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Volleyball: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Libero
What is the role of the volleyball libero?
Serve_Overhand
The overhand volleyball serve is a good place to start when learning to play volleyball. Learn to perfect your form with lots and lots of practice.
USA Women Roster Full
You think the college kids coming out into the American job market right now have it tough. Think about the women's volleyball players coming out of college and trying to find a spot on the ultra-talented women's team roster.
2012 Beach Schedule
Check out the schedule, results and rankings for the 2012 Pro Beach Volleyball season.
Garthoff-Superfan
Matt Garthoff may be the world's biggest volleyball fan. He raised the bar on what is possible for the fan experience with his Vol-B-Que event at USA Volleyball's NORCECA qualifier in Long Beach, CA.
How to Dig
How to master the volleyball dig
Volleyball History
Learn about volleyball history. Who invented volleyball? Where was volleyball invented? How did volleyball become the game we watch today?
Rotation
The basics of volleyball rotation and how to avoid the overlap.
Positions Hub
Information about each volleyball position and what they are expected to do on the court.
Setting
How to master the volleyball set to an attacker.
Serve Types
There are three main types of volleyball serves. Try them all to find out which one suits you best. If you can master them all, it works to your benefit because you can easily change up on your opponent and give them a serve they're not expecting.
Setter Position
Volleyball Positions give each person on the court a specific role and a job to do. If you're a setter, here is what you need to do.
Underhand Passing
Volleyball Passing is the key to a good offense and the team that does it well is tough to beat. Learn the keys to a good passing platform and body position so that you can pass the ball with accuracy.
Hitting
Volleyball hitting is the most exciting skill in the sport. It takes a good deal of hand-eye coordination, but once you master the approach and arm swing, you can begin to take on the task of timing your approach so that you contact the ball at the top of your reach and the top of your jump.
Blocking
The volleyball block is all about positioning. Learn the correct footwork to get yourself in front of the hitter and the appropriate arm and hand position to block the ball right back at your opponent.
NORCECA Fans Rally
The atmosphere in the Long Beach Pyramid for the first Olympic Qualifier on American soil was one of the best fan and player experiences in USA Volleyball history. See how the fans made this event one that the players and coaches will never forget.
Outside Hitter
Volleyball Positions outside hitter position four set 4 set high outside outside blocker
Volleyball Rules
Volleyball rules - Let's cover what volleyball is and how and where it is traditionally played.
5 Hitting Tips
Volleyball hitting can be improved drastically by doing a few simple things.You can be a great hitter if you work at it. Here are some suggestions to help there.
USA Men Qualify
The men's volleyball team qualified for the London Olympics with an impressive win at the NORCECA qualifier in Long Beach, CA. It was the first time that an American volleyball team has had the opportunity to qualify on American soil. The team won the tournament by displaying a new focus that took them to the next level.
Middle Blocker
Volleyball Positions give each person on the court a specific role and a job to do. If you're a middle blocker, here is what you need to do.
HittingDrillHub
These drills help your players to improve their attacking skills by placing them in different situations, many of them tougher than they will see in a match.
Mens VB Hub 2010
Profiles for the top NCAA men's volleyball teams for the 2010 season.
Rule Differences
Here you can find the differences in volleyball rules between indoor and beach, college and Olympic play.
Float Serve
The keys to a good float serve. How to serve a ball that floats.
Ace
Ace - Definition of Volleyball Term
Hydration
A key element in peak performance for any sport is proper hydration. Without it, your muscles will cramp, your energy will plummet and your ability will quickly deteriorate. Make sure you drink before, during and after a match or a tournament to keep yourself going.
Hit Harder
There is much more to getting kills in volleyball than hitting the ball hard, but it sure is fun and it can make an authoritative statement to your opponent. If you want to hit the ball harder, make sure that you're doing these five things.
Sand Legs
Learning to move and jump in the sand in order to play beach volleyball well takes time and patience. Here are a few tips to help you get your sand legs.
Opposite
Volleyball Positions give each person on the court a specific role and a job to do. If you're a middle blocker, here is what you need to do.
Dig
Dig - Definition of Volleyball Term
Getting Recruited to College
Volleyball recruiting is getting tougher and tougher. Competition is fierce for a spot on America's college volleyball teams. Here are five things you can do to get noticed.
Asics Shoes
Volleyball shoes can be sport-specific or not. Is it possible to cross a volleyball shoe with a running shoe? Find out!
