Keep an eye out for “tells. ” Does he strongly favour spiking to his left? Does she exaggerate her backswing when faking a spike?
Keep your knees bent and bend at the waist so that your shoulders are out past your knees. Place your feet wider than your shoulders. Hold your arms out away from your body. Keep your weight balanced on your toes so you can spring forward or to either side to get the ball.
You are creating a “platform” from wrists to elbows upon which the ball will bounce. [4] X Research source You’re not a carpenter but a volleyball player, so don’t make it a level platform unless you want the ball to bounce back over your head (or off your forehead). Keep your wrists lower than your elbows to direct the ball forward. To hold your hands together, place your thumbs side by side and overlap the fingers of your stronger hand over the curled fingers of your weaker hand. [5] X Research source
Aim a little short of your target if necessary to keep from digging the ball back over the net. Don’t give your opponents an easy second chance.
Even though you aren’t swinging at the ball, do follow through with your platform, moving your arms slightly upward and towards your target. Think of it as nudging the ball in the right direction.
To dive for a spike in front of you, bend your knees to get even lower and drive your body forward. Your platform and upper body will be parallel and close to the ground. Slide on your chest as you hit the ball, ideally on your platform but even with your wrist or knuckles. When you need to stretch out as far as possible, you can try a “pancake. ” Extend your hands, palms down, while you dive so that the ball bounces off the back of your hand(s). Slide on your palms along with your upper body. Keep your head up as you dive. Do this not only so you can see the ball but also so you don’t smack your chin on the ground as you land.
Bend your elbows more or curl your wrists if necessary to keep them off the floor as you stretch and to maintain at least part of your platform at the correct angle.
Unless you’re in the Olympics or something like that, don’t risk injury just to dig a spike, though. Landing awkwardly can cause leg, arm, or even head injuries. Proper equipment, such as knee pads and ankle wraps, will help quite a bit.
