Mastering the Volleyball Digging Technique: A Comprehensive Guide

Volleyball digging is a fundamental skill crucial for successful defense. It involves using your forearms to pass the ball to a teammate, preventing it from hitting the ground. This guide delves deep into the Volleyball Digging Technique, providing you with the knowledge and drills to excel in this crucial aspect of the game.

A Brief History of Volleyball Digging

The dig, as we know it today, evolved gradually along with the sport itself. Early forms of volleyball involved softer hits and simpler passes. As the game became more powerful and strategic, the need for a robust defensive technique arose. The forearm pass, with its platform-like stability and controlled trajectory, emerged as the solution. This evolution highlights the dig’s significance in the modern game, transforming from a basic pass to a specialized defensive skill.

Essential Elements of the Volleyball Digging Technique

Body Posture: The Foundation of a Solid Dig

Assume a low, athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight but not rigid. Your weight should be balanced on the balls of your feet, allowing for quick movements in any direction. This ready position allows you to react swiftly to incoming attacks.

Platform Creation: Forming the Perfect Surface

Extend your arms in front of you, slightly below waist level. Join your forearms together from wrists to elbows, creating a flat and stable platform. Keep your wrists straight and firm, ensuring a solid contact surface for the ball. A well-formed platform ensures consistent and accurate passing.

Expert Insight: “A common mistake is letting the wrists bend on contact. This weakens the platform and leads to erratic passes,” says Coach Emily Carter, a former Division I volleyball player with 15 years of coaching experience.

Contact Point and Angle: Directing the Ball with Precision

Aim to contact the ball on your forearms, between your wrists and elbows. The angle of your platform determines the direction of the pass. For a basic dig, keep your platform slightly angled upwards to send the ball towards your setter. Adjusting this angle allows you to control the trajectory and target your pass effectively.

Using Your Legs: Generating Power and Control

While the arms form the platform, the legs provide the power for the dig. As the ball approaches, drive upwards with your legs, extending your hips and knees. This upward momentum helps propel the ball towards your target and adds control to your pass.

Expert Insight: “Remember, digging is not just about arm movement. Leg drive is essential for powerful and accurate passes, especially against hard-driven attacks,” adds Coach Michael Johnson, Head Volleyball Coach at Suncoast High School.

Advanced Digging Techniques

The Dive: Extending Your Reach

Diving is used to reach balls that are outside your immediate area. Extend your body towards the ball, leading with your platform. Contact the ball, then slide your body along the floor to cushion the impact. Practicing proper diving technique is crucial to avoid injuries.

The Sprawl: Covering More Ground

The sprawl involves dropping to your knees and extending your arms and legs to create a wider defensive coverage. It’s used for balls that are low and difficult to reach with a traditional dig.

The Pancake: A Last Resort Save

The pancake is a desperate move used when a ball is about to hit the floor. Extend your hand flat, palm down, on the floor to deflect the ball upwards. Timing is crucial for this technique.

Drills for Improving Your Digging Technique

1. Partner Passing: Practice passing back and forth with a partner, focusing on platform creation and consistent contact. Gradually increase the distance and speed of the passes.

2. Coach-Tossed Balls: Have a coach toss balls from various angles and distances, simulating game situations. This drill improves reaction time and digging accuracy.

3. Digging Machines: Utilize digging machines to practice against repetitive, high-speed serves and attacks. This helps develop consistency and build endurance.

Volleyball Digging and Other Key Skills

Just like mastering the volleyball receive hand position is crucial for receiving serves, a strong dig sets the stage for a successful attack. It often precedes other crucial skills like setting and spiking. Understanding how digging integrates with these skills enhances your overall gameplay. You can learn more about passing in our article on volleyball techniques passing. For a wider perspective on defensive strategies, check out our resource on volleyball defense techniques.

For those interested in improving their overall volleyball skills, we also have guides on volleyball training techniques and a comprehensive list of volleyball techniques names.

Conclusion: Mastering the Dig for Volleyball Success

Volleyball digging is a skill honed through consistent practice and attention to detail. By mastering the fundamentals – body posture, platform creation, contact point, and leg drive – you can significantly improve your defensive capabilities. Combine these fundamentals with advanced techniques and dedicated practice, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable force on the volleyball court. Remember, a strong dig is the foundation of a successful defense and a key ingredient in achieving victory.

Frequently Asked Questions about Volleyball Digging

1. What is the most important part of the digging technique? Maintaining a solid and consistent platform is paramount.

2. How can I improve my reaction time for digging? Practice drills that involve reacting to quickly tossed or served balls.

3. What are common mistakes in volleyball digging? Bending the wrists, swinging the arms, and not using leg drive.

4. How can I avoid getting bruised when digging? Proper technique and conditioning will minimize bruising.

5. What is the difference between a dig and a pass in volleyball? While both involve using the forearms, a dig is primarily a defensive skill used against attacks, while a pass is a more general term for receiving the ball.

6. How high should I dig the ball? Aim for a height that allows your setter to comfortably set the ball for an attacker.

7. How can I practice digging at home? You can practice the platform and arm movements against a wall or with a partner.

8. Is digging important for all volleyball positions? Yes, while liberos specialize in digging, all players should have proficient digging skills.

9. How can I learn to dive safely? Start with basic diving drills under the supervision of a coach and gradually progress to more challenging dives.