Because of active defenders, hitting the ball in different directions is imperative for middle hitters. Here is a tip from Bond Shymansky, University of Iowa Head Coach to help your middle hitter be more effective.
In the video clip below Coach Shymansky breaks down the fundamental aspects of executing a powerful directional three meter hit. This is a shot that your middle will want to hit down and angle to the left back three meter line.
The first key point is the left elbow drive. The left elbow drive would normally add power to your hit. To execute this directional hit your middle hitters need to drive their elbow down into their stomach on the fast exchange. This action will her their torso rotated and open to the sideline and allow them to hit the proper angle.
Secondly, as they make their swing and go elbow to wrist they need to focus on finishing with their thumb down and around the ball. It is important that the middle hitters keep their elbow high as they finish down and around the ball. This action will force the ball down hard and towards the sideline.
This clip is just a sample from Coach Shymansky’s middle hitter training DVD. In the DVD Coach Shymansky y shares more than 40 tips to help you improve your middle hitting and blocking play. Intensity, footwork, getting open for a set and always communicating with your setter are keys for middle hitters.
For more information about that DVD click the link ‘Gettin’ Better’ – 40 Tips for Better Middle Hitting & Blocking
The YouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that your sound is turned up and that you have access to the site. Click the arrow to play the video. Note that some schools block access to YouTube.