking drills, and positional drills to practice playing on the right side of the court.
6. Defensive Specialists
Defensive specialists, like liberos, are focused on defence but can also serve and attack from the back row. They need to have excellent passing skills, good defensive positioning, and strong serving skills. Training should focus on passing and digging drills, positional drills to practice defensive positioning and serving drills.
7. Universal Training Tips
Regardless of position, all volleyball players should work on their overall fitness, including strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Regular physical training, including both strength and conditioning work, is a must for any serious volleyball player. Additionally, all players should practice their serving, as it's the only skill in volleyball that a player has complete control over.
Whether you're playing drop-in volleyball or participating in a recreational league, training for your specific position can help you improve your skills and contribute more to your team. Remember, becoming a successful player is a journey, not a destination. So, keep practicing, stay focused, and most importantly, enjoy the game. Happy training, and see you on the court!