Volleyball Spike Approach Master The 3 and 4 Step Approach For Hitting

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Volleyball Spike Approach Master The 3 and 4 Step Approach For Hitting 

The volleyball spike approach for hitting is also called the spike approach and is done by a spiker who takes 3 or 4 steps to a ball in the air before hitting it. 

The Volleyball Spike Approach - Three Steps When using a three-step spike approach if you're a right handed hitter you'd step on your left foot first. (Penn State News)

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The spike approach, also known as the volleyball approach, is a technique used by hitters to approach the ball in the air before executing a powerful spike. It can be performed using either a three-step or four-step approach.

The Volleyball Spike Approach - Three Steps

When using a three-step spike approach if you're a right handed hitter you'd step on your left foot first.

Step One of the Three Step Volleyball Approach

The directional step is the first of three...

• which you'd use to propel yourself closer to where you want to contact the ball...
• this is your directional step...and
• this should be the slower step you take...

Step One of the Three Step Volleyball Spike Approach The directional step is the first of 3 which you'd use to propel yourself closer to where you want to contact the ball. (Matt Pendleton)

For a quick review...

As a right handed hitter you'd

• step on your left foot first ...
• which you'd use to propel yourself closer to where you want to contact the ball...
• This is your directional step...and this should be the slower step you take..

The Volleyball Spike Approach-As a right handed hitter you'd, step on your left foot first which you'd use to propel yourself closer to where you want to contact the ball... This is your directional step. (Matt Pendleton)

1. First Step: The Directional Step

The first step in the three-step approach is the directional step, which is crucial for positioning yourself correctly and setting the momentum for your spike.

Here's how to execute it effectively:

Timing: The directional step is typically taken as the setter is contacting the ball or just after.

Footwork: As a right-handed hitter, your first step will be with your left foot (and vice versa for left-handed hitters). Take a large step diagonally towards the setter, crossing over slightly in front of your other foot.

Positioning: Ensure that your body is facing the setter, aligning your hitting shoulder with the setter's hands. This allows for a smooth and direct transition into the next steps of your approach.

Important Note: The directional step should be controlled and deliberate, focusing on gaining proper positioning rather than speed.

The last two steps...right foot then left foot occur almost simultaneously...

...and should be

• the fastest,
• most aggressive steps in the entire spike approach

because these are the steps that propel you upward and into the air towards the ball.

Volleyball Spike Approach: When you take a good aggressive approach, make contact with the ball at its highest point and swing fast and high contacting the ball at its 12 noon point. (Ralph Arvesen)

Doing this helps you contact the ball at your highest possible contact point above the net. 

These steps help you generate upward momentum, launching you into the air towards the ball.

By executing these steps with speed and power, you can reach your highest possible contact point above the net.

2. Second Step: The Power Step

The second step is the power step, which generates explosive speed and power for your approach. Here's what you need to do:

Timing: The power step is taken immediately after the directional step, ensuring a seamless transition.

Footwork: Take a quick and explosive step with your other foot (right foot for right-handed hitters and left foot for left-handed hitters). This step should be a push-off, propelling you forward and generating forward momentum.

Positioning: As you take the power step, slightly open your body to face the ball and align yourself with the setter's contact point. Maintain a low and athletic position, with your knees bent and weight evenly distributed.

Important Note: The power step should be quick and forceful, allowing you to build acceleration and generate power as you move towards the ball.

3. Third Step: The Crossover Step or Final Acceleration Step

The third step is the crossover step, also known as the final acceleration step. This step allows you to further increase your speed, elevation, and positioning for an optimal spike. Here's how to execute it effectively:

Timing: The crossover step should occur immediately after the power step in a fluid and continuous motion.

Footwork: As you complete the power step, quickly cross your back foot (left foot for right-handed hitters and right foot for left-handed hitters) in front of your front foot, generating a quick and powerful lateral movement.

Positioning: As you cross over, your hips and shoulders should be fully facing the net. This helps you align yourself for a strong and accurate spike.

