If you ask me: the ‘best’ part about playing volleyball is the thrill of a kill. After learning how to get up in the air and blast that ball down – there’ll be no hope for you: you’ll be “hooked” to the sport.
Sooo, here’s some words of wisdom on how you can get better at powering the ball over the net. a.k.a tha’ SPIKE!
It all begins with a Good Approach…
Once you spend time learning the correct approach, you can really experience how good it feels to attack the ball!
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TWO Different Approaches….
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Today there’s two different approaches: the three step or the four step.
In the ‘old’ school you’ll see players attacking from the outside, which uses the four step.
However, if you’ve ever had a stint as a middle hitter you may quickly learn the benefits of a three step when it comes to quick sets and plays.
For right handed players the four step approach goes like this (reverse left and right for lefties): Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot. If you prefer the three step approach, cut out the first step.
The important thing is that the last foot you land on is the ‘opposite’ of the hand you swing with.
The first two steps are “long”. They’re designed to give you momentum and speed toward the net. This is also where you establish your arm swing, which helps you elevate off the ground.
The second two steps are short and very quick. They’re to help you stop your forward movement so you don’t fly into the net.
As you complete the last two steps, your arms should both be behind you and you should be in a ‘crouched’ position like you’re getting ready to sit down.
Then swing your arms in front of you and straight up! This will propel you into the air to help you attack the ball over the net.
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Tips For The Proper Approach!
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Hold hands with one of your teammates while you practice your approaches. This helps you both keep your arms swinging all the way forward and all the way back.
Pair off.
Have one player doing their approaches toward the net while another stands on a chair on the other side of the net holding a ball at the top of the net. The player doing the approaches must grab the ball with both hands from their teammate.
Switch.
After 2 sets of 10, the person holding the ball should hold the ball from the bottom while the player practicing their approach hits it from their hand.
This will teach players how to hit on top of the ball.
Mastering your approach can take hours and hours of practice, but once you “get it” it’s a skill you’ll look forward to employing in every game you play!
To your success, on and off the volleyball court! 
Hayley
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