Fresh Start
The team dynamic is one of the most important things to take care of well if you want to be successful. Any problems between teammates or coaches should be handled promptly in order to preserve the smooth operations of your team. Here are five quick tips to help you re-build your relationship with your teammates, coaches or players after something has gone wrong.
3v3Attack
This drill pits front row against front row in a battle of the offenses.
Nutrition
What should you eat and when should you eat it to be at your best when you play volleyball? The answer can vary depending on your own personal needs. But here are some basic guidelines to start with and then tweak to best suit your needs.
ReadHitter
Once you understand how to set the block to increase your chances of getting the stuff block, you should begin to pay attention to the clues the hitter will give you regarding where he will hit the ball.
Bump
Bump - Definition of Volleyball Term
Ball Control Drills
Ball control is the most important skill in volleyball. Without it there is no offense and without offense there is no point-scoring. Winning begins with ball control. To improve your team's ball control skills, make sure to add some repetition drills to every practice. Though they may seem tedious or overly simple, they are necessary to keep your team's ball control skills sharp over the course of the season.
Solo Ball Controll Drill
This drill is an individual one in which the players works on ball control and tries to keep the ball in the air as long as they can.
Assist
Assist - Definition of Volleyball Term
Molten vs.Tachikara
It's old school vs.new school in this classic battle of the volleyball equipment.
ServingHub
Types of Volleyball Serves - Floater, Jump Serve, Topspin
Penetration
The difference between a block and a stuff block lies in the arm position. Make some slight adjustments and you can shut down your opponent and score points with your block.
Who is Donald Sun?
Donald Sun bought the AVP on April 2nd, 2012. He believes he can revive the perennially troubled tour and finally make it profitable. Some of what he learned from his father, David Sun, the self-made billionaire and owner of Kingston Technology, could very well translate to his new solo venture.
Kill
Kill - Definition of Volleyball Term
Minimalist Volleyball
Plantar fasciitis is a common volleyball injury that can be treated with athletic tape or orthotics. But are those things compounding the problem of weak arches? Some say that minimalist shoes with very little arch support make the arch stronger and therefore less injury prone over time. Would that work for volleyball?
ReadSetter
In order to get a jump on the set and move in front of the correct hitter on time, you need to give yourself a head start by deducing where the setter is going to send the ball. Here's what to look for.
Approach
Approach - Definition of Volleyball Term
Pancake
Pancake - Definition of Volleyball Term
Setter
Setter - Definition of Volleyball Term
QuickTipsHub
Check out these quick tips for improving your game. Increase your skill level, your mental preparation and your understanding of the game.
WarmUp
If you're not properly warming up to play volleyball, you are putting your body at high risk for injury. Take a few minutes to get nice and warm with a volleyball-specific warm up before you play.
Blocking Hub
A collection of articles on the volleyball skill of blocking - how to do it, how to get better at it and how to use it to win games.
Broken Play Drill
This drill helps players to think on their feet during a broken play. The goal is to better the ball and get a good swing despite being out of system.
Spike
Spike - Definition of Volleyball Term
TransitionWarmUp
A proper warm-up is imperative in volleyball. After you have jogged and stretched and before you introduce the ball, do some volleyball-specific warm-up drills. Here is a transition drill that not only warms up the body, but helps players get familiar with where they are supposed to be in transition.
Cool Down
Cooling down after play is an often ignored practice. It is so easy to finish practice, a match or a tournament and just walk out the door and get back to your life. There are many reasons why skipping the cool down after playing volleyball or any sport will hurt your body. This article speaks to why and how to cool down properly.
AvoidInjury
Volleyball is a sport that is tough on the body. Here are some tips to avoid the five most common injuries in our sport.
Six Pack
Six Pack - Definition of Volleyball Term
Block
Block - Definition of Volleyball Term
Attack
Attack - Definition of Volleyball Term
What Position
If you're wondering what position you should play in volleyball, take stock of your skills, size and ability to determine where you will be the most help to your team. There are no hard and fast rules, but here are a few guidelines to consider.
Antenna
Antenna - Definition of Volleyball Term
Pepper
A good warm-up is imperative in volleyball. One drill that is a mainstay at every level from beginners to pros is the game of pepper.
