How to improve my volleyball spike technique?
I've been playing volleyball for a year in our office team in Kolkata. I'm 5'10" and can jump reasonably high but my spikes always get blocked or go into the net. I think my timing and approach are off. I swing too early and the ball is never at the right height when I contact it. Any drills or tips to improve spiking? I practice twice a week at a local court.
2 Answers
Spiking timing is the #1 struggle for intermediate volleyball players. Here's a systematic approach: **The Approach (Most Important Part):** Your approach should be 3 steps for a right-handed spiker: Left-Right-Left (LRL). Most beginners get this wrong. The last two steps (right-left) are the power steps – they convert your forward momentum into upward jump. **Timing Fix:** - Start your approach when the **setter's hands touch the ball**, not when the ball leaves the setter. This is the most common timing mistake. - For a high set, you should be on your 2nd step when the ball reaches its peak. - Practice this WITHOUT hitting first. Just approach and jump alongside the net repeatedly. Do 20 approaches per practice session until the 3-step pattern is muscle memory. **Contact Point:** - Hit the ball at the **highest point** of your reach, with your arm fully extended. - Contact should be slightly behind and above your head, NOT in front of your face. - Think of it like throwing a ball over the net – your hand goes over the top of the ball. **Drills:** 1. **Wall spikes:** Find a high wall. Toss the ball to yourself and spike it against the wall. Focus on hitting with a fully extended arm and snapping your wrist over. Do 50 per session. 2. **Approach jump and catch:** Have a setter set the ball. Do your full approach but instead of hitting, catch the ball at the highest point. This teaches you the right timing without worrying about hitting technique. 3. **10-foot line hitting:** Stand at the 10-foot line and hit from there. Easier to time because the ball travels a shorter distance. Gradually move back as your timing improves. **For 5'10" height:** You're actually a good height for volleyball. Make sure you're jumping off BOTH feet – many beginners jump off one foot which loses significant height. Your goal should be to get your hand at least 6-8 inches above the net.
Great technical advice above. Let me add something about the **mental side** of spiking that nobody talks about: **Don't always go for the kill.** Beginners try to smash every ball as hard as possible. This leads to hitting into the net or out of bounds. Instead, focus on **placing** your spikes. A well-placed spike at 70% power is much more effective than a full-power spike that gets blocked. **Read the block:** Before you jump, glance at the opposing blockers. If the middle blocker is late, hit straight down. If the block is set, tip the ball over them or hit off their hands for a tool. **Wrist snap drill:** Hold a volleyball in your hitting hand against a wall. Practice snapping your wrist forward while keeping your arm straight. Do 30 reps per hand. This wrist snap is what gives the ball top-spin and makes your spikes dip down sharply instead of sailing out. Also, in Kolkata, check out **SAI Netaji Indoor Stadium** where volleyball open sessions happen on weekday evenings. Much better players there who can set for you during practice.