About Volleyball Defense Positions

The game of volleyball is full of constant action and unpredictability. Volleyball players are called upon to be masters of their position: be it offensive, defensive or setting, however, versatility is a key element of any volleyball team. There is an ideal method for receiving a ball and turning it over into an offensive attack, however the nature of the game is to upset that "ideal" for the opposing team. Whenever this is achieved, it is beneficial for each member of a volleyball team to be versed in all skills, especially defensive positions. If an unexpected attack is successfully defended, then the offensive score is avoided and multiple options are presented for its return. For this reason, all volleyball players, regardless of their specialties on the court, will benefit from an understanding of the basics of volleyball defense.

Features

The rules of volleyball are extensive and intricate, however the basics of the game are fairly straightforward. A game is played with one team on either side of the net, with up to six players on each side. Before each play, a player from the current offensive side serves the ball, and the play continues until a point is scored by one of the teams. During a play, a ball can only be handled three times on each side of the net before being returned, and no one player can contact the ball for two touches in a row. A point is scored for a team each time the ball touches the ground in bounds on the opposing side of the net. If the ball touches the ground out of bounds, a point is scored for that side. Each set is played to 25 points, with the first team to win three sets taking the match.

Types

Each volleyball team consists of up to six active players at any time: one setter, and then a variable number of defensive/offensive positions. The setter is the player who controls the positioning of the ball, putting it in the correct location in each play for the hitters to be able to "spike" the ball on the other side of the net to earn a point. In an ideal play, the ball will come over the net and be contacted by a defensive player and passed to the setter, who then sets the ball close to the net for the attacker, who then spikes the ball over the net for a point. (Opposing Team--->Defense--->Setter--->Hitter--->point)

Identification

A basic defensive set up in volleyball is to play with one setter, two outside hitters, and then three defensive players. The defensive players would be arranged toward the back of the court, with the two outside players further back than the middle. The front two hitters and the setter are able to step back and catch a defensive play, but for most situations, the three back players should effectively be able to save any attack by the opposing team. A volleyball pass (called a "bump") is the most effective defensive play. When a bump is used to save an attack, it is called a "dig."

Function

To perform a "dig" a player must have both feet planted on the ground, with the majority of his weight on the balls of the feet. The player must bend at the knees and crouch low to the floor, lowering the center of gravity while still maintaining substantial balance and mobility. Both arms are extended, with palms loosely facing up and inward toward each other. The body should be angled on the court toward the direction of the incoming serve or attack. The defensive player must be prepared to move either right or left to field the ball if it comes to his zone, as well as back or forward (into a dive) if the ball is played long or short.

Expert Insight

For effective defense, the defensive player should always be aware of the court's out-of-bounds lines, allowing the ball to hit the ground and gain a point for her side if the attack is played out of bounds. It is always best for a player to shout "out" if she is sure the ball will fall out of bounds, so that none of her teammates mistakenly run to catch the play in her place. Also, it is best for a defensive player to call "mine" or "me" or "got it" when going for a dig, as the zones of the defense are relatively small on a volleyball court and there is always the chance of two defensive players going for a borderline ball.