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- Words About Volleyball Hitting, Spiking and Attacking Terms Explained
- Down Ball in Volleyball Is A Hard Attack Hit With No Approach Jump
The Down Ball in Volleyball Is A Hard Attack Hit With No Approach Jump
The "down ball in volleyball" is a volleyball term that hitters use for attacking the ball on the court without using a spike approach jump to score points.
Today, I tackle the mechanics of the down ball, a hitting skill that gives your game a strategic edge when you don't have time to or don't plan on...jumping to attack the ball.
Like every other technique in volleyball, mastering the Down Ball requires time, effort, and practice. But don't worry! I'm here to guide you each step of the way. The insight I provide goes beyond just hitting the ball. You'll also gain a deep understanding of when to effectively use the down ball in volleyball.
It's about hitting the ball with force, but keeping your feet on the ground, rather than launching into a full-on spike approach.
No jump, just a solid, powerful hit when there's no time for a traditional spike.
The down ball is how you can attack a ball over the net without using a spike approach jump as a first, second or third contact in an attempt to make a point for your team.
When you use the "down ball in volleyball" hitting technique...as a hitter you can choose to actually attack the ball for a point while keeping your feet on the ground and not jumping to contact the ball (for the down ball) or jumping and wiping off the blocker's arm (for the wipe).
Beginners use the down ball to attack and learn to attack before they get the timing right to add the spike approach to lift themselves in the air.
A down ball in volleyball can be initiated during any of the three contacts a team is allotted to get the ball back into the opposing team's court.
Let me explain...
A Volleyball Term For Attacking
The Down Ball in Volleyball
Down ball in Volleyball - a down ball in volleyball is an attack made by a player who spikes or hits the ball keeping both of their feet on the floor and uses the traditional arm swing to get a hard driven ball into the opposing team's court.
A down ball in volleyball can be initiated during any of the three contacts a team is allotted to get the ball back into the opposing team's court.
For example, although rarely seen in indoor volleyball a beach volleyball player can hit an easy serve back into the serving team's court by attacking with a down ball in volleyball.
When team B's blocker's see that Team A's spiker isn't using a spike approach to hit the ball over the net, the blockers usually call out to their team "down ball" and transition off the net to get ready to attack.
Frequenly Asked Questions About The Down Ball in Volleyball
What is a "down ball" in volleyball?
A "down ball" in volleyball is a forceful attack made by a player who spikes or hits the ball while keeping both of their feet on the floor. It's done without making a traditional spike approach jump to attack the ball.
When should a player perform a "down ball"
A player typically opts for a "down ball" when there isn’t enough time or space for a full spike approach. It is a rapid response to keep the play moving and can be used during any of the three contacts a team is permitted to make with the ball.
Why is it called a "down ball"?
The term "down ball" is derived from the fact that the hitter stays grounded aka "down", i.e., they keep their feet on the floor while hitting or spiking the ball.
Although both are typically sent over the net without the use of a full approach jump, a "down ball" is hit with a full arm swing and at a higher contact point. In contrast, a "free ball" is a pass sent over the net with an easier trajectory, often used to prevent a faulty play when a setup for attack is not possible.
How is a "down ball" different from a "free ball" in volleyball?
Although both are sent over the net without the use of a full approach jump, a "down ball" is hit with a full arm swing and at a higher contact point.
In contrast, a "free ball" is a pass using your platform held at the level of your mid body and sent over the net with an easier higher trajectory making it an easy ball to intercept or pass by the opposing team, often used to save a play when a typical overhead attack is not possible.
How can I improve my "down ball" technique?
The term "down ball" comes from the fact that the hitter stays grounded aka "down", i.e., they keep their feet on the floor while hitting or spiking the ball.
First, ensure you maintain a controlled arm swing to direct the ball accurately.
Second, consistent practice with varied down ball scenarios (like having to hit different sets that're very high or very low can help you improve arm swing speed and precision hitting.
Lastly, regular game-situation drills and receiving feedback from a coach or an experienced player can also help you significantly to improving this skill.
Remember, the aim is to catch your opponent off guard with a swift and effective attack without needing a jump spike. So, pay close attention to the game situation and your positioning on the court.
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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.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Where do you need to go now? Here are three options:
- Learn more about Volleyball Words by checking the links in Related Links section.
- Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page (Sitemap)
- Or visit the pages in the How To Play Volleyball section in the drop down menu at the top of the page.
You might like these
pages on terms, slang, jargon and lingo in the pages below!
How To Dig in Volleyball, What's A Double Hit, When To Dive in Defense
Learn how to dig in volleyball by creating a platform with forearms holding hands together that're used to deflect a spike up in the air to be re-played.
Two Action Words For Volleyball Digging The Six Pack and The Facial
These two action words for volleyball digging that explain what's a six pack and the facial are digging actions explain how to dig a volleyball using your face.
Basic Volleyball Terms For Blocking A Ball At The Net For Points
A double block is one of the basic volleyball terms for blocking that describes when 2 players jump to cover cross court or the line to stop an attack hit.
Words To Describe Volleyball Blocking What's A Hole in the Block Mean?
Learn about the words to describe volleyball blocking terminology 'what does a hole in the block' mean along with the action words 'under' and 'over' mean?
The Kong Block: Volleyball Blocking With One Arm Instead of Two Arms
The phrase "Kong block" is a volleyball term inspired by the movie character King Kong and refers to a player who blocks the ball with one arm instead of two.
What're Basic Volleyball Blocking Skills All Blockers Should Know Well
I describe blocking terms which explain common volleyball blocking skills and techniques varsity players know like "roof", "the joust" and the "kong block."
How To Block in Volleyball Blocking Terms Words and Slang Blockers Use
How to block in volleyball. Learn blocking words and blocker terminology used during front court defense when trying to stop an opposing team's attack hits.
3 Types of Blocks in Volleyball Block Assist Block Touch Block Attempt
I describe 3 volleyball blocking terms and 3 types of blocks in volleyball specifically what is the block touch, the block assist, and the block attempt.
Four Types of Volleyball Blocks Varsity Volleyball Players Should Know
These blocking terms describe the four types of volleyball blocks varsity players know to do: one-on-one blocking, double block, triple block and swing blocking.
You Don't Know These Blocker Terms Used in Volleyball? Change That Now
These four terms used in volleyball blocking practice are words and volleyball jargon coaches use to describe blocking technique used to stop an attack hit.
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