Defensive Specialist in Volleyball How To Dig A Step By Step Guide  

A defensive specialist in volleyball can learn to dig a ball with my step by step volleyball tutorial for diggers playing in the backcourt in defense.

What is a dig in volleyball?

The volleyball dig is the last line of defense for a team to keep an opposing team's attack hits from scoring points by keep the ball off the floor. 

To dig a volleyball up in defense you keep an attacked ball by the opposing team off your court floor by extending your arms and hands under the ball to deflect it back in the air before it hits the floor. 

The Volleyball Digger Ready Position

In the backrow you should be in an athletic stance with

• knees slightly bent
• leaning slightly forward so your shoulders are in front of your knees
• with hands and arms extended in front of you 3-4 inches in front of your knees

• To dig a ball, keep your hands apart so you can run, shuffle step or move quickly to the ball once you know where the ball is going to possibly land

• Quickly clasp hands together using the same hand grip as you do when you pass...one fist placed inside the palm of the other hand, both thumbs side by side together then pointed towards the ground

Defensive Specialist in Volleyball: How To Dig 

Quickly clasp hands together using the same hand grip as you do when you pass...one fist placed inside the palm of the other hand, both thumbs side by side together then pointed towards the ground

• During the dig the volleyball digger should keep thumbs pointed to the floor which 

1. keeps your arms straight and 
2. creates a nice flat platform which you use to dig the ball up into the air

• Before contacting the ball your hips have to be below the level of the oncoming ball.  

This is what helps lift the ball up into the air and increases the chances of it staying on your side.

• When contacting the ball, do not swing your arms to meet the ball. The attack hit is hard enough and you don't need to add additional movement to get the ball up.

With practice reps and plenty of volleyball defensive drills you will learn how to use your arms so they absorb the impact of hard hit balls.

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I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 

Okay here's where you need to go now! There are three options: 

1. Learn more about Digging and Defense by clicking the Related Links below. .
2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)
3. Or visit the pages in the How to Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page to get started. 
4. Before leaving this page Say "Hi" to Miss O.I Gotchu the Octopus wearing the #8 jersey below.  Miss O.I. is the libero for the All Beast VolleyBragSwag All Star team.

1. Improve Your Volleyball Performance with Vegas VB Coach April Chapple
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2. Volleyball Positions: What Are The Six Volleyball Roles On The Court?
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3. Defensive Specialist in Volleyball How To Dig A Step By Step Guide
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Follow me on Instagram @coach_apchap to improve your game even faster!