600x600 Get 5 free servingtipspromoGet 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Register TODAY! for my
Coach April's
May 30 -31
Spiking and Hitting clinics

COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today
COACH APRIL’S MAY HITTING CLINICS AT ITS ALL VOLLEYBALL For serious players ages 11–17 who want to improve: - approach footwork - hitting mechanics - power - ball placement - attacking confidence Perfect for: NYS players newer club players club travel players who need more focused hitting work DATES May 2–3 May 16–17 May 30–31 TIMES 10am–11am ages 11–13 11am–12pm ages 13–15 12pm–1pm ages 15–16 1pm–2pm ages 16–17 $40 one session $80 two sessions $120 three sessions Email info@improveyourvolley.com to register today

Email: info@improveyourvolley.com for info or to register for this weekend's clinics! 


10 Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers 

These are 10 hitting tactics that short volleyball players, can rely on hit against and sideout and score against teams with big blockers in the front row.  

10 Volleyball Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers (photo Shakes KC)10 Volleyball Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers (photo Shakes KC)

📍 YOUR SHORT HITTER ROADMAP

This is your starting point. After reading this guide, explore these specialized deep-dives based on what you want to master:

👇 Keep reading to learn the 5 core strategies, then jump to any deep-dive above.


These hitting strategies are things to work on during your practices that will help you improve your scoring abilities when hitting in the front row.

The good news is that alot of these tactics give shorter hitters options to use to score when they face two big blockers at the net. 

  • Practice your roll shots that go over the block to the middle of the court. 
Hitting Tactics: Practice your roll shots that go over the block to the middle of the court.


This spot is often out of the opposing defenders reach.

I have plenty of video of Vegas players during rallies this past season continuously tipping the ball behind the opposing block, where the defender is waiting to pick up balls. 

You can end rallies alot faster if you learn to make points by aiming for the middle of the court with off speed or roll shots.

By doing this regularly, especially when your team is in serve receive and you need to sideout,  you could see plenty of playing time as well as score a ton of points. 



"The majority of the best volleyball players in the world right now are 6’4″ or very near!  Speed is something that a smaller player can bring to help offset any disadvantage there might be. That is what I try to do offensively… hit as fast a ball as possible to maximize my chances of success.

It would be silly to listen to any coach that says you can’t do it!"

Volleyball Coach Quotes From Olympic Gold Medalist Reid Priddy To USA Development Coach John Kessel

from the USA Volleyball article "Am I Too Short To Play Volleyball" by USA Volleyball Coach John Kessel


  • Hit to the deep corners of the opposing court 
Hitting Tactics: Hit to the deep corners of the opposing court


In long rallies, quite often the defensive players on the opposing side usually start creeping up in the court towards the ten foot line, leaving lots of area in the back row wide open.


10 Volleyball Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers 


  • Remember Zones 1 and 6 are usually wide open in long rallies so just hit high and aim long to the back corners to score a point or sideout.
Hitting Tactics: Remember Zone 1 and Zone 6 are open during long rallies


You can be any height to hit high and deep. This takes practice so learn to do it when you have scrimmages and competitions in practices.


  • Learn to hit high, contacting the ball at its highest height 
Hitting Tactics: Learn to hit high, contacting the ball at its highest height


You may have to tell your setter to set you a bit further off the net to stay behind the ball and still be able to see the court and the block while hitting deep and long. 


  • Hit a lot of “high, long, and deep” hitting reps so your body and arms learn and memorize what strength and ball speed it takes to get the ball to fall in these deep corners
Hitting Tactics: Learn to hit deep shots to far corners of the court


Playing doubles, triples, and four against four in practice is a good time to do this. 


10 Volleyball Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers


  • Hit the imperfect set, not just the perfect set.

Learn to hit those balls that the op- posing team and everybody in the gym thinks you are going to tip or roll shot over. 

Hitting Tactics: Hit the Imperfect set not just the perfect one


That means the ball that is above the height of the net but a little outside or a little inside or a little off the net.

Learn to be comfortable, with doing the uncomfortable.

Want to become a fearless and respected hitter? Then get good at hitting the imperfect sets. 


  • Attack high free balls over to the opposing team and reduce the number of easy free balls you give them. 
Hitting Tactics: Attack high free balls, be aggressive.


Be aggressive.

Think about attacking the ball first when it is high enough to make a decent approach.

If it’s coming at you fast, then pass the free ball deep, deep to Zone 1 to force the opposing setter to pass the first ball.

But if you can take an approach, then take the approach and send a more powerful ball over the net. 

Don’t give the opposing team anything free or easy if you can help it.

Your job is to make it difficult for them to score points on you, not make it easy for them. 


10 Volleyball Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers


  • Against a tall block in front of you, imagine the blocker’s arm closest to the antenna has a bull’s eye with your name on it, where you take aim at as a target
Hitting Tactics: Against a tall block aim for the outside arm


Follow through with your armswing so the ball travels off the blocker’s arm and back outside of the sideline.

