With the running, striding, collecting yourself for a jump and hitting the ball that are crucial to volleyball, anticipation proves key to your offense. Defenders also must anticipate what the hitter plans to do -- it's most likely a spike, but sometimes is a gentle tip if the defense has correctly anticipated a spike and moves to prevent it. Anticipation combined with quick reflexes can keep your rally going and lead to points and ultimately a win.
Step 1
Watch the contact with the ball and the trajectory of the ball in the air throughout the rally. Study the serve as it comes over the net if you are the digger. Focus on the dig if you are the setter or hitter, who takes the second and third touches on the volleyball, respectively.
Step 2
Pitty-pat your feet like a shadow boxer while you judge the flight of the ball. This motion prepares you for the little steps and final stride you need to take to the spot on the court for your hit. During this phase, anticipate where the ball is going and get your feet moving early, advises high school and college coach Sally Kus in "Coaching Volleyball Successfully."
Step 3
Lock your elbows as you arrive, forearms extended, if you need to perform a forward pass or bump to dig the ball into the air for the setter. Focus on preparing your hands to be locked in time to avoid a ball-handling error, notes college coach Pete Waite in "Aggressive Volleyball."
Step 4
Raise your hands so they remain above waist level as you move around the court if you plan a set or spike. Keep your hands close to chest height ideally and bring them above your head as the ball begins to drop from the apex of its arc.
Step 5
Anticipate the possibility of a block of your hitter's attack if you are the setter. Don't make the common mistake of admiring and analyzing your beautiful set, Waite advises. Instead, crouch low, be ready for the block so you can pop it up, and continue the rally. Anticipate making defense contributions to give your team a boost.
Step 6
Play the odds on defense to anticipate what the opposition might do. Listen closely to the coach's scouting report on the rival and add your own observations. Watch for the possibility of a dump -- a setter who doesn't pop the ball up for the hitter but launches a surprise attack instead. Look for a second try if the setter attempts an unsuccessful dump. Prepare your stance to anticipate a hitter who is dealing with a run of blocks to try a slower return, Waite advises. Anticipate an off-speed ball if the hitter is working with a bad set.
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