Technique Tuesday

Dig-to-Trans

Q: What do you like Off-Blocker Transition to be like?

A: I like to turn and run when possible. Here’s Larson executing what I consider to be the most classic, fundamental turn-and-run:

She’s pretty far inside, so I think she needs that turn and run to get enough depth and width. When players are already peeled off farther, I don’t mind a little shuffle to get some width, like you see here:

At the juniors level, I like that off-blocker to play exclusively for tip, so you need that turn-and-run crossover. But at the pro level, we’re peeling for dig a bit more often, so that shuffle can be fine and create an easier rhythm.

What about when the off-blocker digs?

I’m not too picky about it. First of all: it’s worth noting that it’s an uncommon play. I scanned through all 7 of USA WNT’s recent OQ matches, and here was every time they or their opponents set an off-blocker after she dug.

What do you notice?

It only happened 8 times!¹ Why?

First of all, your off-blocker is getting on the ground a lot. Pancakes, dives, running through to pick up a tip, etc. A lot of times that player is straight-up out of the play.

Additionally, they are just going to be in an awkward spot a lot of times and setters feel that and tend to go to another hitter, even when that off-blocker is theoretically available.

As for what you see in the transitions, it’s pretty variable. You very rarely see a turn-and-run to attack. There’s just not the time. One time Larson does a bit of a half-shuffle-half-karaoke crossover into a sweet left-hand jam. But most of the time you see either a quick backpedal or a side shuffle.

I don’t script this too much. If they get an easy-ish tip toward the center of the court and can stay on their feet, I like a shuffle move back to their left, similar to pass-to-attack footwork out of serve receive. The move Plummer makes against Poland is a good example here.

In situations when the blocker is more peeled off to dig the 4-to-4, I like just stepping back and then getting into the approach. But again, this just isn’t a super-common play, so I’m totally fine letting them transition in whatever way feels natural in these situations.

What are you all teaching? Leave me a comment or reply to the email and let me know!

1. There were a few more that I’d call more of a freeball pass-to-attack than a dig transition, so I excluded them.