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John Dunning Volleyball Attacking Techniques

John Dunning • The Art of Coaching Volleyball

5x NCAA National Champion Head Coach (Stanford & Pacific)

Session Overview

Former Stanford head coach John Dunning breaks down the attacking techniques and shot-making versatility he teaches collegiate hitters, emphasizing approach spacing, keeping the ball in front of the hitting shoulder, and tooling or hitting around a set block.

Core Biomechanical & Tactical Principles

Maintain discipline in starting your approach outside the court so you can angle in, see the block, and access both line and cross-court lanes.
Keep the ball slightly in front of the hitting shoulder at peak reach so the attacker can wrist-away, wipe high hands, or drive sharp cross.
Train hitters to recognize block seams and exposed outer hands early in their jump rather than swinging blindly into the middle of the block.

Verbal Coaching Cues for Practice:

"Keep the ball in front of your hitting shoulder""Start wide so you can see the block""Hit the high hands when the seam is closed"

Why Recommended for Coaches:

Essential study for coaches looking to expand their pin hitters' offensive repertoire beyond one-dimensional power swings.

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Key Coaching Cues

"Keep the ball in front of your hitting shoulder"

"Start wide so you can see the block"

"Hit the high hands when the seam is closed"

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