How to develop a winning offensive strategy in volleyball

Offensive volleyball strategy can become more elaborate as players gain experience and become more skilled. Teams can attack opponents will set plays. But some basic offensive principles have value at all levels of the sport. Teams from the recreation level on up can improve their performance by using them.

Things You'll Need

  • Volleyballs
  • Practice court
  • Practice opponent
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Instructions

  1. Assessing/Improving Skill Level

    • 1

      Before developing offensive strategies, you must identify the strengths and weaknesses of your team. Improving skills is an ongoing process for any team. You can use more elaborate tactics as your team becomes more capable. Start with plays the team can realistically execute and build from there.

    • 2

      Develop serve variety. Mixing it up is critical at all levels. Advanced players can master jump serves, float serves and spot serves, giving you many options. Skilled servers attack key spots on the court, such the deep corners and the seams between players. At intermediate levels, you can use short serves (forcing hitters to receive), line serves and deep serves (forcing passers out of their comfort zone) to keep opponents scrambling. At the recreational or youth level, unpredictability yields results. Scattershot serving is actually effective. Don't hit the ball the same way to the same places. Rotate servers to create different looks. Don't allow opponents to get comfortable receiving the serve. Don't let them get into a rhythm.

    • 3

      Blend power with finesse at the net. Volleyball is more fun when the players become big enough and skilled enough to spike the ball. But even at the highest levels, power is just part of the game. Hitters, like servers, need to change up. Timely tips, dunks, roll shots and cut shots can be very effective that spike well. Skilled hitters can read their opponents on the way up and use a variety of deliveries to beat them.

    • 4

      Attack the weak spots. At the lower levels, target the least-skilled opposing players for as much action as possible. Put some balls into the middle of the court, forcing opponents to communicate. At the highest level, work the weak spots in the receive formations. Force lesser passers to make plays. Make opponents do what they don't want to do.

    • 5

      Force opposing players to move. As players gain better control of their serves and hits, stress the importance of working the seams between players. Force passers to go get the ball. Diminish their ability to make good passes. That, in turn, will make setters move -- which cuts into their ability to set up big hits.

    • 6

      Work the perimeters of the court. This is easier said than done for less-experienced players, of course, but should be a priority for every team. At lower levels of play, perimeter shots can freeze opponents. Should they play the ball or let them go? At higher levels, perimeter shots make it more difficult for opponents to pass and set well.