How to Receive the Ball in Volleyball

Receiving the ball is the foundation of volleyball, and mastering this skill often determines a team’s success. Even in the most intense rallies, it is impossible to perform well without the ability to receive the ball effectively. Every player on the court must be able to handle the opponent’s serve, as it directly impacts the development of the next attack. In this article, we will discuss the different types of ball reception and explain how they influence the game.

Types of Ball Reception in Volleyball

1. Low Reception with Two Hands
   This is one of the most common receptions when the ball comes in low. To execute this, you need to slightly bend your knees, step one foot forward, and shift your weight onto that leg. Your arms should be parallel to the floor, with your wrists firmly pressed together. The ball should ideally land near the base of your thumbs, close to the wrists. Keep your elbows straight throughout. This type of reception allows you to meet the ball gently and pass it accurately to a teammate.

2. High Reception with Two Hands
   When the ball is at a suitable height, the best option is to receive it with both hands from above. This is technically easier and increases the chances of making an accurate pass. For this, bend your knees slightly and raise your elbows, positioning your hands forward. Your wrists should be facing upward, and your fingers should be slightly tense. To give the ball the necessary impulse, you must straighten your knees and elbows—this movement resembles the release of a compressed spring.

3. Low Reception with One Hand and Falling
   Sometimes, the ball is in a difficult-to-reach area, and the player has to make an extra effort to get it. To do this, take a step towards the ball with one hand behind you. The reception is then executed using the hand with the fingers bent. After contacting the ball, your body will start falling due to inertia. To avoid injury, perform a shoulder roll when you hit the ground.

4. High Reception with Two Hands and Falling onto Your Back
   When a player is moving backward while receiving the ball with both hands, their balance may shift, causing them to fall. The fall usually begins with sitting on the hips, followed by a roll onto the back. This could even turn into a full backflip, which is not only effective but also looks impressive and allows the player to maintain control of the ball.

5. Low Reception with One Hand and Falling onto the Chest
   This reception is also known as "the fish" or "swallow." It’s used in unexpected situations when the ball is almost touching the floor. The player jumps forward, placing one hand open with the palm facing upward, and falls onto the chest with a subsequent roll onto the stomach, softening the fall with their hands. This type of reception can be particularly useful when the ball unexpectedly ricochets off the net or bounces in an unpredictable way.

How to Prepare for Ball Reception

In volleyball, there are typically two types of serves: floating serves and powerful serves.

• With a floating serve, the ball often changes trajectory, so it’s important to move your feet quickly and position yourself correctly to meet the ball. Fast footwork and good coordination will help you get into the right spot to make the pass.

• With a powerful serve, the focus shifts to your hands. They need to be moved as far from your body as possible to give you a better chance of controlling the reception. Sometimes, players can’t directly pass the ball to the setter, so they try to push it higher, giving the rest of the team time to position themselves for an attack.

In addition to receiving serves, you will also need to receive the ball during rallies. When the attacker begins their jump for a spike, it’s crucial to bend your knees, lift your head, and straighten your back. If the block doesn’t work, there will be little time to move, so the best option is to put your hands in position to receive the ball.

How to Learn to Receive the Ball Correctly

The main difficulty in learning how to receive the ball lies in the unpredictability of the ball’s movement during an actual game. That’s why practice is key. Even if a beginner knows all the technical details of reception, the ball will still often fly in unpredictable directions. The best way to improve is through regular training. A great drill is to practice receiving the ball against a wall, as this allows you to develop your reaction time and refine your technique.

Conclusion

Volleyball is a dynamic and exciting game where receiving the ball correctly plays a pivotal role. Mastering various types of reception and understanding how they affect the game can significantly improve a player’s performance on the court. However, it’s important to remember that the best way to learn this skill is through consistent practice and continuous self-improvement.