Tips For Short Volleyball Players: Top Strategies to Beat Big Blockers

You don't need to be 6 feet tall to dominate at the net. Learn my tips for short volleyball players to use to outsmart bigger blockers and score more points.

Being a shorter volleyball player comes with a unique challenge: You're facing
blockers who are 3-6 inches taller.

That's not fair. But here's what's also true: You have advantages they don't."

I'll cover the 5 core strategies elite short hitters use to score against big
blockers, plus at-home drills and weekly tracking systems that actually work.

But here's the thing: If you want to go DEEPER into any specific tactic, I've
created specialized guides for each one. This page shows you the big picture. The
pages below go deep.

When you're shorter, coaches and teammates often expect less from you. They assume you can't hit as hard, can't reach as high, can't compete with taller hitters.

So what do most short players do? They try to out-jump the blockers.

They work on vertical jump training. They lift weights. They jump higher and higher, trying to match the reach of 6'2" blockers.

And you know what?

Even if you jump 2-3 inches higher, you're still shorter. You're playing their game, not yours.

Most volleyball resources for short players focus on one thing:

"Jump higher!"

But that's not the answer.

The answer is: Stop trying to beat them at their game. Start beating them at YOUR game.

Here's what I've learned after 30+ years of coaching and playing professionally against Olympic-level blockers:

The players who succeed as short hitters aren't the ones who jump the highest.

They're the ones who are the smartest, fastest, and most unpredictable.

When I played professionally in Italy at 5'10" against 6'3" blockers, I didn't try to out-jump them. I out-thought them.

I learned to:
- ✅ Use their own hands to score points (wiping the block)
- ✅ Attack with speed instead of height (fast arm swing)
- ✅ Mix up my shots so they never knew what was coming (strategic unpredictability)
- ✅ Own the middle of the court (where height matters less)
- ✅ Hit high off their hands when they didn't penetrate (exploiting their mistakes)

And here's the thing: These aren't advanced skills. These are STRATEGIC skills.

You can learn them. You can practice them. You can master them.

And when you do, your height stops being a disadvantage and becomes irrelevant.

They work on vertical jump training. They lift weights. They jump higher and higher, trying to match the reach of 6'2" blockers.

And you know what? Even if you jump 2-3 inches higher, you're still shorter. You're playing their game, not yours.

• I get messages from short players all the time saying:
• "I feel like I have to hit harder than everyone else just to get the ball past the block."

• "I get blocked so much. I feel like I'm not good enough."

• "Taller hitters on my team get more sets because coaches think they're better."

• "I don't know what to do when the block is right in front of me."

• "I practice jumping higher but I'm still shorter than the blockers."

Here's what I tell them:

• You're asking the wrong question.

• You're not asking: "How do I jump higher?"*

• You should be asking: "How do I score points against ANY block?"*

Because once you know the answer to THAT question, your height doesn't matter anymore.

Let me flip the script here. Being a short player isn't a disadvantage - it's a different advantage.

How about that for re-defining a phrase?

Shorter players are typically faster and more agile. Your footwork is quicker. Your arm swing is faster because there's less distance to travel.

How to use this: Request faster sets from your setter. Go sets, shoot sets, quick tempo attacks. Beat the block with SPEED, not height. Use your quick arm swing to your advantage.

When you contact the ball lower, you can see MORE of the court. You see gaps, open spaces, and defensive weaknesses that taller hitters miss.

How to use this: Develop shot variety. Tips, roll shots, cut shots to areas tall hitters can't see.

Blockers expect tall hitters to hit hard. They're ready for power. But they're NOT always ready for a short player who tips, rolls, cuts the ball and mixes up their shots.

How to use this: Mix up your shots. Hit hard 5-6 times, then tip. Keep them guessing.

You can move faster, adjust quicker, and get to out-of-system sets more easily than taller players.

How to use this: Attack imperfect sets. Be the "hero" who scores on balls other hitters would free-ball.

Your lower center of gravity makes you more stable and balanced. You're harder to push around at the net.

How to use this: Develop confidence in jousts. When the ball floats over the net, you can win the joust by being the second player to touch the ball.

Do you know how often short hitters win jousts? Lots of times...and its because they know how and when to time their jump so they touch and push the ball after the first player does. 

What It Is?

Deliberately aim your spike at the blocker's outside hand (closest to the antenna) so the ball deflects off their hand and lands out of bounds on your side.

Why It Works for Short Players:

This is THE most effective tactic for shorter hitters because:

• You don't need height to execute it
• Blockers can't defend against it (their own hands betray them)
• Diggers behind the block can't react fast enough
• It works even when you're getting blocked repeatedly

How to Practice: The Wipe-the-Block Drill:

1. Stand on one side of net with coach/blocker on other side
2. Coach tosses ball to you
3. You take spike approach
4. Instead of hitting through the block, aim for blocker's outside hand
5. Hit so ball deflects off their hand and lands out of bounds on your side
6. That's a point for you!