Point for you. Get good at performing this hitting tactic. 


  • Soft tip into the block on purpose
Hitting Tactics: Soft tip into the block on purpose to force a replay


Practice aiming the tip into the opposing blocker’s wrists or upper forearms so the ball will bounce off high and back into your court if you get a trap set.

Your teammates who are covering you (they better be) will have a chance to replay the ball and run an offensive play again. 


10 Volleyball Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers 


  • Save broken plays by having the courage to aim the ball for the block 
Hitting Tactics: Save a broken play by tipping into the block to force a replay


Increase your skill at this play and you will learn a trick that elite players use to give themselves another opportunity to attack the ball. 



📍 YOUR SHORT HITTER ROADMAP

This is your starting point. After reading this guide, explore these specialized deep-dives based on what you want to master:

👇 Keep reading to learn the 5 core strategies, then jump to any deep-dive above.

📚 EXPLORE THE FULL SHORT HITTER RESOURCE LIBRARY

Dive deeper into any topic that interests you:

🎯 TACTICAL BREAKDOWN

10 Hitting Tactics Short Volleyball Players Use Against Big Blockers
Get 10 specific, actionable tactics for short hitters with detailed explanations and practice drills.

⚡ SPIKE VARIATIONS

Short Volleyball Player Spikes: Score Points Against Big Blockers
Master tips, roll shots, and cut shots—the secret weapons for short players.

💪 COMPREHENSIVE SKILLS

Essential Skills for a Hitter in Volleyball: Tips For Short Attackers
Build complete attacking skills with special attention to jump training for shorter players.

🏐 FUNDAMENTALS

Volleyball Tips on Playing Better and Improving Your Basic Skills
Strengthen your foundation across all 6 volleyball skills (passing, setting, spiking, digging, blocking, serving).

📋 COMPLETE TRAINING SYSTEMS

Ready for structured, step-by-step training? Browse all our spiking checklists:
View All Spiking Checklists


Smart Tactics for Short Volleyball Players Playing Volleyball: 
Where Do You Go Now?


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

  1. Learn more about Playing Volleyball by clicking the Related Links below. .
  2. Follow the suggested reading on our Sitemap page Learning How To Play (Sitemap)


Read more about playing volleyball on these pages.


If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Ebook_How_to_Clean_Up_Your_Passing_and_Get_More_-linkedin-profile-cover-1.jpeg

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $17.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

Volleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball CollectionVolleyball Player Whisperer in Vegas Restoring Power + Peace + Passion To Burnt Out Players, High Performance Volleyball Coach, ImproveYourVolley Web Author, Peace Love Volleyball Collection

AUTHOR BIO

April Chapple is an elite private volleyball trainer, former USA National Team member, and University of Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee who has coached in Las Vegas for 15+ years, training hundreds of athletes and helping numerous players reach college volleyball, including Division I standouts.

She's also the head coach for girls and boys 18s at Squad VBC and offers coaches consulting on technical teaching and player development. Connect with April on LinkedIn or at ImproveYourVolley.com, where her eye for overlooked talent sets her apart.


From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

What Are You Looking For?

Click to Download Your Pre Serving Ritual Mastery Checklist pdf:

🎯Volleyball Pre Serving Ritual Guide -

Players! Learn How To Transform Your Serve from Weak to Weapon

Click to Download Your Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist pdf

🎯Parent's Volleyball Serving Checklist Guide

Parents! Help Your Player Develop Championship Serves (Even If You've Never Played)


5freeseervingtips600by600promoGet 5 FREE Serving Tips (Plus 20 Bonus Techniques)! at ImproveYourVolley.com/complete-serving-system-checklists.html

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


 SUSCRIBE  to my email newsletter below!

as seen as on USA News InfluencerTennessee Athletics Honors April Chapple at Champions Weekend for Legendary Volleyball Achievements
utkchampionsweekendneylandstadiumselfiewithsharrieffaduringsocial

Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division



Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?

Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.

You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me,        Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.

Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!


Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. How Womens Olympic Beach Volleyball Players Changed Beach Volleyball

    May 28, 26 12:27 AM

    Kerri Walsh spiking in the Olympics
    Let's honor the best international teams, players and matches that have a special place in the captivating story of womens Olympic beach volleyball history.

    Read More

  2. Paris 1924 To 2024: 100 Years Of Volleyball in Olympic Games History

    May 28, 26 12:22 AM

    Paris Olympics 1924 letterhead
    Explore the thrilling journey of volleyball in Olympic Games. From its debut to historic matches, discover how this sport became an Olympic staple.

    Read More

  3. A Brief History of Volleyball A Timeline For Indoor Volleyball

    May 28, 26 12:16 AM

    volleyballnetsinlasvegas
    In this brief history of volleyball lesson, you'll discover who invented the game and when this sport was introduced to numerous countries worldwide.

    Read More