Almost every volleyball play includes a dig, making it one of the most important skills to learn when playing the sport. When learning how to dig, consider that you have a job to do before the opponent's shot, during the shot and after the shot to ensure that the dig is performed correctly. Discovering the proper steps to digging a volleyball makes you into an all-around better player.
Anticipation
Before the opposing team sends the ball over the net, you must identify the attacker and anticipate the destination of the ball. The opposing team attempts to hide the attacker, which leads to difficulty identifying the individual beforehand. Watch the entire play unfold and play off your teammates. Your blockers take part of the court away from the attacker, allowing you to better anticipate the destination of a potential spike.
Positioning
Positioning yourself properly gives you a better chance of digging the ball and directing it toward a teammate. Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart, and bend your knees low to the ground. Relax your shoulders, and stand with your arms in front of your body. Stay on the balls of your feet in preparation of moving in any direction when the ball comes. Face the attacker before the shot comes toward you, as this gives you more control of the ball once it hits you.
Contact
As the ball contacts your forearms, avoid swinging your arms in the direction of the ball. You want to cushion the ball with your forearms, as this allows it to travel to a teammate in a controlled fashion. Make contact with the ball between your shoulders and knees, and lean toward the ball as it hits you. Get your arms below the ball, as this sends it high up into the air, giving a teammate the chance to get underneath it for a set. )
Diving
The ball does not always head right at you when you want to make a dig, as in some cases you must dive for the ball. If you see the ball coming toward you low, bend your knees as far as you can and extend yourself in the direction of the ball. Slide on your chest as you hit the ground, as this takes away from the initial impact and can save you from injury. Keep your arms parallel to the ground as you contact the ball. Cushioning the ball becomes difficult when diving, but the top players can achieve this goal.
References
- "Volleyball Skills & Drills"; American Volleyball Coaches Association; 2005
- "Coaching Volleyball for Dummies"; The National Alliance for Youth Sports; 2009
- "Volleyball: Steps to Success"; Bonnie Kenny, et al.; 2006
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