| How to play volleyball
|
|
How to play volleyball
Introduction
Volleyball is relatively easy to learn, does not require expensive equipment, and can be enjoyed by people of almost any age. Perhaps that\'s why, according to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), 1 in 6 people worldwide either plays or watches volleyball. After knowing this much, you must have query that how to play volleyball and be part of this game! Volleyball can be played indoors or outdoors (beach volleyball), and while this article focuses on the outdoor variety, which requires fewer people and can be played just about anywhere, the rules are almost identical for the two games. Whether you want to get into competitive beach volleyball or just set up a net at your next barbecue, read on to learn the basics of this exciting game.
Start at base
As the video shows, before the opposition sends the ball back to your side of the court, your team should get into the default defensive position, also known as "Base," until you can better judge how and where the ball will be returned to you. You can begin to make educated guesses about the opponent\'s options after you see how successful their first contact with the ball went. Did they shank the pass? Or was it sent perfectly to the target area, and the setter was in position to get a second touch on it? This base is very necessary for anyone who opts for how to play volleyball.
Release
Assuming your opponent successfully passes the ball to the setter, you are still trying to anticipate where the ball will go. If the setter\'s in the front row, she could dump the ball. If she does set the ball, it can go to any of the 2-3 front row players to attack. The moment she sets the ball, you will usually know what direction the ball will be going. At this point, you release into your perimeter defense.
Tips on how to play volleyball
• While the hands and arms provide the most control for shots, you may touch the ball with any part of your body. Keep in mind, however, that in most cases any contact will count as your one allowable touch.
• Teams should switch sides during half time.
• Be sure to warm up before playing. Volleyball can be really hard on the ankles, knees, and shoulders. Make sure you limber up those joints and get the blood flowing a bit before you play.
• Some leagues and organizations play by slightly different rules or play to different scores to win. Some alterations of the rules are also common in recreational games. It\'s important that all players know and agree to the rules before you start playing.
• Passing is the most important skill. If you can control a hard spike or tough serve, and still pass the ball perfectly to your partner in the center of the court, the rest of the game becomes a lot easier.
• Anticipation is the key to volleyball. Try to get your body in position and still before the ball gets there. Your passes, sets and blocks will improve immediately and dramatically.
• To practice setting, you can set the ball to yourself off of a wall. It\'s a great shoulder workout, too.
• Blocking is really only worth it when one or more players on the other team can hit the ball hard and in the court fairly consistently. When they hit the ball so hard you don\'t have enough time to react, and then it\'s time to start worrying about blocking and once you learn it, you master on how to play volleyball.
• Don\'t stand so close to the net, you should stand about 1 or 2 feet away or further
How to play volleyball >
|
|
