I believe that although I didn’t reach maximum height, this phase of my spike was a success as the strengths outweigh the weaknesses and it sets me up for the attack phase.
2. Attack
The aim of the attack stage is to successfully hit the ball over the net with great force. This is achieved by the swinging through of the attacking arm which hits the ball with the palm of the hand. My technique in this phase was good although I didn’t get the ball over the net due to a lack of vertical height as stated previously. Just before I hit the ball my trunk is extended which allows extra forward motion in hitting the ball. My shoulder was also extended which also allows more forward motion. My legs are straightened to ensure that my balance is perfect and I don’t fall backwards or forwards in the air. My trunk and hitting shoulder becomes flexed as they swing through and hit the ball. When I hit the ball my hand also flexes (bends forward) to add more force to the hit as well as decrease the angle the ball travels.
The technique of this phase of the spike was successful as nearly all of the principles were successful and were executed well. On the other hand the phase itself was not successfully completed as I hit the ball into the net due to lack of height achieved in the previous phase.
3. Recovery
The aim of the recovery stage in the volleyball spike is to follow through from hitting the ball and land without hitting the net or causing injury. In my recovery phase my arm followed through which caused the ball to travel at even more of an angle. Also when I hit the ground my feet were straight.
This phase of the spike was not successful as my landing technique was poor and therefore did not benefit my performance.
Recommendations
I have closely observed the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lESY7jaOnx0 on Youtube of professional volleyball players spiking the ball in slow motion. The following references will be made with reference to the techniques displayed by the professionals on this video.
1. Approach and take off
In the video the spiker has pushed off the ground using two feet which has caused him to gain exceptional height. If I were to incorporate this two step approach into my spike, I would jump a lot higher for the ground which would cause me to hit the ball with more ease and hit it at more of an angle. He also takes a five step run up compared to my two step run up. If I incorporated this five step run up into my spike, I would gain much more momentum causing even greater vertical height, again benefiting my performance.
2. Attack
In the video, the spiker has bent his arm the full distance behind him and to the full angle which helps him hit the ball with great force. In my spike this aspect of attack was a weakness of mine and if I bent my arm the full distance, I would gain a lot more power on my shot and it would benefit my performance. The way in which the spiker has extended his trunk and shoulders backwards are one similarity which are excellent examples of the correct method of spiking a volleyball.
3. Recovery
In the video, after the spiker has hit the ball, he lands using two feet and flexing (bending) his knee and hip joints. If I incorporated this method of landing into my recovery phase I would absorb the force of landing and safely land reducing the chance of injury and reducing the chance of falling forward into the net.
Conclusion
The following report has analysed the technique and features of my own spike discussing the strengths and weaknesses of it. With reference to a video of a professional spike, I have also made recommendations for my spike to improve my performance and reduce injury. I predict that if these modifications are carried out, my performance in volleyball will be lifted to a new standard and I can therefore try to complete more complex plays which will benefit my team.
References
SLC intranet, year 11, physical education, spike videos.
Slow motion volleyball hits, [Internet], accessed 26 March 2008, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lESY7jaOnx0
Amezdroz, G, Dickens, S, Hosford, G, Davis, D, Queensland Senior Physical Education, ‘the articular (joint) system, MACMILLAN EDUCATION AUSTRALIA, 2005.
