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Earlier we wrote blogs about the different defense and service techniques in beach volleyball. Because despite the fact that much is the same as in indoor volleyball, there are differences. For example, you play beach volleyball on the sand instead of a hard surface, your team consists of two people instead of six and you are not allowed to play a ball over the net with soft contact. So it is better not to play a ball overhand over the net in beach volleyball because that will cost you a point. But how can you attack?
Smash, of course!
Yes, it’s not very difficult. In case there is a good pass and a nice set? Then just smash the ball over the net.
The smash in beach volleyball is similar to that in indoor volleyball because the execution is the same. It’s a hard shot that’s hard to defend because of its speed. After the ball is passed, the offensive player jumps as high as possible and tries to smash the ball vigorously past the block or fielders. It is not only the power that is important, the ball must be played as precisely as possible, so that it is more difficult to defend the ball.
Perfect timing is essential for a smash. On the one hand, the set must be very precise and at the right height, and on the other hand, the jump must be done at the right time to play the ball with sufficient power. The height of the attacker’s jump is also crucial, because the higher you jump the easier it is to hit the ball tightly over the net. And that is quite a challenge on the sand. If jumping high isn’t your strong suit, try one of the attacks described below the photo.
A cut shot
The first variant is the cut shot. In the cut shot, the ball is played past the block just behind the net. So an attack where you hold back just enough to hit over or past the block. So this is a softly hit, placed ball with an open hand. Although the ball is softly hit, the contact with the ball is of course hard. Otherwise it’s a point for the opponent.
Poke shot
Another variation is the poke shot. The aim of the poke shot is to put the ball behind the net. However, it is also possible to overplay the block player with this technique. In the poke shot, the ball is played with the knuckles. That takes some practice but works pretty well. A special form of the poke shot is the cobra shot. Here the ball does not come into contact with the knuckles, but with the fingertips of the pointed hand. This technique is mainly used to outplay the opponents.
Because you only play beach volleyball with two people, there is enough space to properly place a poke or cobra ball.
Just like in indoor volleyball, you also have different directions to hit the ball in beach volleyball. A ball far in the back or a nice poke ball (poke shot) behind the block. Just behind the net or just in front of the back line. Straight or diagonally. Of course, with all attacks, it is important to take a good look at where the defense stands.
Line or rainbow shot
We are briefly talking about the line shot and the rainbow shot here. Both variants are the same, but differ in the target or direction in which the ball is played. The line shot is played along the line, while the rainbow shot is played diagonally. The aim of these two shots is to take advantage of the free space in the back of the field. These can also be easily played if your jump is not really high. Play the ball along or over the block, but also tight enough that the back player cannot easily reach it. And find the corners. That always works well.
This was the last blog in the series of ‘beach volleyball techniques’. Got inspired? Come and train sometime! Or, if you think that’s a bit too much, there will be another beach volleyball tournament on Sunday 19 March in Sportcampus Zuiderpark. Keep an eye on your email for the registration form (full = full).
More info about beach volleyball? Click here. And do you want to go through the beach volleyball rules again? Then click here.
Do you have a question or do you see an error? Mail us.
