Teaching the quick attack

Question
Now that we have some consistent, accurate passers we need to start working on a quick attack for our middle hitters. These are 13 year old girls. Any suggestions on how to best introduce this skill to this age group? Thanks.

Answer
Bob,

The first thing I would do is have them see what you are talking about.  Either have an older athlete come in and demonstrate the skill or show them a video.  After that there are a number of things you could try.  I do not know their height or skill level so I will try to go form teaching step one to more complex drills.

The first thing you need to do is drill footwork.  Do not introduce a ball until they have that down.  Then have them hit with a coach tossing.  Toss the ball into their hand after they have jumped.  You could have them catch the ball or take a swing.  If they are not at a high skill level or if they are having trouble getting the ball over the net you could lower it (a little) to help them with their technique and to build a little confidence.  You could also hit off of a platform (no jump, just a swing).  This will show them how the ball should look when they are in the right position to hit a 1.

You can also use the "tennis ball" drill (which is also good for your outsides).  Have each athlete do approaches and throw the tennis ball onto the court (make sure they snap their wrist just like you would when they spike).  This get them to take a good swing and it helps remind them of proper form.  If your middles can reach over the net and snap their wrist so the tennis ball hit the floor you can start with a set.

When you start setting have one middle hit at a time.  This will help your setter get more comfortable.  If you have three or four hitters running at the same time the setter (if she is new) may have a hard time, in which case so will your hitters.  I tell my setter to catch the ball every now and then so I can prove to my hitter that she was not in the air when the setter touched the ball.

I hope this was of some help.  I am coaching a girls 16 club team now and I wish they had someone at least try to show them what a quick was.  I wish you the best of luck.  I'm from New York City and we do not have 13 yr old girls hitting quicks.  At most schools here we do not have many high school seniors doing it either (maybe that is why it is so hard for me to recruit).

Feel free to drop me a line if I can be of any other help.

Steve