Biq
Biq - Definition of Volleyball Term
Dink
Dink - Definition of Volleyball Term
Mintonette
Mintonette - Definition of Volleyball Term
VIDEOWendellQuick
Cary Wallin is a two-time national champion out of Stanford University where she played setter and opposite. She is currently coaching a junior team in Orange County, CA. In this video, Cary gives some tips on how to set the quick set or the one set whether the pass is good or bad.
Team Leaders
There are three types of team leaders - tactical, physical and emotional. Which type are you?
JumpServe
Learn the steps required to execute a volleyball serve called the jump serve.
Flo Hyman
Flo Hyman was one of the best players ever to play the game. Read about her contribution to volleyball.
Call the Ball!
On-court communication is a very simple concept that has incredible importance at any level. But there is more to it than just yelling out. Make sure you know how to determine who the best person is to take the ball and how to make your call clear to your teammates.
BetterBall
Each and every time you contact the volleyball, your goal should be to make it the best possible contact you can muster. Bettering the ball means to do your absolute best to put the ball in a good position for your teammate no matter how bad the previous contact.
Semi-Custom Orthotics
If you are experiencing pain in your feet due to plantar fasciitis, you may want to try using an orthotic. An orthotic is an insert placed inside the shoe that provides added support where needed to alleviate pain and stress. In between the cheap drug store orthotic and the expensive custom made orthotic is the semi-custom orthotic. Here is a review of two such products.
Know Your Players
One of the keys to great volleyball coaching is to know who you've got on your team and do what you can to bring out the best in each of your players.
Attack Line
Attack Line - Definition of Volleyball Term
BlockHitDrill
This drill works on a player's ability to block and get off the net to hit.
Coaches Chosen
U.S. Olympic Volleyball makes choices for head women's and men's national team coaches.
Down Ball
Down Ball - Definition of Volleyball Term
Kong Block
Kong Block - Definition of Volleyball Term
Jungle Ball
Jungle Ball - Definition of Volleyball Term
X
X - Definition of Volleyball Term
Cut Shot
Cut Shot - Definition of Volleyball Term
Roof
Roof - Definition of Volleyball Term
Volley
Volley - Definition of Volleyball Term
Facial
Facial - Definition of Volleyball Term
HittervHitter
This drill works for hitters at each position to help them get better at finding a way to put the ball down even when everyone knows the ball is coming to them.
Stuff Block
Stuff Block - Definition of Volleyball Term
2011 Pro Beach Schedule
Check out the 2011 schedule and results for domestic and international pro beach volleyball including tournaments held by FIVB, USAV, National Volleyball League (NVL), and Corona Light Wide Open (CLWO).
Know Your Role
Each person on the court in a volleyball game has a role to play that differs depending on your skills and talents. Make sure you know what your team needs from you each time you are on the court.
Back Set
Back Set - Definition of Volleyball Term
Cover Hitter
Volleyball Tips: Learn how to cover your hitter to protect against your opponent's block.
Wendell Teammate
Cary Wendell was a highly recruited volleyball player who won two national championships at Stanford University. Now as a junior volleyball coach, Cary emphasizes to her players the importance of being a good teammate. In this video, she explains exactly what that means.
Mental Toughness
Your state of mind is is as key to being good at volleyball as your skill set. To be a great player you have to learn to be mentally tough. Train your brain as well as your body and you will find success. Here is a definition of mental toughness as it pertains to volleyball and here are some tips for developing it.
Passer Hits Drill
This drill focuses on passing and hitting out of serve receive.
Decoy
Decoy - Definition of Volleyball Term
Game
Game - Definition of Volleyball Term
Side Out
Side Out - Definition of Volleyball Term
Shag
Shag - Definition of Volleyball Term
VIDEOWendellQuickWatch
Cary Wallin is a two-time national champion out of Stanford University where she played both Setter and Opposite. In this video, Cary gives some tips to young setters on how to set the quick set whether the pass is good or bad.
Giovanazzi
When people ask me who my favorite coach of all time is, the answer is easy. Greg Giovanazzi. The answer
HateCoach
Chances are that at some point in your career you will find yourself at odds with your coach. Here are some tips for dealing with a coach you hate.
Mistakes -1 Set
The one set is the first quick set most new players learn. It can be very difficult to master as there are many moving parts that you have to assess in order to execute it correctly. After spedning some time with a 15's junior team, here are some observations regarding the most common mistakes when running the one.
USA Women 2012-200
The USA Women begin 2012 as the No. 1 team in the World and with their spot in London secure. They still have some serious competition ahead before they get to the games. Check out what they have in store in the last 200 days before the Olympics.