Weekly Goal:
- Week 1: 5/10 successful wipes
- Week 2: 7/10 successful wipes
- Week 3: 8/10 successful wipes
- Week 4: Master the technique (9-10/10)

Pro Tip: This works ESPECIALLY well when the block is tight to the net. If you can't hit through, wipe off!

What It Is:

Target the space between the middle blocker's hands and outside blocker's hands - the hole they're supposed to close but often don't.

Why It Works for Short Players:

• Requires speed and accuracy, not height
• Exploits blocker mistakes (late closing, not jumping together)
• Works especially well on fast sets
• Gives you a clear target to aim for

How to Practice: The Seam Attack Drill

1. Coach sets you a fast set (Go, Hut, or Shoot set)
2. Two blockers at net (or one tall blocker)
3. Look for the seam between their hands
4. Attack fearlessly through that gap
5. Ball should pass between their hands

Weekly Goal:
- Week 1: Identify seam 8/10 times
- Week 2: Hit through seam 6/10 times
- Week 3: Hit through seam 7/10 times
- Week 4: Hit through seam 8/10 times

Pro Tip: This works best when the middle blocker is late closing. Ask your back row: "Is the middle blocker late?" They'll tell you when the seam is open!

What It Is:

When blockers jump but their hands don't penetrate over the net, hit the ball high off the top of their hands so it bounces deep out of bounds.

Why It Works for Short Players:

• Doesn't require you to hit over the block
• Uses blocker's own hands against them
• Ball bounces deep where defense can't reach
• Works when you can't hit through or wipe

How to Practice: The High Off-Hands Drill

1. Coach sets you a ball
2. Blocker jumps and blocks (but hands don't penetrate)
3. You reach high and contact ball at top of blocker's hands
4. Hit with pace so ball bounces deep
5. Ball lands out of bounds = point!

Weekly Goal:
- Week 1: Hit high off hands 5/10 times
- Week 2: Hit high off hands 6/10 times
- Week 3: Hit high off hands 7/10 times
- Week 4: Hit high off hands 8/10 times

Pro Tip: Ask your setter to set you slightly off the net so you can see the block and execute this properly!

What It Is:

Develop tips and roll shots to the middle of the opposing court (2-3 steps in front of Zone 6) - the area that's hardest for defenders to cover. This area of the court is often called the "CAMPFIRE" spot because its located literally in the center of the court. 

Why It Works for Short Players:

- Height is irrelevant in the middle
- Defenders are often out of position there
- It's an "easy" area to hit to (just over the block and net)
- Works especially well in long rallies

How to Practice: The Middle Court Mastery Drill

1. Coach tosses balls to you
2. You practice tips to middle (Zone 6)
3. Focus on placement over power
4. Aim for pushing the ball two feet past the 10-foot line (behind Zone 3 area)
5. Goal: Ball lands in that zone (outside of the ten foot line)

Weekly Goal:

• Week 1: 5/10 tips land in middle zone
• Week 2: 7/10 tips land in middle zone
• Week 3: 8/10 tips land in middle zone
• Week 4: 9/10 tips land in middle zone

Pro Tip: In long rallies, defenders have a tendency to creep forward. The middle becomes WIDE OPEN. This is your money zone!

What It Is:

Don't be predictable. After hitting hard 5-6 times, change to tips, roll shots, or cut shots.

Why It Works for Short Players:

• Keeps blockers guessing
• Makes you unpredictable (your biggest advantage!)
• Prevents blockers from reading you
• Forces defense to adjust constantly

How to Practice: The Shot Variety Drill

1. Coach sets you 10 balls
2. Balls 1-5: Hit hard (power shots)
3. Balls 6-7: Tip (soft shots)
4. Balls 8-9: Roll shot (controlled arc)
5. Ball 10: Cut shot (sharp angle)

Weekly Goal:

• Week 1: Execute all 4 shot types (even if not perfectly)
• Week 2: Execute with 70% accuracy
• Week 3: Execute with 80% accuracy
• Week 4: Execute with 90% accuracy + blockers can't predict

Pro Tip: The best short hitters are UNPREDICTABLE. Tall hitters rely on power. You rely on strategy!

The biggest mistake short players make: They only practice at team practice.

Elite short hitters practice EVERY DAY at home.

