Defense

Mental Aspects of Defense

A: Attitude

• 1. Believe that "Every Ball is Coming to Me."

  2. Relentless Pursuit

  3. Anticipate where the ball will be hit and be ready to hit the floor.

B: Communication

• 1. Call all balls.

  2. Call for help early.

  3. Become familiar with those who play around you and get used to calling out their names when you need assistance.

Physical Aspects

A. Stance

• 1. Wide balanced base with hips open to the direction from which the ball is coming.

  2. Knees extended slightly in front of toes. Heels raised minimally off floor. Toes turned in slightly.

  3. Shoulders low and extended slightly in front of knees.

  4. Ready position is lower than usual.

B. Platform

• 1. Arms/hands apart and extended outside knees.

  2. Bring arms together quickly (straight to straight).

  3. Angle platform to target.

C. Contact

• 1. Feet to the ball first.

  2. Stay low to the floor.

  3. try to play the ball with a 2 arm dig not an 1 arm dig.

Emergency Technique

A. Sprawl

• 1. From low ready position extended body and arm to direction of ball.

  2. Keep eyes on ball at all times.

  3. Refrain from diving onto knees and elbows.