Womens VB Hub 2010
Profiles for the top NCAA men's volleyball teams for the 2010 season.
Shank
Shank - Definition of Volleyball Term
Mental Imagery
A large part of succeeding in sports is mental. Here are some tips for how to use visualization and mental preparation to improve at volleyball.
Q & A Donald Sun
I sat down with Donald Sun just four days after he purchased the AVP from former owner Nick Lewin. Sun answers questions from readers about who he is, what he's done and what his plans are for the AVP.
Volleyball Mag Top 35
Volleyball Magazine published its list of the top 35 greatest players of all time. They seem to be missing few notable names. Who do you think should be on the list?
Free Ball Passing Drill
Good free ball passing is very important in volleyball and should not be overlooked. If an opponent gives your team a free ball, make sure you get the best possible pass so that you can run any play with your offense. A bad free ball pass is a missed opportunity for an almost guaranteed point.
TopSpin
The steps required to put top spin on your volleyball serve.
Cross-Training
In volleyball as in any sport, it is important to vary your workouts to build your strength, help avoid injury and keep you motivated. Here are some great ways to cross-train for volleyball.
Serve
Set - Definition of Volleyball Term
HarnessMomentum
The game of volleyball is all about momentum. Getting it and keeping it is not easy, but there are a few ways you can try to harness it and keep it flowing on your side of the net.
Dump
Dump - Definition of Volleyball Term
Short Deep Ball Control
This drill can be used as a warm up drill after your players have warmed up by jogging, stretching and warming up their arms. The benefit to this drill is that it not only helps to warm up the players for practice, but it works on ball control at the same time.
Back Row Attack
Back Row Attack - Definition of Volleyball Term
Free Ball
Free Ball - Definition of Volleyball Term
Soft Block
Sometimes your best course of action is not to go for the stuff block, but to try a soft block and earn your team a chance to score a point.
OverhandPassingDrill
This serve receive drill focuses on making players better at deciding when to pass a ball overhand or underhand.
Four-Two
Four-Two - Definition of Volleyball Term
MiddleAttackDrill
This drill focuses on the middle blocker's ability to hit in transition.
Off the Bench
Being a substitute or a bench player may not be the most glamorous role in volleyball, but it is certainly an important role to play for any team. Here are some tips to help you be great off the bench.
Knee Pads
Is it really necessary to invest in a pair of knee pads in order to play indoor volleyball?
Backcourt
Backcourt - Definition of Volleyball Term
Side Out Scoring
Side Out Scoring - Definition of Volleyball Term
Dive
Dive - Definition of Volleyball Term
Five Set
Five Set - Definition of Volleyball Term
Block Assist
Block Assist - Definition of Volleyball Term
Pass
Pass - Definition of Volleyball Term
John Speraw on the 2009 Season
An interview with volleyball coach John Speraw, head men's volleyball coach at UC Irvine.
Wipe
Wipe - Definition of Volleyball Term
The Challengers
Profiles of the top teams in the NCAA rankings
Roll Shot
Roll Shot - Definition of Volleyball Term
Serve2Free
This drill focuses on side-out volleyball and defending on the perfect pass.
Six-on-Six Drills Hub
These drills will help your team with successful serve reception, transition, offense and defense by placing them in game-like situations.
Kerri Walsh
Profile for Kerri Walsh, AVP Beach volleyball player.
Missed Serve
There are three times during a game when you have to make sure your volleyball serve is in the court. NEVER miss at one of these times.
Joust
Joust - Definition of Volleyball Term
Tough Hits
The three toughest balls to hit are the tight set, the off-the-net set and the over the shoulder set. Here are some tips to handle each of them.
Double Quick
Double Quick - Definition of Volleyball Term
Four Hits
Four Hits - Definition of Volleyball Term
Pipe
Pipe - Definition of Volleyball Term
Foot Fault
Foot Fault - Definition of Volleyball Term
Quick Set
Quick Set - Definition of Volleyball Term
Nick Lucena
Nick Lucena - Player Profile
Jeff Stork
Jeff Stork is an American volleyball player who won a gold medal in the Seoul Olympics and a bronze medal in Barcelona. He is one of the best setters in the history of USA Volleyball. Read more about Jeff's amazing career.
Serve Receive Drill
This drill will help your team work on siding out in specific rotations.
Double Hit
Double Hit - Definition of Volleyball Term

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