Here are the drills I did as a short player (and still do with my clients and teams!):

DRILL #1: GARAGE WALL WIPE DRILL

Setup:

• Mark target on garage wall 3-4 feet above your head
• Stand 4 feet away from wall
• No jumping needed

Execution:

• Hit ball toward target with proper arm swing
• Focus on "wiping" motion (arm coming across body)
• Ball should bounce back to you on left side (for right-handed hitters)

Progression:

• Week 1: 50 reps (standing, no jump)
• Week 2: 50 reps (standing, add approach footwork)
• Week 3: 30 reps (add jump)
• Week 4: 50 reps (full spike approach + jump)

Weekly Goal:

- Week 1: 30/50 successful wipes
- Week 2: 40/50 successful wipes
- Week 3: 35/50 successful wipes (harder with jump)
- Week 4: 45/50 successful wipes

DRILL #2: MIRROR ARM SWING DRILL

Setup:

• Stand in front of full-length mirror
• No ball needed

Execution:

• Practice arm swing motion (bow and arrow position)
• Focus on HIGH ELBOW (above ear level)
• Speed up the motion from 12 o'clock to contact point
• Watch yourself to ensure elbow doesn't drop

Progression:
- Week 1: 50 reps (slow motion, focus on form)
- Week 2: 50 reps (half speed, build rhythm)
- Week 3: 50 reps (full speed, maintain high elbow)
- Week 4: 100 reps (speed + consistency)

Weekly Goal:
- Week 1: Maintain high elbow for all 50 reps
- Week 2: Increase speed while keeping elbow high
- Week 3: Maximum speed with perfect form
- Week 4: 100 reps at maximum speed = elite arm swing

DRILL #3: VERTICAL JUMP TRAINING

Setup:
- Open space (driveway, gym, etc.)
- No equipment needed (or use box if available)

Execution:
- Box jumps: Jump on/off box (or stairs)
- Squat jumps: Jump from squat position
- Broad jumps: Jump forward as far as possible
- Tuck jumps: Jump and bring knees to chest

Progression:
- Week 1: 3 sets of 10 reps each exercise
- Week 2: 3 sets of 12 reps each exercise
- Week 3: 3 sets of 15 reps each exercise
- Week 4: 4 sets of 15 reps each exercise

Weekly Goal:
- Week 1: Build foundation
- Week 2: Increase reps
- Week 3: Increase intensity
- Week 4: Measure vertical jump improvement (goal: 2-4 inch increase)

DRILL #4: APPROACH FOOTWORK DRILL

Setup:
- Open space
- No ball needed

Execution:
- Practice 3-step approach (for fast sets)
- Practice 4-step approach (for high sets)
- Focus on explosive last two steps
- "Attack the floor" like it's a trampoline

Progression:
- Week 1: 25 reps each approach (slow motion)
- Week 2: 25 reps each approach (half speed)
- Week 3: 25 reps each approach (full speed)
- Week 4: Alternate approaches (10 of each, 10 of each)

Weekly Goal:
- Week 1: Perfect footwork at slow speed
- Week 2: Perfect footwork at medium speed
- Week 3: Perfect footwork at full speed
- Week 4: Instant recognition of which approach to use

What's the secret to improvement? Measure it!

Use my tracking system to see your progress week by week.

Yep! I have years of my own tracking charts and systems so I decided to share some with you, so you can use them to keep track of your progress. 

Wipe-the-Block Drill:                                                         - Target: 5/10 successful wipes                                       - Your result: _____/10                                                     - Notes: _____________________

Seam Attack Drill:                                                            - Target: Identify seam 8/10 times                                  - Your result: _____/10                                                      - Notes: _____________________

High Off-Hands Drill:
 - Target: 5/10 successful hits
 - Your result: _____/10
 - Notes: _____________________

Middle Court Drill:
 - Target: 5/10 tips land in zone
 - Your result: _____/10
- Notes: _____________________

At-Home Wipe Drill:
- Target: 30/50 successful wipes
- Your result: _____/50
- Notes: _____________________

Mirror Arm Swing:
- Target: 50 reps with high elbow
- Your result: _____/50
- Notes: _____________________

Vertical Jump Measurement:
- Starting vertical: _____ inches
- Notes: _____________________

Wipe-the-Block Drill:                                                    - Target: 7/10 successful wipes                                  - Your result: _____/10                                                  - Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

Seam Attack Drill:
- Target: Hit through seam 6/10 times
- Your result: _____/10
- Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

High Off-Hands Drill:
- Target: 6/10 successful hits
- Your result: _____/10
- Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

Middle Court Drill:
- Target: 7/10 tips land in zone
- Your result: _____/10
- Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

At-Home Wipe Drill:
- Target: 40/50 successful wipes
- Your result: _____/50
- Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

Mirror Arm Swing:
- Target: 50 reps at half speed
- Your result: _____/50
- Notes: Arm swing speed improving?

