Library/Floor Defense/Reading Tips (How to READ hitters PART 2/2) - Volleyball Defense Tutorial

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Intermediate TierFloor Defense07:19

Reading Tips (How to READ hitters PART 2/2) - Volleyball Defense Tutorial

Coach Donny Hui • Elevate Yourself

Elevate Yourself Founder & Head Coach

Session Overview

In Part 2 of his hitter-reading series, Coach Donny Hui reveals six reliable visual cues that tell defenders an attacker is about to tip or roll-shot the ball instead of swinging hard. By recognizing out-of-system sets, late approaches, dropped elbows, and open palms early, defenders can creep forward and dig tips effortlessly.

Core Biomechanical & Tactical Principles

Watch for sets that are trapped too tight, pushed too far off the net, or set behind the hitter's body—these force high-percentage tips or roll shots.
Look at the hitter's arm and hand in the air: a dropped elbow, slowed arm swing, or open fingers facing the ball signal an immediate tip.
When you read two or more tip cues, release forward on the balls of your feet before contact rather than staying anchored deep.

Verbal Coaching Cues for Practice:

"Watch the elbow and open hand""Read the bad set early""Creep up on the tip cue"

Why Recommended for Coaches:

Eliminates frustrating 'campfire' tips by teaching defenders the exact physical giveaways of an off-speed shot.

Up NextVolleyball tips: Passing techniques with John Speraw

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Key Coaching Cues

"Watch the elbow and open hand"

"Read the bad set early"

"Creep up on the tip cue"

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