7 Essential Volleyball Digging Techniques for Success

Volleyball player digging the ball
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Step onto the volleyball court with confidence, ready to master the art of digging. Digging is a fundamental skill that transforms you into an impenetrable wall, effectively neutralizing your opponents’ attacks. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your volleyball journey, honing your digging technique will elevate your game to new heights. By understanding the principles of proper digging form, timing, and footwork, you’ll become an unstoppable force on the defensive end, turning every attack into an opportunity for your team to counter.

The first step towards becoming a proficient digger is to master the correct body position. Start by squatting low, with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight, core engaged, and arms extended in front of you, forming a diamond shape. As the ball approaches, align your body perpendicular to its trajectory. This stance provides stability, allowing you to react quickly and effectively to the incoming attack. Remember, a solid base is crucial for executing a clean dig.

Timing is of paramount importance in digging. You need to anticipate the trajectory and speed of the incoming ball to position yourself correctly. Stay focused on the ball’s flight path, reading the spin and power behind it. As the ball enters your digging zone, time your jump precisely to meet it at its peak. By jumping at the right moment, you’ll be able to control the ball’s direction and set up a perfect pass for your setter. Late or early jumps can result in mishits and missed digs.

Mastering the Arm Position

To execute a proper dig, it is essential to master the correct arm position. This starts with holding your arms comfortably in front of your body, slightly bent at the elbows. Keep your palms facing forward and your thumbs touching or slightly overlapping. The exact distance between your thumbs will vary depending on the size of your hands and the width of your body.

Next, position your arms slightly apart, creating a small gap between them. The width of this gap will determine the angle at which the ball rebounds. A narrow gap will result in a flatter rebound, while a wider gap will send the ball higher. Experiment with different gap widths to find what works best for you.

Finally, relax your arms and wrists. Tense or stiff muscles will hinder your ability to control the ball effectively. Keep your arms slightly loose and allow them to move freely as you dig. By mastering the correct arm position, you will create a solid foundation for executing effective digs that keep the ball in play.

Positioning for Optimal Digging

Effective digging in volleyball requires proper positioning to be able to reach approaching balls in time. The ideal position for digging is called the “ready stance.” In the ready stance, the player:

Stands with their feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. This allows for quick movement in any direction.
Keeps their weight evenly distributed and slightly forward on the balls of their feet. This provides stability and enables quick reactions.
Faces the opponent’s side of the court and bends over at the hips. This allows for a clear view of the incoming ball and a lower center of gravity for better balance.
Extends both arms out in front of the body with elbows slightly bent. This creates a platform for digging the ball.
Keeps their eyes focused on the ball and moves their feet as needed to maintain a comfortable distance. This ensures proper positioning for digging.

Specific Positioning for Different Zones

Digging effectively also requires specific positioning for different zones on the court. These zones are:

Zone	Positioning
Front Court	Stand closer to the net and focus on digging low, hard-hit balls.
Middle Court	Stand between the front and back court, ready to dig balls that are hit over the block or to the sides.
Back Court	Stand near the back line and focus on digging high, arching balls that are hit over the block or to the back corners.

Proper Footwork and Stance

Mastering proper footwork and stance is crucial for effective digging in volleyball. It ensures the player is well-positioned, balanced, and agile to handle incoming attacks.

1. Positioning and Approach

Position yourself a step ahead of the expected ball trajectory. As the ball approaches, take small, quick steps forward to close the distance while keeping your body low and balanced.

2. Stance

Establish a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Keep your back straight and your body low to the ground. Your arms should be extended in front of you, forming a “W” shape with your forearms parallel to the floor.

3. Digging Technique

As the ball approaches, slide your feet in the direction of the attack while keeping your stance low and balanced.

Phase	Description
1. Contact Preparation	Slightly bend your knees and lean forward while extending your arms towards the ball.
2. Contact Point	Use your forearms to contact the ball slightly above and in front of your body. Keep your arms straight and perpendicular to the floor.
3. Follow-Through	Once the ball is contacted, lift your arms and slide your feet back to regain balance. Extend your arms forward to pass or set the ball.

Controlling the Ball Direction

Controlling the ball direction is crucial in volleyball. By directing the ball effectively, you can set up your teammates for successful attacks or force your opponents into difficult situations. Here are some tips for controlling the ball direction:

4. Use Correct Hand Positioning

The key to controlling the ball direction is to use the correct hand positioning. This will depend on the trajectory of the ball and the desired direction you want it to go. Here are some general guidelines:

For low, hard-driven balls: Use a closed fist with your thumbs facing down. Position your hands slightly behind the ball and contact it with a flat palm.
For high, soft balls: Use open hands with your fingers pointed upwards. Position your hands under the ball and use a soft, scooping motion to control it.
For balls coming at an angle: Adjust your hand position accordingly to meet the ball at a perpendicular angle. For example, if the ball is coming from the right, move your left hand slightly to the left to intercept it.

