How To Read in Volleyball | Get 54% More Touches

Here is a quick how-to video on some basic defensive principles. These will help you read the ball in different positions on the court. This video applies primarily to indoor 6's but the same methodology translates to outdoor volleyball and beach as well with a few variations. The moral of the story, most of the reading you are going to be doing in indoor volleyball is positioning yourself around the block in the upper 2/3 of the court. Hope you liked the video! Comment if you want me to talk about anything. Also, let me know what you think of this video below as well.

[@Roy_ow]

"Let's get into it immediately" oh that's what I like

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Gotta get right into it

[@LucyLucyLucy-rk2vv]

AYO

[@samar1shere127]

Fr

[@autolockJD]

But then proceeded to not get into it immediately

[@autolockJD]

Love the vid tho!

[@tylerfouts9550]

You're the only channel that goes over these nuanced concepts, so the fact that you share this information publicly is sooo helpful. If you are releasing these to gain some satisfaction in helping players get better, then please bask in it because I can't get enough of your videos. Keep them coming!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I’m so glad to hear that Tyler. Trying to use what I’ve learned over several years to help a few people. Plenty more videos to come.

[@ZenXGenesis]

Waiiting for the "How to attack" video, these past "how to" analysis videos have been doing great and are super informative.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

appreciate it! Will add it to the list of videos to come..

[@itsmerami]

Coach Mitch at it again. Fantastic video edits and great tips. 2 for 1 special! Keep these educational videos coming please!!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Appreciate it Rami! More to come, call than an unlimited for none special

[@jackyhuang5751]

The pause. You deserve the sub.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

😭😭😭. I always catch it in post

[@iagsdagss]

You're an absoulute amazing creator, ur extremely helpful and you get straight to the point. Thank you so much for all your videos and I hope to see more!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thank you so much! Plenty more to come don’t you worry.

[@krullebolalex]

Thanks chief this is really helpful. There's not a lot of vids out there explaining why we do things so i appreciate this!!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

My pleasure! Definitely a void for instructional volleyball content. Glad I can play a small part.

[@dunk1065]

Hey man keep on making these kind of videos, the way you explain it truly helps and these principles are something I was never taught as a highschool player who's looking to improve at defense. The next video you should make is how to play off the blockers if you know how to teach that!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Awesome. Glad to hear the advice is useful for ya! I’ll add it to the queue.

[@ryanreviews8566]

absolutely awesome video! thank you man, learned a lot of stuff here

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Just what I like to hear!

[@user-jk4qd2lg8i]

Thanks man, really well structured video!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@naddyid]

Nice vid, more in depth than other channels and I appreciate it

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Glad to hear it! More to come.

[@jonesyfilms5115]

ive never played volleyball competitively but man this was informative for someones who only knows surface level info

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Glad to hear that! Always new stuff to learn, plenty more information coming from this channel in the future to further your game.

[@joey_stromboli]

Great videos! A video on how to use your wrist technique to hit the ball down, keep it going in court, shots (cross, line, sharp angle) would be great. Specifically breaking down how you recommend your players to generate topspin/sidespin and when to use it (like around a block, seam, etc.) please! Also a video on as a hitter, how to hit the ball down and how and when (while in air, before, etc.) to hit based on set, etc.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thank you! and awesome input, will definitely try and put something together for ya in a video.

[@MaxEng1492]

Simple, clear, excellent video

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Glad you liked it. More to come

[@user-en4lb8tq7t]

This was actually amazingly helpful dude ty

[@mitchsterkenburg]

glad it was!

[@mohammadramezani2282]

wow this is really helpful especially for a libero thanks a lot 👌🙏

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Let’s go! Glad to hear that

[@user-wz6xc7sg2l]

Man thank you for this video. I have been struggling how to read people's serves and spike and im on my own because we have no coaches. Thank you so much!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Welcome ! Glad I could help a little bit.

[@marakired]

Perfect video,you helped me a lot!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

glad to hear it!

[@ignaciodecaso8844]

I'm starting playing in university for the JUAR games in Argentina, and you video helped me to start my own book on Technical Notes. Thanks!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Great idea, not only watching the videos, but taking notes as well can benefit your game to look back on.

[@ranaksaxena3300]

Hey thank you so much man. My school team coach hadnt taught us shit on how to read the ball and where to be, so i was just playing off of the experience i had in a few matches. This will really help me out so much, i will try to implent it as soon as i can. The way you emplain it makes it so much simpler to understand and the way you show video examples helps me see it in practice better.

