DEFENSIVE TECHNIQUES IN VOLLEYBALL
The Defensive Techniques in Volleyball are the first step towards the attainment of a good defensive system in Volleyball.
THE BLOCK
It’s the first defensive action against an opponent’s attack. It consists of a vertical jump performed by the player next to the net, with extended arms and open palms, with the goal of blocking the opponent’s attack.
THE BUMP PASS
It’s the most widely performed Defensive Technique in Volleyball. It’s used against attacks and also in the serve reception. It’s performed by placing one hand on top of the other and closing them with thumbs. The arms must be kept fully extended and the ball must be hit with the forearms.
PANCAKE
It’s a “sacrificing” defensive technique in Volleyball used to defend balls that are far from the body and very close to the floor. The player jumps next to the court floor, usually slides on the floor and the defense is performed with the use of one hand only.
When the Pancake technique is used, the player may touch the ball with the hand closed (clenched fist) or with the hand open, touching the floor with the palm while the ball touches the back of the hand.
THE ROLLING DIVE
It’s a defensive technique used in Volleyball when the ball is far from the body and it may be performed in combination with the bump or with one arm only. The player jumps towards the ball, defends it and rolls to complete the movement safely.
HAMMER
It’s a rare defensive technique which should be used when the ball goes towards the face of the Volleyball player and he or she is unable to use the “Touch” due to the high speed of the ball. The technique consists of bringing the hands together, crossing the fingers, bending the elbows and placing the forearms in front of the face or slightly above the head. The defense is performed with the ball hitting the forearms.
DEFENSE WITH THE FOOT IN VOLLEYBALL
The defense using the foot became allowed many years ago by the rules of Volleyball. However, the foot should only be used in special occasions, where the use of the hands wouldn’t bring any technical advantage.
