TrainVolleyball Skill Check Lists
Having mental check lists for your skills can be an invaluable tool both as a player and a coach. Here are a few that
you might find helpful. If you have others or you have comments, feel free to contact me!
Disclaimers: these checks only apply to skills being used in a relatively ideal situation, i.e. not a desperation play. This
is a work in progress and these lists are not comprehensive. Every coach teaches things differently and not all of
these apply in every situation, so if you are a parent or player here to learn, don't use these to argue with your coach!
Passing
Defense
Hitting
Blocking
Serving
Setting
Having mental check lists for your skills can be an invaluable tool both as a player and a coach. Here are a few that
you might find helpful. If you have others or you have comments, feel free to contact me!
Disclaimers: these checks only apply to skills being used in a relatively ideal situation, i.e. not a desperation play. This
is a work in progress and these lists are not comprehensive. Every coach teaches things differently and not all of
these apply in every situation, so if you are a parent or player here to learn, don't use these to argue with your coach!
Passing
- In a balanced position
- Eye on the ball
- Feet are staggered and wide enough (to move in any direction without having to step first - shuffling sets this
up when done properly) - Feet facing server/forward prior to service
- Platform out early
- Platform (and hips ideally) held toward target during reception
- Hands formed properly
Defense
- In a balanced position (where can make quick adjustments) prior to attack
- Feet are staggered and wide enough (to move in any direction without having to step first)
- Eye on the ball
- Arms out in front and loose prior to attack
- Hands not clasped too early
- Feet pointed toward hitter prior to attack
- Platform (and hips ideally) held toward target during dig
- Aware of what this play is designed to open up for this set and the defensive counter your team is using
Hitting
- Eye on the ball at time of contact
- Guide hand up prior to contact
- Approaching fast and jumping hard
- Using proper approach (number of steps, tempo, form)
- Identifying ball location before approaching (high sets)
- Aligning ball with hitting shoulder
- In the proper position on time (quick sets)
- Identifying blocker location(s) prior to set
- Aware of what this play is designed to open up for this set (and utilizing it)
- Aware of and attacking the weaker blocker
- Aware of and taking advantage of any weak defensive players
Blocking
- Pushing palms over the net
- Arms, hands, and fingers firm
- Hands in proper location, fingers spread
- Identifying hitter(s) prior to and during play
- Positioned according to direction of approach and defensive assignment
- Reaching for penetration immediately after getting above the net (not up then over)
- Aware of hitter tendencies
- Maintaining position (static blocking) according to defensive strategy
- Changing position (aggressive blocking) according to defensive strategy
- Aware of what this play is designed to open up for this set and the defensive counter your team is using
Serving
- Toss in proper position (out in front, aligned with hitting shoulder)
- Eye on the ball at time of contact
- Guide hand up prior to contact
- Feet turned properly in plant or prior to swing
- Using proper step(s)
- Using service position to stress offense (going after weakest passer, making setter travel, etc)
Setting
- Eye on the ball at initial time of contact
- Using legs
- Holding release
- Using proper footwork (right foot forward, weight transitioned to right foot for contact)
- Square to left outside set
- Aware of hitters strengths and weaknesses
- Aware of opposing blockers' and defenders' positions
- Aware of opposing blockers' and defenders' strengths and weaknesses
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