[@ranaksaxena3300]

Another thing, i think if you change the thumbnail of the setting video it might perform better

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I'm glad to hear the advice is helpful! A lot of information to apply to your game and see what works well for you.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@ranaksaxena3300 You're probably right on that one.

[@tutuwsc]

I would love a video about using the wrist and how to contact on the ball to spike downwards! Your content is super didactic, very easy to understand. +1 subscriber!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Glad to hear it! And great idea, very important topic to discuss.

[@srod6884]

Thanks for another great video

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Welcome

[@kdnkfckgrkjrkrkgr5286]

D1 libero here. Very good information! Well explained! I approve

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Appreciated

[@camdenversace1029]

your videos are so helpful

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Let’s go!! Glad to hear it

[@savatopich]

Coach mitchhhhhh🔥🔥 blocking and hitting adjustments would be good lessons too

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Yessir Sava T. Definitely will have to cook something up on that.

[@bencop6503]

Good and efficient video, thanks.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Welcome!

[@starostadavid]

Not a lot of videos regarding this topic on KZbin. Great stuff, I'd be happy to see more analysis ot footage, rotation/hobby rotation explanation:)

[@mitchsterkenburg]

More to come! What do you mean by hobby rotation?

[@starostadavid]

@@mitchsterkenburg great to hear that! When playing hobby volleyball everyone switches positions with every rotation, guy in the middle on net is always setting, no matter the specific player. Everyone becomes a setter when on MB(on net) position. So it'd be great to have a breakdown for every position like:"If you are on setter position, you can set to outside hitter, opposite hitter and also middle blocker, but you should also help with blocking spikes. And this is how far you should run for second touch." Something for open lobby players as well. :]

[@jogavolei]

I'd also add to the concept of the whole video: the positioning is based off of a perimeter defense. There are other forms of defenses out there where a defender's positioning would be slightly different. Would be good information to pick up for someone learning the game at an early stage. Great video man!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Definitely, no play of defensive system is going to be the exact same every game let alone every play. Other strategies to try, this is one we use a lot in our system but worth acknowledging there are many more out there!

[@jaylowbeatbox4061]

Awesome video, thanks

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Glad you liked it!

[@danielcrespo9445]

5:06. We call that "take one for the team". A key we use, defender position outside the block's shoulder. In this case, the pin is ISO and the defender fills the gap. I think as coaches, our players benefit as they understand the difference between "middle middle (MM)' and 'middle back (MB) defense. Thanks for sharing

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Great points! Lots of different ways to say it but the theme stays relatively the same.

[@bigmixmax]

Thanks!!!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

You bet!

[@VB1Koach]

Sorry, not reading all comments to see if you addressed my concern. This video discuss men's volleyball. There is no disclaimer of men or female or level. I find at other levels reading basics differ. I concur all the recommendations in the video is valid for those that can put the ball down. Yet at younger ages, including boys, the attack differs. I would think that the reading differs, thus the positioning differs. Making a videos of different ages, gender, and or levels, may provide more video content for your site? Have an awesome day!!! (Liked & Subscribed)

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Without a doubt, defensive strategy and overall volleyball philosophy varies significantly depending on the level you are playing. I will definitely keep that in mind in future videos.

[@sp3ctrum_]

Hey man, love this video. Can you maybe please make a video on how to adjust to low and or high sets?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Definitely can my man!

[@RayZhu-uq6lh]

can you make a video on serve receive based off of different serves? like where to position, execution of the pass, hand pass or forearm, stuff like that, and for different serves, I mean like topper, floater, serving from right and left side of court. Thank you and love your videos as always.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Great question, certainly can incorporate that into a video

[@humzakarim8172]

Great vid. Could you make a video about setting technique for indoor. A big problem I have is the ball shifting left or right, inconsistent tempos, ect and ways to practice w/o a net.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Great question! Yes absolutely can make a video on setting consistency. Most of the time location inconsistency comes from your feet. Staying square to your target is a small fix, but will dive into it in detail in a video in the future.

[@johnnycruze7846]

Thanks Mitch

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Any time!

[@LosFreddos]

Nice Video! I feel like it was more about defensive positioning rather than "reading". I was expecting a video about how to read the enemy offense in order to THEN position for the coming attack. Nonetheless, great video! :)

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thank you, and you’re right. Tried to keep it pretty high level. I like the idea of a video focusing on defensive counters for different attacks from the opponent. Might have to make one about that in the near future.

[@JodyBrownIV]

please go over two topics: digging stance+when to split step and float serve reception specifically with a platform

[@mitchsterkenburg]

You got it!

