Debunking common hitting myths
Some players limit their swing options because they’ve bought in to ideas that are incorrect. As Diane-Flick Williams explains, these "mind myths" are something that we need to help players work through.
Watch the 4-minute video from Flick-Williams and then share these ideas with your players to improve your team’s hitting performance!
Some players think the other team will automatically thwart a second kill attempt on a hit to the same location. False! Just because you hit it once doesn't mean they've figured you out.
Reframe: Your opponent doesn’t know where you're going to hit shot-to-shot, so if a line hit worked, try it again! And again, and again. Hit it over and over again until they prove they can dig it. Once the other team starts to dig the shot, alter your strategy and try something else.
Many hitters believe they need to avoid hitting the block at all costs in order to find success. If they follow this strategy, they’re missing out on an important point-earning tool.
Reframe: The block is an extra tool in your toolbag. It’s hard to defend a ball that careens off the block, especially the edges of the block, because there’s no way to predict where the ricocheted ball will go. Instead, get comfortable hitting into and off of the block and use it as a means to score more points.
Tip: If you don't have a blocker on hand, try weaving a pool noodle through the net to use as a visual for players to hit off of.
Never give away points, even when your offense is in trouble. Not getting a good hitting approach isn't a good reason to make a bad play on the ball.
Reframe: When you aren’t able to get a great approach, you should still attempt to make a smart play that will put the other team out-of-system. It doesn’t have to be a hit. Perhaps it’s a push to the back corner or a sharp-angled flick to an open spot along the net. Every ball has a best play, so learn how to make the most of every opportunity.
If you tend to tip when your team is out-of-system and hit only when you’re in-system, you've got it backward. Your opponent will likely be expecting those decisions.
Reframe: The best time to tip is when you’re in-system, especially off a good set, because your opponent will be expecting you to hit. Conversely, hitting when you’re out-of-system may force the other side to scramble to keep the ball in play when they may be expecting a tip or set over.