Ball Trajectory	Hand Position
Low, hard-driven	Closed fist with thumbs facing down
High, soft	Open hands with fingers pointed upwards
Balls coming at an angle	Adjust hand position to meet ball at a perpendicular angle

Handling Attack Lines and Drives

When positioned on the attack line, you may encounter the following situations:

1. Line Shots

Description: Drives aimed directly at the player on the attack line.
Technique: Stay low and wide, reading the hitter’s body language to predict the target. Dig perpendicular to the line, driving the ball up with the inside of your forearms.

2. Cross-court Drives

Description: Drives crossing the net at an angle towards the sideline.
Technique: Adjust your positioning slightly towards the line being targeted. Time your jump to meet the ball at its peak, driving it down parallel to the net with your outer forearms.

3. Deep Drives

Description: Drives that land behind the attack line.
Technique: Position yourself deeper, allowing the ball to bounce before digging it. Use a two-step approach, first jumping back and then forward to reach the ball. Dig with a controlled, downward motion.

4. Low Drives

Description: Drives hit close to the net, skimming along the ground.
Technique: Drop low and slide forward, reaching the ball with your hands close to the ground. Use a scooping motion to lift the ball up and over the net.

5. Digging Patterns

Situation	Dig Pattern
Line Shot	Player on the attack line digs with the inside of their forearms, driving the ball up perpendicular to the line.
Cross-Court Drive	Player on the attack line adjusts their positioning and digs with their outer forearms, driving the ball down parallel to the net.
Deep Drive	Player positions themselves deeper, jumps back and forward, and digs with a controlled downward motion.
Low Drive	Player drops low, slides forward, and scoops the ball up with their hands close to the ground.

Effective Ball Placement

Proper ball placement is crucial for effective digging. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Positioning for Digging

When digging, position yourself in front of the ball and slightly to the side. Bend your knees and hips, and spread your legs shoulder-width apart. Your torso should be slightly tilted forward, and your arms extended in front of your body.

Use Your Hands and Forearms

Use the palms of your hands and forearms to receive the ball. Keep your hands together, forming a “platform.” Contact the ball with your arms fully extended, and keep your wrists firm.

Timing and Reaction

Time your dig so that you contact the ball at its peak. React quickly to the trajectory of the ball and adjust your platform accordingly.

Bend Your Knees

Bending your knees helps absorb the impact of the ball and provides a stable base for digging.

Extend Your Arms

Fully extending your arms allows you to reach the ball and control its trajectory. Keep your elbows slightly bent for flexibility and power.

Use Your Core

Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body and generate power for digging. This will help you maintain a solid platform and control the direction of the ball.

Coach’s Tip	Description
“Scoop” the Ball	Use your palms to scoop the ball upwards, rather than hitting it down. This will give you more control over the ball’s direction.
“Roll” Your Wrists	As you contact the ball, slightly roll your wrists inwards to give the ball a more precise trajectory.
“Follow Through”	After digging the ball, continue to follow through with your arms to control its trajectory and prevent it from bouncing up high.

Blocking vs. Digging: The Key Differences

1. Objective

Blocking: To prevent the opponent’s attack from crossing the net.
Digging: To redirect a hard-driven ball to set up a teammate for an attack.

2. Technique

Blocking: Jumping and extending arms above the net to block the ball.
Digging: Lowering the platform (arms and hands) and absorbing the ball’s impact.

3. Timing

Blocking: Reacting to the opponent’s attack and timing the jump to coincide with the ball’s trajectory.
Digging: Reacting to the opponent’s hit and quickly moving to the ball’s landing point.

4. Body Position

Blocking: Facing the net with feet shoulder-width apart and arms raised.
Digging: Lowered stance with knees bent, back straight, and arms extended in front.

5. Arm Position

Blocking: Outstretched arms with fingers extended and thumbs touching.
Digging: Platform formed by overlapping arms and hands, with wrists flexed and elbows slightly bent.

6. Ball Contact

Blocking: Contacting the ball with the fingertips or palms.
Digging: Absorbing the ball’s impact with the platform, redirecting it towards the setter.

7. Detailed Differences in Technique

Characteristic	Blocking	Digging
Primary goal	Prevent ball from crossing net	Set up teammate for attack
Body position	Upright, facing net	Lowered stance, knees bent
Arm position	Outstretched, fingers extended	Platform formed, wrists flexed
Ball contact	Fingertips or palms	Platform redirects ball
Motion	Jump and extend	Lower and absorb
Timing	React to opponent’s attack	React to opponent’s hit

Advanced Digging Techniques

Once you master the basics of digging, you can start incorporating more advanced techniques to improve your overall performance.