[@ulalasweet7620]

please make a video on how to improve spiking

[@mitchsterkenburg]

That I can do!

[@curtain1810]

54% of 0 is still 0

[@mitchsterkenburg]

True

[@user-hc1qb4bi4g]

Can you make the same vid but attaching/hitting version like how can i read where the set is, where to be where to go and these stuff plss

[@mitchsterkenburg]

gotchu

[@lilandertaler9702]

Nice

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thanks

[@user-hc1qb4bi4g]

Can you make the same vid but attaching/ hitting version like how can i read where the set is, where to be where to go and these stuff plss?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

yes, absolutely can.. Great idea

[@aname496]

W intro

[@mitchsterkenburg]

They’re getting there

[@unashamed6457]

Thanks i can now past 1st grade, (I never learned how to read)

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Next we’ll learn how to spell

[@robertphua7720]

Nice videooo

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Thank you!

[@a1guerra3]

6-1 & 5-2 setter rotation/positioning

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Positioning of anyone in particular? Setters? Defense?

[@a1guerra3]

@@mitchsterkenburg yes setter’s 👌🏽perfect

[@VOLEYFULLENARGENTINA]

🎉🎉🎉

[@mitchsterkenburg]

🫡

[@dyrik]

Do you think any of these principles/strategies change or are at least adjusted for different levels of play? It seems reasonable to think that a high school defensive system probably shouldn't always mirror an olympic level defensive system since the skill levels, size, knowledge etc. are so different, but I could very well be wrong. Can you do a video on this if it's legit a good topic?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Definitely some changes between levels defensively when you’re talking the difference between a high school level to a professional level. A different type of hitter. It’s why in baseball outfielders play at 350 feet and in high school they play at 225.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Any specific level you’d be interested in learning more about? I focus on the d3/d1 level primarily because that’s why I’m exposed to the most but open to covering other levels too that people are interested in learning about.

[@dyrik]

@@mitchsterkenburg i imagine a large portion of your audience is probably playing somewhere between the high school level and collegiate level so maybe some of the main differences between those, and then maybe how that compares to the professional level?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@dyrik that I can do! Great comment.

[@cawfee254]

What about all the balls that go high off hands? I feel like if anything I'm always getting punished for being way too far up on the 6... I'm pretty much always focused on either getting pushes to the corner, deep cross shots, etc. But it might be that I play at a lower pickup level where people aren't really bouncing or tall enough to hit shorter shots

[@mitchsterkenburg]

In our matches there will inevitably be a few balls that go high off the block and deep out of the court. We are willing to sacrifice a few of those a game, but by positioning yourself in a more shallow position central to the court your able to pick up a lot more balls that come to your radius instead of having to guess which way to go, left or right. You will your way into a lot more digs and it simplifies defense in the backrow. Not to say this strategy works at all levels, but I would imagine the pickup level you play at doesn't always have a closed block which would make it even more advantageous to push up on defense in the six.

[@unlucky7019]

I just have one question how do you not feel stuck? like when do I stop moving and when do I keep moving if that makes sense?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Good question. You definitely want to stop moving right before the ball is contacted. Wherever you are going (forward, sideways, backwards) you need to have planted feet. You want to keep moving if you feel like there is a lot of court in front of your where the attacker can terminate the ball. Finding the happy medium between moving up to fill space and staying still is where a lot of digs are gotten.

[@charkienguyen]

could you do one for passing?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Yes! It’s in the works. Will be one of the next ones to be released!

[@Jasonator1]

How much can you read the ball when you're playing in lower levels (open gym and rec leagues) and there's no block to narrow the course?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Great questions, the lower level you have to expect the ball to land a little deeper. So the reading mindset changes a bit. Would still stay in front of the back line, but would focus on the path the hitter is approaching the ball. In lower levels attackers usually hit straight from their approach and body line making it easier to position on defense.

[@jpdstan]

so when does the 6 stay in the bottom 1/3 versus the middle 1/3?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

The 6 should stay in the middle ground in between the two primarily. They should move up further to the middle on quick tempo sets (any 1 tempo ball) or if there is a gap in the block that is marginal.

[@retrospear64]

Can you do one for serve recive

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Definitely, an important one. On the way in one of the next couple to come

[@RH-qd2nm]

All solo blocks (except UCLA)…? Probably worth pointing out that this is most effective when you do not have a well formed block.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

You bring up a good point. A lot of movement revolves around the block (or lack there of) definitely something I can touch on in future videos.