Vertical Jump:
- Current vertical: _____ inches
- Improvement from Week 1: _____ inches

Wipe-the-Block Drill:                                                    - Target: 8/10 successful wipes                                  - Your result: _____/10                                                  -Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

Seam Attack Drill:
 - Target: Hit through seam 7/10 times
 - Your result: _____/10
 - Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

High Off-Hands Drill:
 - Target: 7/10 successful hits
 - Your result: _____/10
 -Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

Middle Court Drill:
 - Target: 8/10 tips land in zone
 - Your result: _____/10
 -Improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful

At-Home Wipe Drill:
 - Target: 35/50 successful wipes (harder with jump)
 - Your result: _____/50
 - Notes: _____________________

Mirror Arm Swing:
 - Target: 50 reps at full speed
 - Your result: _____/50
 - Notes: High elbow maintained at speed?

Vertical Jump:
 - Current vertical: _____ inches
 - Improvement from Week 1: _____ inches

Wipe-the-Block Drill:                                                    - Target: 9-10/10 successful wipes                              - Your result: _____/10                                                -Total improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful     - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

Seam Attack Drill:
 - Target: Hit through seam 8/10 times
 - Your result: _____/10
 -Total improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

High Off-Hands Drill:
 - Target: 8/10 successful hits
 - Your result: _____/10
 -Total improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

Middle Court Drill:
 - Target: 9/10 tips land in zone
 - Your result: _____/10
 -Total improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

At-Home Wipe Drill:
 - Target: 45/50 successful wipes
 - Your result: _____/50
 -Total improvement from Week 1: _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

Mirror Arm Swing:
 - Target: 100 reps at maximum speed
 - Your result: _____/100
 - Notes: Elite arm swing speed achieved?

Vertical Jump:
 - Final vertical: _____ inches
 -Total improvement from Week 1: _____ inches
 - Goal: 2-4 inch increase ☐ Achieved ☐ Close

Wipe-the-Block Drill:
 - Target: 9-10/10 successful wipes
 - Your result: _____/10
 - Total improvement from Week 1:** _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

Seam Attack Drill:
 - Target: Hit through seam 8/10 times
 - Your result: _____/10
 - Total improvement from Week 1:** _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

High Off-Hands Drill:
 - Target: 8/10 successful hits
 - Your result: _____/10
 - Total improvement from Week 1:** _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

Middle Court Drill:
 - Target: 9/10 tips land in zone
 - Your result: _____/10
 - Total improvement from Week 1:** _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

At-Home Wipe Drill:
 - Target: 45/50 successful wipes
 - Your result: _____/50
 - Total improvement from Week 1:** _____ more successful
 - Status: ☐ Mastered ☐ Close ☐ Still working

Mirror Arm Swing:
 - Target: 100 reps at maximum speed
 - Your result: _____/100
 - Notes: Elite arm swing speed achieved?

Vertical Jump:
 - Final vertical: _____ inches
 - Total improvement from Week 1:** _____ inches
 - Goal: 2-4 inch increase ☐ Achieved ☐ Close

When I researched what short volleyball players needed, I found something interesting:

Most resources focus on ONE thing: "Jump higher!"

But that's not the real problem.

The real problem is: Short players don't know HOW to practice strategically, and they don't know if they're actually improving.

So here's what I included in this guide that you won't find anywhere else:

✅ Specific Drills with Weekly Benchmarks
- Not just "practice wiping the block"
- But "here's exactly how to practice it, and here's your goal for each week"

✅ At-Home Drills (No Net Required)
- You don't need a gym or net to improve
- 10-15 minutes daily in your garage/driveway
- More practice = faster improvement

✅ Progress Tracking Logs
- Write down your numbers each week
- Compare Week 1 to Week 4
- SEE your improvement (this is incredibly motivating!)

✅ Self-Check Protocols
- Know exactly what you're doing wrong
- Know exactly how to fix it
- Don't waste time on bad technique

✅ Weekly Goals & Standards
- Know exactly what to work on each week
- Have specific targets to hit
- Measure progress objectively

Most short player guides give you tips. This guide gives you a complete 4-week training system.

That's the difference! 📊

My guide is designed to give you the foundation - the 5 core strategies and at-home drills.

But if you want the COMPLETE system with:

✅ Detailed technique breakdowns for each strategy

✅ Advanced drills and progressions

✅ Game situation practice plans

✅ Mental game training for confidence

✅ Complete 4-8 week training progressions

✅ Troubleshooting guides for common problems

Check out my "Short Player Spiking Success" Checklist - it includes everything in this guide

PLUS:

• 7 detailed sections with self-check protocols
• At-home training drills with 4-week progression plans
• Progress tracking logs for every technique
• Weekly goals and benchmarks
• Troubleshooting for common short player problems
• Mental game strategies for confidence building

Get it for just $7 (or as part of the Complete Spiking System Bundle for $27)

Now check out how former NCAA Division I Player of the Year Cary Wendell Wallin does her version of these hitting drills volleyball players do.

I like how she explains why she makes a few adjustments for younger players who she has doing this drill. 

Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

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. 

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.

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.

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