More and more overhand passing is becoming a bigger part of the game. Here are some things to consider when teaching this fundamental skill.
In the clip below John Kosty, Stanford University Men’s Volleyball Coach (2010 National Championship), discusses using your hands to pass.
He begins with discussion on positioning. Coach Kosty says that he has come to believe that when in serve receive it is best to position the body facing the target rather that the serve. In his opinion, this position allows the overhand passer to re-direct the serve and push it towards the target. It also allows to be in position where they can move to get in transition.
He states that hand strength is a key component to overhand passing. This is particularly important when the ball is outside of the perfect hand placement.Therefore it is critical that players are able to move an re-position themselves so that they are in better position to execute the overhand pass.
Key Coaching Points:
- No wrist action
- Use elbows
- Firm hands
- Ball never touches pads
- High Finish/Strong hands
He also stresses that he never follows overhand passing with setting drills as the fundamentals of these actions are different.
This clip is just a sample from Coach Kosty’s instructional DVD. For more information about that DVD click the link Developing Attacking and Passing Skills
The YouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that your speakers are on and that you have access to the site. Note that some schools block access to YouTube.