Important Note: The crossover step should be explosive, providing the final burst of speed and elevation. Focus on maintaining a balanced and controlled body position throughout the step.

By breaking down the three-step approach in detail and providing specific instructions for each step, you can enhance your understanding and execution of this important technique.

Remember to practice and refine the timing, footwork, and positioning to optimize your spike approach and unleash powerful and accurate hits on the volleyball court.

Volleyball Spike Approach: Penn State middle hitter Haleigh Washington attacks against Howard (Penn State News)

In a four step approach,

• once you've made the first two steps of your spike approach that get you closer to the ball,
• you then start your arm swing motion,
• swinging both arms back ..before
• swinging them both forward

The Volleyball Spike Approach: It's important when you spike the ball that your hand makes contact on the TOP third of the ball, if not then your spiked ball will not have a downward trajectory into the court, but instead will go sailing long towards the back wall and out of the court.

As both arms swing forward at the same time the last two steps are taken which lifts you into the air, like a plane that has taken off at the end of the runway. 

In the air,

• you pull back the elbow of your hitting arm,
• keeping it above the level of your ear while the arm is above your head.

Holding your elbow high and using a bow and arrow type movement to make contact with the ball so that it clears the net, you bring your hitting arm forward so it contacts the top third of the ball. 

During the volleyball spike approach hold your elbow high to make contact with the ball so that it clears the net, bring your hitting arm forward so it contacts the top third of the ball. (Ralph Arvesen)

In the air, focus on maintaining a high elbow position with your hitting arm above the level of your ear.

Utilize a "bow and arrow" type movement to make contact with the ball, ensuring it clears the net.

Bring your hitting arm forward to contact the top third of the ball, generating power and accuracy in your spike.

By mastering the volleyball spike approach and practicing these techniques, you can enhance your hitting skills and become a more effective spiker on the court.

When it comes to executing a successful spike in volleyball, generating power in your approach is crucial.

The last two steps of the approach play a significant role in harnessing explosive energy, enabling you to jump higher and reach a higher contact point above the net.

Here's why the faster and more aggressive steps are vital for power generation:

1. Increased Upward Momentum

The fast and forceful movements in the last two steps of your approach create an upward momentum that propels you higher into the air.

As you explode off the ground, the speed and aggressiveness of these steps contribute to generating upward lift, allowing you to soar towards the peak of your jump.

This upward momentum is what enables you to surpass the net and reach a higher contact point for a more dominant spike.

2. Enhanced Jumping Ability

The explosive power generated by the last two steps of your approach directly impacts your jumping ability.

By executing rapid and forceful steps, you activate your leg muscles, maximizing their potential for vertical propulsion.

This generates greater lift, enabling you to jump higher. The higher you can jump, the more advantageous your position will be for attacking the ball and finding gaps in the opposing team's defense.

3. Increased Swing Speed:

The speed and aggressiveness of the final two steps in your approach contribute to increased swing speed, which is essential for powerful and effective spikes.

As you explode off the ground, the quick and forceful movements translate into a stronger and faster arm swing.

This allows you to generate greater momentum, converting it into a powerful strike that can penetrate the opposing team's defense with force and accuracy.

By emphasizing explosive power in the approach and understanding the importance of fast and aggressive steps, you can amplify your jumping ability and spike effectiveness.

Practice and repetition of this technique allow you to fine-tune your timing, strength, and coordination, enabling you to optimize the power generated in your spike approach.

Remember, a well-executed approach with explosive steps not only generates more power but also establishes you as a formidable attacker on the volleyball court.

Thanks for visiting. Be sure to check out more of my volleyball passing articles by clicking one of the links below! (April Chapple)

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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. 

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Practice and repetition of this technique allow you to fine-tune your timing, strength, and coordination, enabling you to optimize the power generated in your spike approach. Remember, a well-executed approach with explosive steps not only generates more power but also establishes you as a formidable attacker on the volleyball court.

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