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Rotational Defense

Best for Intermediate players that hit off-speed, are beginning to control the ball and/or tip.

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Rotational Defense

The rotational defense is one of the most popular defenses in volleyball.

It is designed to take away short off-speed shots, while also having three players deep for power shots.

The illustration below (Illustration 1) demonstrates positioning against the three most common attacks (outside, middle, right side).

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Why should you use it?

Players can cover a variety of attacks (tips and swings).

Your team can cover tips directly behind the block and deep line shots.

The setter can quickly transition from defense to offense

Read progression: Middle back/setters must be able to read the ball. The read progression or situations to prepare for are: Free ball, Setter dump, Quick attack, High attack, Down ball, Tip

  • This defense requires a lot of movement. Transitioning from defense to offense can be difficult.
  • Seams are created between LB and RB defenders because so much movement is required.
  • The middle back is wide open against many outside attacks.
  • Middle back needs to move quickly and cover a great distance.

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Playing Defense from an Outside Attack

Rotation 1

**Please note that base defense in the back row has the OH playing middle back for base. It has the M (or person playing middle) in the left back for base. These can be interchanged based on player ability and/or readiness level.

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Playing Defense from a Middle Attack

Rotation 1

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Playing Defense from a Right Side Attack

Rotation 1

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“Read” Defense

This defense is best used with either beginner or advanced players.

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Perimeter Read Defense

Playing perimeter read defense allows the team to move and read the block, then reposition themselves so they can cover a large amount of the court.

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Why should you use it?

Players can cover a wide amount of court space.

It keeps the ball in front of a player. It gives a player the ability to move forward into the ball.

Good for teams with a quick libero and vs. skilled hitting teams.

Read progression: Back row players must be able to read the ball. The read progression or situations to prepare for are: Free ball, Setter dump, Quick attack, High attack, Down ball

  • Leaves you vulnerable to tips, leaves the middle of the court open.
  • Potentially leaves deep corners vulnerable to attack.
  • When setter is the back row, transition can be impacted.

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Playing Defense from an Outside Attack

Rotation 1

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Playing Defense from a Middle Attack

Rotation 1

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Playing Defense from a Right Side Attack

Rotation 1