How to Dig a Spike in Volleyball

"A common mistake is for people to hit at a spike, which causes the ball to fly away, when they should really be absorbing the spike to slow it down and give their partner time to set," says Rob Heidger, pro beach volleyball player.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Volleyball Boundary Sets
• Volleyball Net Systems
• Volleyballs
• Volleyballs

1. 

   Start in a balanced, athletic position.

2. Focus on the hitter, readying yourself to dig.

3. Shift into position to dig, with your arms in front of you and relaxed.

4. Hold your hands in a neutral position so you can move them up or down.

5. 

   Bring your arms together as the ball comes down and give with it to take some velocity off it, keeping it on your side of the court.

6. 

   Contact the ball on the inside of your forearms (not on your wrists) for the most control.

7. Ready yourself to hammer the set.

Tips & Warnings

• "After a good dig, it's sometimes fun to demoralize your opponent by saying things like 'You're easy' or 'What else you got?' But only do it if you plan on winning," says Heidger.
• Heidger and his teammate, Kevin Wong, are the top-ranked U.S. men's doubles team in beach volleyball. Keep tabs as they aim for their slot in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

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on 11/22/2005 If you are diving and the ball is almost hitting the ground, get as low as possible and jet out using your hips to slide across the court and let the ball hit your arms. Most likely, if you do it right, the ball will get high enough to go over the net or for another team member to hit. Don't slide on your knees, it can cause serious damage. Always slide on your hips. After diving, do a barrel roll or an over-the-shoulder roll to get ready for the return of the ball. A barrel roll is where you roll to your side and have enough force to get up. The over-the-shoulder roll you bring your legs over your shoulder and let your body flip up. Note that if you are on a sand court it might be slightly uncomfortable as opposed to an indoor court.

on 11/22/2005 This drill is more appropriate for advanced or Varsity teams. Have someone (coach, etc.) spike a ball at you. Move your feet and stay LOW, diving if necessary to reach the ball. After passing the ball, or digging, execute a back roll and stand up.