Post-Camp Volleyball Tips: Excelling as an Offside Hitter

Hello volleyball superstars,

Dr. Darren Cannell here, your coach from the Canadian Elite Academy. Your passion for volleyball continues to inspire! Today, we'll focus on mastering the skills required for an important position on the court: the offside hitter. I'll share some tips and at-home drills to help you thrive in this role.

Offside Hitter

The offside hitter, also known as the right-side hitter or opposite hitter, is crucial for maintaining balance in the team's offensive and defensive play. This position requires strong attacking skills, a solid block, and the ability to effectively handle different types of passes.

Attacking

Offside hitters often receive sets that are high and off the net, giving them more time to prepare and execute an effective hit.

Home Drill: High Ball Practice Toss a ball high into the air and practice your approach and hit timing. Work on hitting at the peak of your jump for maximum power and angle.

Blocking

The offside hitter is responsible for blocking the opposing team's outside hitters. This requires good timing, strong jumping, and quick lateral movement.

Home Drill: Wall Blocks Practice jumping as high as you can and reaching over an imaginary net like you're blocking a hit. Do this against a wall to help visualize a real-game scenario.

Back-row Attacks

Offside hitters often attack from the back row, so you'll need to develop good back-row hitting skills.

Home Drill: Approach and Leap Practice your approach and leap from the 3-meter line (or any marked line at home). Work on hitting a ball tossed high in the air to simulate a back-row attack.

Passing

Though not the primary passers, offside hitters still need to be competent in handling various passes, particularly when the setter takes the first ball.

Home Drill: Serve Receive Practice At home, have someone serve (or toss) balls at you while you practice your passing form and accuracy.

Playing Against a Block

Offside hitters often face the opponent's strongest block, so you'll need to learn how to hit around or tool the block.

Home Drill: Visualize and Execute Visualize different block scenarios and practice your hits. Aim for corners, lines, and angles that would typically be open against a strong block.

Remember, an offside hitter needs to be versatile, mentally sharp, and physically adept. Keep practicing these drills, and you'll start to see improvements in your skills in this challenging position.

Stay safe, keep practicing, and remember to stretch before and after each session. I'm excited to see your progress as an offside hitter in the new season!

Cheers, Dr. Darren Cannell Head Coach, Canadian Elite Academy