If you ask a volleyball coach or player,
“What’s the difference between a spike and an attack?”
you might be surprised by how few can give a clear answer. The two terms are often used interchangeably.
This article dives into the true meaning of these two words to reveal the fundamental difference between technique and skill in volleyball.
Attacks vs. Spikes: What’s the Difference?
What is an Attack?
An attack is one of the six fundamental actions in volleyball:
- Serve
- Serve Receive
- Set
- Attack
- Block
- Dig
An attack is a play or action with the purpose of scoring a point or putting pressure on the opponent.
What is a Spike?
A spike is a technique used to perform an attack. A spike is not the only way to execute an attack; an attacker can also use other techniques, such as:
- Tip (a feint)
- Roll Shot (a soft, arcing hit with spin)
- Push (a pushing motion to guide the ball)
- Underhand Pass
- Overhand Pass
In essence, a spike is just one of many tools used to achieve the bigger goal of an attack.
Technique vs. Skill: The Key Distinction
This brings us to a crucial point often confused in sports: the difference between technique and skill.
- Technique: The “how-to” of an action; it’s the method or tool used to get something done.
- Skill: The ability to use techniques to accomplish a specific purpose.
Let’s apply this to our example.
A player with high attack skill is one who can use various techniques (like spikes, tips, and roll shots) to achieve the goal of an attack—scoring or creating an offensive advantage—based on the situation.
When the Means Becomes the End
The relationship between an attack and a spike is a classic example of purpose vs. means. Confusing these two can lead to a significant problem: making the means the purpose itself.
For example, a player might spend countless hours practicing spikes, perfecting their technique, but still lack the ability to execute an attack play effectively in a game.
Haven’t we all seen players who hit powerful spikes in pre-game warmups but seem to disappear on offense during the match? This happens when a player focuses solely on polishing the technique (spiking) and loses sight of the ultimate purpose (attacking).
You Can Teach Technique, But You Can’t Teach Skill
Let’s consider this from a coaching perspective. The truth is, you can teach technique, but you cannot teach skill.
Think about a spiking form. The approach steps, jump timing, and arm swing can all be explained and taught to a player through clear instructions.
But can you teach a player the ability to score points or put pressure on the opponent? That is impossible. A player’s skill can only be developed through trial and error, by gaining practical experience and learning how to apply their techniques in real-game situations.
A Coach’s Role: Teaching Technique, Coaching Skill
This brings us to the core of a coach’s role. It is essential to first understand that you can teach technique, but you cannot teach skill.
A coach must constantly be aware of whether they are teaching or coaching.
- Teaching is the act of accurately communicating the correct knowledge, such as how to perform a spike. This requires a coach to continuously learn and update their own knowledge.
- Coaching is the act of nurturing a player’s skill—the very thing that cannot be taught. This is a far more challenging and nuanced task.
Coaching requires a variety of approaches, from asking players questions to creating practice environments and challenges that draw out their potential and courage to take risks. It is not just a science but an art that combines a systematic approach with intuition and feel.
