The ideal volleyball return hit consists of three components: the dig, the set and the spike. This order of hits allows a team to go from defense to offense in a single possession. It provides a team its best opportunity to score points. Regardless of the type of volleyball being played, the basic return is always the same.
Rules
Each team is only allowed to hit the ball three times before returning it over the net. Blocking doesn't count as one. Once the ball is served, players can move around their side of the court in anticipation of the return. No player can hit the ball twice in a row. If two players touch the ball at the same time, it counts as two hits.
Dig
The first hit of the sequence, the dig is a defensive strike that is played low to the ground. The player making the dig must get into the correct position. The knees should be bent, with one foot forward. The elbows should be locked straight. The hands should be kept one on top of the other, the fists clenched together, and the thumbs next to one another. When striking the volleyball, the player should use her forearms to hit it, making sure never to bend her arms. She must propel the ball upward to set up the next hit.
Set
The set is the second hit, intended to set up the spike. The knees are bent and the player's hands are shaped like a triangle, with the thumbs at the bottom. When making contact with the ball, the player uses an upward motion to flick the ball high into the air, above the top of the net. The player must never use his palms to hit the ball, but push with his fingers instead.
Spike
The spike is the final shot. It is an aggressive attacking shot that's difficult to return. The player runs up to the net, jumps high off two feet, and smacks the ball into the opposition's court with an open hand. Though it doesn't call for the technical skills of the first two hits, it requires good timing and strength.
Stance
An athletic stance is the best position to be in when getting ready to return the ball. Since both teams will probably spike the ball as their last hit, the defending players must be ready. Depending on the spiking player's height and angle, the ball may go to anyone. Defenders should keep their knees bent and back straight. They should stay on the balls of their feet and keeps their eyes on the volleyball, ready to move in any direction. Getting caught out of position will all but guarantee a point for the opposing team.
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