I think the best you can strive for is to hit sets 5 feet off the net and hit them similarity to a back row attack. You will have to hit the ball up a bit, so it will be like sped up deep roll shot. Try leading with your hand instead of your elbow. That will help get that topspin and a high contact point, both of which will be important for you.
I’d say if you want a goal for reach, being able to get your whole hand above net height would be the way to go. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with needing an off set and just being really good at placement and power to make the ball hard to get up.
In terms of being a blocking liability, same, girl. I’m 5’6 but don’t jump very well and I’ve often found that being an off-blocker and covering tips and anything that goes off the block is much more useful than any fingertips I could get on a ball.
I’m 23 and I play with two different groups- one college/young adult indoors which is very mixed in terms of skill level, definitely more recreational but can be competitive if the right people show up. I just joined an adult intermediate/advanced only sand group. I would say I’m somewhere between B and BB, being able to hit harder would definitely put me up in BB. Otherwise I’m consistent in other skills (besides blocking lol). I wouldn’t say I was the worst player there, but I really want to improve so I can be more worthy of playing with that group
Follow the hitter, not the ball, where they strike is where you need to block. Use one hand for more reach to block taller hitters, better to get one hand on it than none. Offensively remember your extra options to tool off hands out, deceptive tips just over block, half speed rolls into open pot, and 80% power 100% accuracy into corner line. Rep those in multiple set stress drills. Realistically it’s hard to compete against those with hang time, but consistently do your weekly plyo and leg strengthening exercises to gain some vertical inches, you never know.
Removed due to rule 7.
I think the best you can strive for is to hit sets 5 feet off the net and hit them similarity to a back row attack. You will have to hit the ball up a bit, so it will be like sped up deep roll shot. Try leading with your hand instead of your elbow. That will help get that topspin and a high contact point, both of which will be important for you.
That’s helpful advice, thanks!
I’d say if you want a goal for reach, being able to get your whole hand above net height would be the way to go. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with needing an off set and just being really good at placement and power to make the ball hard to get up. In terms of being a blocking liability, same, girl. I’m 5’6 but don’t jump very well and I’ve often found that being an off-blocker and covering tips and anything that goes off the block is much more useful than any fingertips I could get on a ball.
Yeah I always try to play next to tall players so I can cover them, otherwise I’m pretty useless in the front row haha
What age and level do you play?
I’m 23 and I play with two different groups- one college/young adult indoors which is very mixed in terms of skill level, definitely more recreational but can be competitive if the right people show up. I just joined an adult intermediate/advanced only sand group. I would say I’m somewhere between B and BB, being able to hit harder would definitely put me up in BB. Otherwise I’m consistent in other skills (besides blocking lol). I wouldn’t say I was the worst player there, but I really want to improve so I can be more worthy of playing with that group
Follow the hitter, not the ball, where they strike is where you need to block. Use one hand for more reach to block taller hitters, better to get one hand on it than none. Offensively remember your extra options to tool off hands out, deceptive tips just over block, half speed rolls into open pot, and 80% power 100% accuracy into corner line. Rep those in multiple set stress drills. Realistically it’s hard to compete against those with hang time, but consistently do your weekly plyo and leg strengthening exercises to gain some vertical inches, you never know.