Post-Camp Volleyball Tips: Power Hitting - Unleashing Your Offensive Potential

Hey volleyball superstars,

Dr. Darren Cannell here, your coach from the Canadian Elite Academy. It's heartening to see your unwavering dedication to the game. Today, we will focus on amplifying your offensive skills, specifically targeting power-hitting. I'll provide detailed tips and at-home drills to help you enhance your hitting power.

Power Hitting

Power hitting, or power spiking, is one of the most effective weapons in volleyball. A well-executed power hit can be a game-changer. Here are the key aspects to focus on:

The Approach

The momentum from your approach contributes significantly to the power of your hit. A strong, explosive three or four-step approach will lay the groundwork for a powerful hit.

Home Drill: Power Approach Practice your approach at home, focusing on explosiveness. Try to make the last two steps of your approach as fast and powerful as possible.

The Jump

A high jump will allow you to hit the ball at a steeper angle, making it more challenging for the defenders. The higher you contact the ball, the more power you can generate.

Home Drill: Vertical Leap Regularly practice your vertical leap. Try to reach a spot slightly higher than your maximum reach each time, progressively increasing your vertical jump.

The Arm Swing

A fast and powerful arm swing is crucial. Your hitting hand's elbow should be drawn back (like pulling back a bow) and then driven forward to generate power.

Home Drill: Resistance Swing Practice your arm swing with a light resistance band or a small dumbbell. This can help build strength and power in your arm and shoulder muscles.

The Wrist Snap

A strong wrist snap will not only give you more control over the direction of your hit but will also add speed to your spike.

Home Drill: Towel Snap Hold a small hand towel and practice the wrist snap motion as if you were trying to snap the towel. This can help improve the speed and strength of your wrist snap.

The Contact

Hitting the ball with the heel of your palm will generate the most power. The ball should be contacted at the highest point of your jump and slightly in front of your hitting shoulder.

Home Drill: High Contact Practice your high contact point by hitting a ball against a wall. Focus on contacting the ball at the peak of your jump and with the heel of your palm.

Remember, a good power hitter isn't built overnight. It requires consistent practice and training. Keep working on these drills, and you'll soon see an increase in your hitting power.

Stay safe, keep practicing, and remember to stretch before and after each session. I'm excited to see your powerful hits in the new season!

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