Digging In Beach Volleyball
What does 'digging' mean in beach volleyball?
Digging in beach volleyball is the defensive side of the game. What you are trying to do is defend the spike from your opponent so it doesn't hit the ground on your side of the court. So you dive or you get to the right position when the ball can hit your arms before it hits the send and we call it a dig.
What is an 'open hand dig'?
An open hand dig is used when the ball is spiked, basically at your face or above your head. You bring your hands up open to contact the ball but this is only legal if it's a hard hit ball and only then can you contact the ball with your open hands above your head, above your shoulders.
What is required to be a great defender?
To be a good defender, a defensive player, and a digger in beach volleyball, you have to have great anticipation. TIP: Great defenders believe they can get any ball, no matter where it is. A lot of people can stand in one position, and if the ball is hit right to them, they can dig it. The key is to be able to read the attacker, to see where they are hitting the ball, and before they actually make the hit, for you to move into position so you have an opportunity to dig that ball. So, anticipation is key to being a great defender.
How can I improve my defensive skills in beach volleyball?
To become a better defender, a good defensive player in beach volleyball, practice is critical. Get out, play, watch your opponents, see the way they hit the ball, see if you can't anticipate where they're hitting. But one of the important things that you should do when defending is to stay low and to be leaning forward, ready to move forward or side to side. If you're back on your heels when the ball is hit in front of you, you have to get your body forward and then move to go in that direction. But if you're already forward, or ready to move forward, you're going to be able to get many more balls.