8. Special Dig Situations

In addition to the general digging techniques discussed earlier, there are also specific techniques for handling special situations that may arise during a match.

The following table summarizes some of these special situations and provides tips on how to execute effective digs:

Situation	Tips
Digging a spike from the front row	Use a full body extension and reach out as far as possible.
Digging a spike from the back row	Low to the ground and use a forearm pass.
Digging a soft touch	Use a gentle touch and focus on controlling the ball.
Digging a short ball	Get low and use a quick forearm pass.
Digging a deep ball	Run to the ball and use a full body extension to dig it up.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to effectively handle any digging situation that comes your way and make a significant contribution to your team’s success.

Digging with Different Spikes

Digging a Straight Spike

A straight spike is the most common type of spike you’ll encounter. To dig a straight spike, position yourself in front of the hitter and square up to the ball. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. As the ball approaches, extend your arms and hands out in front of you and make contact with the ball with your forearms. Keep your elbows together and your wrists firm. Dig the ball straight back up to your setter, so they can set up an attack for your team.

Digging a Cross-Court Spike

A cross-court spike is a spike that is hit from one side of the court to the other. To dig a cross-court spike, position yourself in front of the hitter and slightly to the side of the ball. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. As the ball approaches, extend your arms and hands out in front of you and make contact with the ball with your forearms. Keep your elbows together and your wrists firm. Dig the ball at an angle over your head to your setter, so they can set up an attack for your team.

Digging a Line Spike

A line spike is a spike that is hit straight down the sideline. To dig a line spike, position yourself directly in front of the hitter. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. As the ball approaches, extend your arms and hands out in front of you and make contact with the ball with your forearms. Keep your elbows together and your wrists firm. Dig the ball straight back up to your setter, so they can set up an attack for your team.

Digging a Back-row Spike

A back-row spike is a spike that is hit from behind the 10-foot line. To dig a back-row spike, position yourself behind the 10-foot line and in front of the hitter. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. As the ball approaches, extend your arms and hands out in front of you and make contact with the ball with your forearms. Keep your elbows together and your wrists firm. Dig the ball straight back up to your setter, so they can set up an attack for your team.

Digging a Jump Serve

A jump serve is a serve that is hit from above the head. To dig a jump serve, position yourself behind the 10-foot line and in front of the server. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. As the ball approaches, extend your arms and hands out in front of you and make contact with the ball with your forearms. Keep your elbows together and your wrists firm. Dig the ball straight back up to your setter, so they can set up an attack for your team.

Situational Digging in Game Play

Digging to Prevent Direct Attacks

When receiving a serve or an attack from the opponent, the primary goal is to prevent the ball from touching the ground. Diggers should position themselves to intercept the ball before it hits the court and return it over the net.

Digging to Control the Ball

In situations where a direct attack is not imminent, diggers should focus on controlling the ball and setting it up for their teammates. This involves using a two-handed dig to redirect the ball to a setter or another player who can attack it.

Digging Difficult Balls

Some attacks may be difficult to dig due to their speed, angle, or trajectory. In these cases, diggers may need to use a specialized technique, such as a diving dig or a roll dig, to prevent the ball from touching the ground.

Digging in Transition

During transitions between plays, diggers need to be alert and ready to receive the opponent’s return. They should position themselves according to the opponent’s attack pattern and be prepared to react quickly to any unexpected attacks.

Digging in Rotation

Each player on the court has a specific role in the rotation, which includes digging during certain plays. Diggers should be aware of their position in the rotation and be prepared to take their assigned digging responsibilities.

Types of Digs

There are three main types of digs:

Type of Dig	Description
Two-handed Dig	A basic dig using both hands to contact the ball and redirect it.
One-handed Dig	A more difficult dig using one hand to contact the ball and redirect it. Usually used in situations where the ball is coming at a fast pace or from an unexpected angle.
Roll Dig	A specialty dig used to prevent the ball from hitting the ground when it is coming at a low trajectory. The player rolls on their side to contact the ball and redirect it.

Choosing the Right Dig

The choice of dig to use depends on the situation, the speed and trajectory of the ball, and the player’s ability. Diggers should practice all three types of digs to improve their versatility and ability to handle any situation.

How to Dig in Volleyball

Digging is a fundamental skill in volleyball that involves using your arms to redirect the ball up into the air. It’s essential for preventing the opposing team from scoring and setting up your team for a successful return.

To dig effectively, follow these steps:

Position your body low, with your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bring your arms together in front of your chest, with your hands interlaced.
As the ball approaches, extend your arms towards the ball and make contact with your forearms.
Keep your eyes on the ball and push your arms up into the air to redirect it.
Follow through with your arms, ending with them extended above your head.