[@diekante9659]

54% is a very specific number.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Gets you thinking about all the upside of these changes to your game

[@Arkunoo]

Wonder who will win another golden code

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Wondering the same thing

[@wilsun007]

How do you protect your face as you move in on these kinds of hits?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

The only time you really have to worry about getting hit in the face is on an overpass kill. Everything else, even if you’re up close to the ten foot line if you keep your hands facing up you should have plenty of time to protect yourself with your hands. Don’t underestimate your ability to react with your hands moving forward left and right and up and down. That’s why it’s crucial to keep them independent for digging and protection.

[@wilsun007]

​@@mitchsterkenburg Thanks a bunch! After getting domed a few times, I got worried about moving forward even tho I know I'd get more digs. What do you mean by "keeping them independent"?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@wilsun007 definitely don’t want that happening! Definitely move forward with caution and depending on how open the net is. But independent arms is just keeping them apart. Not together before you dig, it gives you a better reaction time to cover high swings at the face.

[@wilsun007]

@@mitchsterkenburg awesome, thanks a bunch!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@wilsun007 absolutely!

[@SteveMcMief]

What changes at the amateur level?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

The game slows down at the amateur level. Also less reliance on the block. Typically defenders will stay deeper in the court as opponents don’t hit as hard or as straight down. More reaction and less reading the more you move away from the fast high level college game.

[@SteveMcMief]

Let's say I'm defending on position 6, if I were to position myself further away from the block, doesn't that make me vulnerable for the tip?

[@tecteh1]

I am an old fashion player and I still can't understand why the players are encouraged to paly more toward up for defense. You could get a lot nicer digs if you stay further back. Both, at 7:32 and 8:02, they just got lucky. Imagine he was one step back at 7:32. He would easily dig it with a nicer pass instead of a "one hand" move with a bad pass. The same at 8:02. He would have easily dig it instead of barley getting it with his chest. Thanks anyways!

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Good comments, and yes while you miss out of deep balls from time to time landing in the back third of the court. Our shot chart data shows consistently that defending up in the path of the ball leads to more touches. The pace of the game we play at you can’t expect to get many “clean” digs on open swings. So while I agree you can get more open touches when you’re deeper, the # of touches deep in the court doesn’t translate well over the course of a game.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Teams we play they still play this way get torched in comparison to us in digs and touches, feel free to watch both Lancaster Bible college matches if you are curious in seeing it in a game.

[@satyamnanda9518]

"how to get more touches" i mean...why not 🌚

[@mitchsterkenburg]

absolutely

[@stefanhadzikolev]

uj

[@mitchsterkenburg]

Ok

[@d_jay917]

I wanna get more touches, but not in volleyball

[@mitchsterkenburg]

What a comment 😭😭😭

[@starstar831]

qq

[@mitchsterkenburg]

yes

[@lotklear]

For every time you show a single clip of a successful read, there are six or so examples of bad reads costing points.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

I’m not saying this strategy will get you every dig or every point. Based on lots of shot chart data moving and reading in these areas will produce the highest likelihood of a positive touch (from my experience)

[@lotklear]

@@mitchsterkenburg I appreciate your response, but the response is so nonsensical that I don't know how to respond. I believe you are trying to make some point but I'm not understanding it.

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@lotklear ok

[@lotklear]

@@mitchsterkenburg I believe your response was nonsensical because 1. Nobody said you can get every attack. So I don't know how to respond to that. 2. Reading is, by definition, moving to where you think the ball is going, before you know where the ball is going. When you do this you destroy your ready position. You destroy your ready position because once you move you commit to a direction. A half-second later the attack occurs and now you know which way to move. However, your ability to move towards the actual ball's path is compromised. Meaning your ready position is gone. A minority of attacks, about one-third, are full swings that penetrate the block untouched (this is info not noticed in shot charts). AKA "hard-driven" . These minority of attacks, the hard-driven, may actually be easier to defend by reading. However the majority of attacks, the shots, dinks, deflections, .....the "off-speed" attacks? These are lost when you read. Reading typically creates that "negative step" where the defender perhaps back-steps in order to move forward for a dink. This is why reading, I believe, is a terrible fundamental to teach. Your response included mention of a shot chart to explain why you think reading helps improve defense. I cannot understand how a shot chart could possibly promote, or criticize, reading as a defensive fundamental. The read occurs organically on the court. How can that be reflected in a shot chart?

[@mitchsterkenburg]

@@lotklear you have to read at the higher level. The game is played at too quick of a speed to rely solely on reactions. Fair points though.

[@rayzecor]

Your video is way too loud

[@mitchsterkenburg]

thanks for the feedback