Page 34 - Jim Stone Book Beginner

Postures

In volleyball, there is a need to change postures per the activity or situation. The serve or block is
executed in a medium to high posture, defensive skills in a medium to low posture, forearm pass in a
medium posture, etc. Often, coaches will keep the athlete in the same posture when teaching the
forearm pass or the overhead set. The athlete needs to have a comfort level when executing the
skills in a low or a high posture. Along with changing postures, at times, the athlete moves laterally
outside their base of support. The athletes must be comfortable in all these postures.

Sample Activity

 Change postures during movements- high, medium, low postures while executing shuffle step,
running forward and backpedal,

 Roll ball to partner, bend the ankles, knees, and hips, to scoop forearms under the ball, dropping
to the knees

 Same, except from a toss, drop hips, cradle the ball with forearms
 Toss ball to partner, outside feet, shuffle to the ball, forearm pass to partner

 Same except both players will forearm pass, lateral movements

 Emphasis on head staying level while player moves

Checklist

 Control the core; the spine stays in a similar
posture and angle when dropping low

 Transition to low posture for defense or passing
a low ball on serve receive

 Bend at ankles and hips, limited bending at
the waist

 Medium posture for setting and serve receive

 Feet are shoulder-width apart with weight
equally balanced

 High posture for serve, block, receive a high
pass with forearms