About Steve Hagenlocher Expertise I am a Division I women`s vollegball coach. I have been coaching at the college level for the past eleven years. I am also teaching and coaching at the high school level and I have been doing so for the past sixteen years. In my spare time I;ve coach 11-12 year old girls in the CYO. I am also a certified high school referee for both varsity boys and girls. I have over 250 drills in my drill book and I believe I can be most helpful answering questions about running certain offenses and defenses.
Experience BS in Physical Education St Francis College 83
MS in Physical Education Brooklyn College 93
Expert: Steve Hagenlocher Date: 9/29/2007 Subject: Volleyball Hitting
Question Steve, I have always been a excellent passer, but I want to be come a better hitter. The problem is that I am 5'5. I have a pretty decent jump, and I know I have the potential to hit well because I have done it before, but recently, I have just been taping the ball or just flat out hitting it right into the net. I have two theories of why I could be doing this. Either I am late on the ball or I am not reaching high enough to contact, or both. If I am wrong on this please correct me also. My question is, do you have any suggestions of how I can improve? I can overhand hit well during a pepper session, but it seems like when I am in the air, I get thrown off. Thanks in advance, and sorry for the wordy question.
Answer Steve,
Without seeing you I would assume that you are right on your assessment of your problem. Another problem may be that you are making contact at too far of a downward angle.
Here is an idea. Get a dozen tennis balls. Hold a ball and take an approach when you would usually swing, swing and release the ball. See where the ball lands and make self corrections from there. After you do this a bunch of time (the way you are satisfied) have someone set you and see if your hitting average increases.
