Strengthening Your Team's Defense

The saying, "The best defense is a good offense" definitely doesn't apply for volleyball, where the offense can become the defense and switch again in a matter of seconds. Unlike football, where offense and defense are clearly defined at any stage, in volleyball every player is expected to be both defense and offense at any given point in time.

Because of that, it's essential that your team have a strong, motivated defense.

The question is, how can you strengthen your team's defense? Practice, practice, practice. Every player on your team has unique skills that apply in different areas of the court, and while for some the art of diving after the ball may be second nature, for others it's going to take a little extra effort. Defensive strategy should be practiced both as a team effort and individually.

For individual defensive practice, have the players on your team pair up. One serves, the other saves, and the two volley back and forth until the ball drops. Tell them not to make it easy on each other! In a real competition the opposition is going to do their best to send the ball where you can't get to it, so it's essential that during practice your team invests plenty of time going after wild balls. Forget form here. All you want to do is keep it between the lines!

Be sure you have the proper protective equipment to protect your knees and ankles while you're diving for the ball. The last thing you want is a team full of bruised, banged up players who aren't fit to hit the court because they didn't have proper knee protection and they hit the boards one too many time. Knee pads are a must.

For other training resources and top of the line protective equipment, visit http://www.volleyballproshop.com/.