Canadian Elite Academy

This session will combine the advanced spiking skill and combine it with blocking. A good understanding of the basics of the spike should have already been achieved. Each participant is required to bring their own volleyball to the sessions.

Advanced
The athlete should have a good working knowledge of the fundamentals of spiking to attend this session.
There are several attack options that can be effectively performed in a game. An attacker should be
able to hit the following: shots off the block (using the hands), high sets, low sets, sets off the net, offspeed shots, tipping, and a variation of playsets including backcourt hitting options. Providing a
great deal of practice and repetition of each will depend on the age and ability of the athletes. Ensure
the fundamental technique of hitting is effective and efficient so that it can be performed at a high
level during competition.

Arm Swing
Greatest deficiency in youth is a lack of trunk rotation while attacking and excessive trunk extension (leaning back). Often caused by athletes being early and ahead of the ball. Athletes have hips and shoulders “open” at takeoff, (left foot forward for a right-handed hitter). As for jumping attacking, elbow pulls back: “Loading the rotational spring”. Rotation of the shoulder generates a large amount of power, swinging of the arm is the other component. Elbow passes over the top of the shoulder, hand trails behind the elbow. Wrist relaxed and fingers are comfortably spread.

Feet/approach
Far more common for athletes to approach early than late. Slow to fast approach. Should see a noticeable increase in speed throughout the approach. Big, bigger, biggest then close step in a 4-step approach. Each successful step within the approach should be larger than the previous (with the exception of the final close step). Double arm lift and forward flexion at waist: Arms should both be back and chest forward as our heels strike on the second to last step. Arms initiate our vertical jump. Close step across. Open’s hips and promotes full body swing mechanics.

Spiking and Blocking

A well-timed and effective block diffuses an offensive attack. The athlete is near the net, moves into
position with hands up quickly. Athlete focuses on the ball and jumps vertically so that maximum
height is achieved when the ball is above the net and contacted. Arms are raised and extended above the head; hands are close together with fingers open; wrists are in line with arms (wrist parallel), and
hands are slightly forward. A firm and straight-arm position is maintained so that the ball rebounds
off hands and is not struck. If possible, the athlete reaches up and over the net with arms and hands
pointed in a downward position for a rebound. The athlete lands facing the net while keeping the
upper body in control and knees bent to absorb the shock. Depending upon whether the right side or left
is blocking will determine which hand should be turned inside.