Are you a volleyball enthusiast looking to up your game? While there are many skills that contribute to becoming a successful volleyball player, one of the most important is learning the art of checking.
If youve ever been left standing flatfooted when the ball comes flying your way, youll understand why checking is so important.
In this article, well provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to check volleyball, so you can go from novice to pro in no time.
Well cover topics such as what checking is in volleyball, setting up a good defensive stance, moving quickly to the ball, slowing or redirecting the ball, reacting to the direction of the ball, and much more.
So lets get started and see how you can become an ace at checking!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To check a volleyball, make sure it is properly inflated and free of any tears or cuts.
Inspect the seams and check for any loose or missing stitching.
Feel the surface of the ball for any bumps or lumps that could affect the flight of the ball.
If it passes all these tests, the ball should be ready to use.
What is Checking in Volleyball?
Checking in volleyball is the act of redirecting the ball away from the net without touching it, as players are not allowed to touch the ball more than three times.
It is a defensive tactic used to prevent the ball from going over the net and giving the opponent an easy point.
It is a skill that requires quick reflexes, agility, and a good understanding of the game.
Checking is an important part of the game as it can be used to disrupt the opponents offense and gain an advantage for your team.
It can also be used to set up the perfect pass or set for your teams attack.
In order to be successful at checking, players must have good hand-eye coordination and the ability to read the balls trajectory and adjust accordingly.
When checking in volleyball, players must always use their hands.
They cannot use their feet, head, or any other body part to touch the ball.
The ball must be slowed down or redirected with a one-handed or two-handed motion.
The main goal of checking is to make sure that the ball does not go over the net, and the player must be able to adjust their body positioning to make sure that they are in the optimal spot to make the check.
Good checking is a crucial part of the game, and it takes practice and dedication to master this skill.
With practice and a little bit of luck, you can become an expert at checking and help your team dominate the court.
Setting Up a Good Defensive Stance
When it comes to checking volleyball, the first and most important step is to set up a good defensive stance.
To do this, you should spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly.
This will provide you with the best balance and give you the most control over the ball.
You should also keep your arms bent and your hands ready to move quickly to the ball.
When setting up a defensive stance, its important to pay attention to your body position and be mindful of the movements and directions of the ball.
The more you practice this, the better you will become at keeping your body in the best position for checking the ball.
Moving Quickly to the Ball
When it comes to checking volleyball, the key to success is to move quickly to the ball.
It is important to start in a good defensive position, with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
This will give you the stability and agility you need to make the necessary adjustments to the ball.
When the ball is served, you should immediately begin to move towards it, and use your hands to slow it down or redirect it.
Pay attention to the direction the ball is traveling, and adjust your body to the ball accordingly.
If you can, try to use your arms to slow the ball down, as this will give you more time to make the necessary adjustments.
As you become more comfortable with the skill of checking, you can begin to time your movements more precisely and move your body in a way that will help you to redirect the ball to where you want it to go.
With practice, you will be able to check volleyball successfully and help your team win.
Slowing or Redirecting the Ball
When it comes to checking volleyball, the most important skill to master is learning how to redirect or slow down the ball.
To do this, you must have quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination.
When the ball is served, you should move quickly to the ball and use your hands to slow it down or redirect it.
Its important to pay attention to the direction the ball is traveling and adjust your body accordingly.
You will need to use your hands to direct the ball in the opposite direction or slow down the speed of the ball.
If you can do this successfully, it will give your team time to get into position and set up a successful attack.
With practice, you will be able to check volleyball successfully and help your team win.
Reacting to the Direction of the Ball
Reacting to the direction of the ball is an important part of checking volleyball properly.
You need to be able to anticipate the direction of the ball in order to make the proper defensive move.
To do this, you must be aware of the court and the players around you.
Pay attention to how the players are positioned and how they are moving.
This will help you anticipate the direction of the ball.
When the ball is served, pay attention to the trajectory of the ball and adjust your body accordingly.
If it is heading towards your right, move quickly to your right and use your hands to slow the ball down or redirect it.
If the ball is heading towards your left, move quickly to your left and do the same.
It is important to remain in a good defensive stance with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart throughout the whole movement.
With practice, you will get better at anticipating the direction of the ball and reacting in time to check it.
This will help you become a better defensive player and will help your team win more games.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice is essential when it comes to mastering the skill of checking volleyball.
While the basics of checking can be learned quickly, it takes time and practice to develop the reflexes and muscle memory necessary to become an adept player.
To practice checking, start by positioning yourself in a good defensive stance with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
When the ball is served, move quickly to the ball and use your hands to slow it down or redirect it.
As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will become.
Focus on improving your footwork and hand-eye coordination by practicing drills that involve checking the ball.
You can also work on honing your reaction time by reacting to different types of serves and teams.
You can also practice with a partner by having them serve the ball and you practice checking it with the right techniques.
With practice, you will be able to check volleyball successfully and help your team win.
Strategies for Successful Checking
Good checking is an important skill to master in order to be successful in volleyball.
To check volleyball effectively, there are a few strategies to keep in mind.
First, make sure you are in a good defensive stance.
Your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your knees should be bent.
This posture will help you move quickly and be in the best position to react to the ball.
When the ball is served, try to anticipate its trajectory and move quickly to the ball.
Use your hands to slow down or redirect the ball.
Pay close attention to the direction of the ball and adjust your body accordingly.
Once you have your hands on the ball, use your wrists and arms to control it.
Make sure to use a light touch, as this will help you keep the ball in play and prevent it from going out of bounds.
It also helps to practice these skills with a partner before taking them out onto the court.
Finally, practice makes perfect! With regular practice, you will be able to check volleyball successfully and help your team win.
As you become more comfortable with the skill, you can add more advanced strategies such as redirecting the ball to a teammate or using your body to block the ball.
By following these tips, you can become a successful checker and help your team win more games.
With the right strategies and practice, you can check volleyball successfully and become a key player in the game.
Final Thoughts
Checking in volleyball is an important skill to master in order to play the game at a high level.
With the right defensive stance, quick reflexes, and practice, you can become an expert at checking.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can be on your way to becoming a successful volleyball player.
So what are you waiting for? Put in the practice and go check some volleyball!