Rotational defense is one of the first things a beginning volleyball team must master. This basic scheme organizes defensive coverage and helps the team transition from defense to offense simply and efficiently. Once a team learns a basic rotational defense, it can begin working on other defensive sets.
Step 1
Learn the basic defensive positions. They are right front, middle front, left front, right back, middle back and left back. Learn to move from starting position to the basic defensive positions before the ball is hit back over the net.
Step 2
Read the play as the opposing setter plays the ball. Rotate from the basic defensive position to the appropriate coverage areas based on how the setter plays it. There are three basic plays, based on whether the setter feeds the outside hitter, the middle hitter or the right-side hitter.
Step 3
React accordingly if the opponent sets to its outside hitter. Your middle front and right-side front players block. The outside blocker stays home and covers the rest of the front court. The right back defender edges up behind the blockers to pick up balls tipped over them. The left back is responsible for the deep angle ball. The middle back rotates to the same sideline where the ball was set.
Step 4
React accordingly if the opponent sets the ball to its right-side hitter. Your middle front and outside front players block. The right-side blocker stays home and covers the rest of the front court. The left back defender edges up behind the blockers to protect against tips over them. The right back defender is responsible for the deep angle ball. The middle back defender rotates to the same sideline where the ball was set.
Step 5
React accordingly if the opponent sets the ball to the middle hitter. Your middle front player blocks. The outside blocker protects against tips and spikes to either side of the middle blocker. The middle back defender edges up to protect against tips over the block. The right and left back defenders stay home and play balls hit in their direction.
Tips and Warnings
- When executed correctly, rotation defense allows setters to easily transition to the net.
- The rotation defense can be vulnerable against teams capable of hitting hard and deep into the defensive zone.
Things You'll Need
- Volleyball
- Volleyball court
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