Volleyball digging is essential for having a successful defense. The job of a volleyball digger is to prevent the ball from hitting the floor after being spiked by the opposing team. To dig, the volleyball players must anticipate the spike and be prepared to quickly dive in any direction. Volleyball players with quick contracting muscles are able to move faster, using their strength and flexibility to get low to the ground in order to dig out a hard hit. Volleyball diggers must be able to move laterally, forward, and backward explosively at full range of motion.
Volleyball Digging Concepts and Tips
It is extremely important for a volleyball digger to be able to read the opposing team's movements in order to know where the ball will be hit and which areas they need to cover. As a volleyball digger progresses, they learn how to successfully study their opponents to know what shots they like to use, allowing them to be prepared ahead of time.
Starting Position
A volleyball digger needs to always start in their athletic position. This position will enable a digger to be stable and balanced in order to move in any direction or dive for the ball.
Kneeds And Hands Position
Volleyball diggers need to bend their knees to be close to the ground and have their hands in front of them.
Hands On Dig
A dig in volleyball should always be performed with both hands, if possible. Two hands provide a much better tool for controlling the volleyball from going out of bounds. When a volleyball player is able to figure out where the ball is headed, they should put their arms and hands together. Make sure to never swing the arms when digging.
Two Or One
If a volleyball digger is unable to get two hands to the ball, they should use a fist in order to get it back in the air.
Toes And Shoulders
A volleyball digger should be on their toes, with their weight balanced, so they can easily move forward or side to side. Keep the shoulders over the knees to stabilize the body and gain momentum.
Know Your Ground
A volleyball digger is responsible for digging the volleyball on a portion of the court, as well as moving to dig the ball when another player is unable to reach it.
Ready For Anything
Volleyball diggers have to be ready at all times for anything. It may not always be a hard hit from a spike. It could be a dump off by a setter or a tip by a hitter. There are a number of unexpected things that could happen, so it is important for a volleyball digger to always be focused.
Read The Position
As a volleyball digger advances, they will learn to watch for things such as which way a hitters shoulders are facing, if there is a hole in their teams blocking, or if the line is covered. These things enable a digger to cover the ground where a setter or hitter will place the volleyball.
Overhand Dig
If the volleyball comes at a digger’s head or face, they may need to use an overhand dig to get the volleyball back in to the air. This is where a volleyball player uses the bottom or heel of their hand to hit.
Diving
Sometimes the volleyball will be hit in a position where a digger is unable to get there in time on their feet, forcing them to dive. This is difficult because the digger has to reach out with their body off the ground, make contact with the volleyball, and get it to go in a certain direction so their setter is able to make the next move.
The Myosource Kinetic Bands provide resistance for volleyball diggers to build the muscle strength and flexibility needed for bending, twisting, turning, and diving. When a volleyball player moves, the resistance bands cause the muscles to contract, increasing endurance, flexibility, balance, body control, and strength. All of these areas are essential for a digger to be able to move in multiple directions quickly and efficiently. The kinetic bands provide resistance throught a volleyball player's entire warm up, stretching, practice routine, or pregame preporation, offering a simple way to increase mobility and target more muscles in the body.
