Aylesbury Vale Volleyball Club

Communication in Volleyball

Thanks to Layne for this article.

Perhaps the best way of illustrating this is to simply provide a sample list of what to say and when to say it. This list is not a complete list but it will hopefully illustrate just how important communication is. Also note, this list is for everyone.. the volleyball court should be a noisy place. That goes for training and games. Here is the list..

When rotating, say who is 'up' (rotating to front court) and who is serving.
When you are switching, both before and during, eg "Layne coming round" or "switch now!"
When you are receiving serve or during rally.. "Mine" or "Layne's". Must call early on serve, two calls are better than one. No call is unacceptable.
When you are lining up defend the serve get yourself organised.. i.e., "Layne and Simon at the back" or "Setters middle".
When going for a block/or to urge team mates to block shout "block" or "blocks up!!".

Fingering the opposition

Identify their hitters.. "3 hitters.. 7, 4 & 9". It's a 'we know who you are thing'. A good pysche out for the nervous.
Identify the good hitters.. "Watch 7". This encourages the setter to set to his weaker hitters!
Identify the play call.. if you catch the setter giving one of his attackers the nod then shout "it's going to 6/outside" or "watch the reverse". Again, the setter is in a dilemma.. does he stick with it or not. Bluff and double bluff.
Aswell as unsettling the opposition this also does is make yourself aware of where the attacks are coming from, where the most danger is and the job you have in preventing it.

During a rally

Call for the ball.. there are very few exceptions to this.. the only one I can think of is when actually hitting (so not to give any clues to the opposition).
Setters.. if not taking the ball must call "help" (should be a last resort/rare). When penetrating need to say "I'm in" or similar.
When 'ready to hit'. An absolute must. Simple "middle", "4", "reverse", "backcourt".
When supporting a player "I'm here", "just up".
"Free Ball". Another must. This must be called early and means quick penetration and fast attack. See Golden Rules.

Information

When attacking.. "over" (to put it over.. it's the 3rd touch); "set it" (we have another touch and hitters are ready).
How many are blocking your hitter "1/2/3 block" and where "line/cross block" or what to hit "line", "cross"
When defending.. "dump", "push", "spike". Tells you and your defence what to expect.

More psyche outs for the opposition

"That's a mistake, let's use it"
"We're on top now, let's keep it going"
"First to 5 team, let's go"

Encouragement

Stating the obvious but it's a part of communication. Keep people focused, relaxed, confident and intense.

Movement

Move as you watch. As the ball is played around the court player moves into appropriate position whilst facing the play.
Eg. So if serving will start in blocking position, will adjust blocking position as ball is played. If not blocking, will back of to cover position. If not playing the ball turn to face and support who is. When the ball is going to the setter move into line up for hitting or covering the hitters.
Think about why you are.. court lines, net, other players.. all the time. Build court awareness.
Use appropriate movement.. shuffle, short step, long steps.
Don't forget to move back.. easier to come forward than back, wider view of play, know where outside of court is, can move into the play, easier to get behind the ball.

Blocking

Lead blocker shuffle or step to get in line with the hitters arm (are they left handed?, you must know this before they are jumping to hit!!!).
When moving to join block step out first, line up with other blockers feet, and jump when they jump.
It is often a good idea to step in to block.

Defending

You often have more time than think.
Move to the ball and then play the shot. Do not run with hands ready to dig!
Can you see the ball?
If hard hit (more common with Men) little time for sideways movement. Just stand up and react.
Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate!

Golden Rules

When serving blockers line up where the greatest perceived threat is.

Setters never block middle. Because..

largest percentage of hitting and biggest threat is through 4, least on the reverse
makes it difficult to get back for setting/hitting.

Free ball

Whole team must call. Must make transition before the ball comes over the net.
Backcourt middle covers for penetrating setter.
Fast attack.. the opposition are on the back foot.

Play to the opposition

If they can't hit down the line down block the line.
Don't 2/3 block poor hitters.
Look for gaps in the defense.. do they cover behind the block.
Is the back middle player slow? Put the balls in the corners.

Patience

Don't be in a hurry to win the point.
Don't be in a hurry to win the match.
Giving cheap points away will hurt you.

Serving

Compose yourself. It's the one time you have control.
Have a routine.
Look for near 100% success in getting the ball in.