Library/Floor Defense/OVERHEAD DIGGING - How To PASS a Volleyball Tutorial (Volleyball Defense) Overhand Digging

Technique Study Speed:

Intermediate TierFloor Defense07:34

OVERHEAD DIGGING - How To PASS a Volleyball Tutorial (Volleyball Defense) Overhand Digging

Coach Donny • Elevate Yourself

Elevate Yourself Founder & Collegiate Coach

Session Overview

Coach Donny breaks down the exact hand positioning, wrist tension, and arm mechanics required to dig hard-driven spikes arriving at head or chest height using an overhand dig. He explains why overhead digging is not a soft setting motion, showing how strong, open hands and firm wrists deflect high-velocity attacks safely up into the middle of the court.

Core Biomechanical & Tactical Principles

Bring strong, wide-open hands up in front of your face with firm wrists rather than trying to soft-set a hard-driven spike
Push through the ball slightly upward toward the middle of the court to absorb pace and keep the dig playable
Recognize the transition zone around chest height early so you commit decisively to either a low forearm platform or strong overhead hands

Verbal Coaching Cues for Practice:

"Strong wrists and wide fingers above the chest""Deflect the ball up, don't catch and throw""Keep your hands in front of your face"

Why Recommended for Coaches:

Essential technical instruction for liberos and back-row defenders on taking high-velocity chest- and head-level spikes cleanly with their hands.

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Key Coaching Cues

"Strong wrists and wide fingers above the chest"

"Deflect the ball up, don't catch and throw"

"Keep your hands in front of your face"

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