We can learn a lot from other sports. When we apply a concept from a different game, it often sparks a new idea we’ve never considered before.
This article explores a powerful concept from football called “Positional Play” and how it can be used to improve volleyball.
What is Positional Play?
You’ve probably never heard the term “Positional Play” in volleyball before. It’s a common concept in the world of football, but its definition can easily be adapted for volleyball.
“A set of principles for players to position themselves correctly based on where the ball is on the field.”
— Pep Guardiola, Spanish football coach
By replacing the word “field” with “court,” this concept becomes clear for volleyball players.
The goal of positional play is simple: to create and maintain an advantage over the opposing team.
This advantage is built on three key factors:
- Numerical Advantage:
Creating a situation where your team has more players than the opponent in a key area.- Example: When five players besides the setter join the offense, they create a numerical advantage over a three-player block.
- Example: When five players besides the setter join the offense, they create a numerical advantage over a three-player block.
- Qualitative Advantage:
Creating a favorable one-on-one matchup with a specific opponent.- Example: An attacker has a qualitative disadvantage against a blocker who is not only taller but also has a superior defense skill.
- Example: An attacker has a qualitative disadvantage against a blocker who is not only taller but also has a superior defense skill.
- Positional Advantage:
Creating an advantage by positioning your team in a way that puts the opponent in an uncomfortable position.- Example: A blocker can defend a specific area (like the cross-court spike) to force an opponent to hit into a less-preferred zone.
Beyond Ball Control: The Importance of Off-the-Ball Movement
Volleyball is a net sport.
Because of this, coaches—especially at the beginner and youth levels—often focus on just one thing: ball control (on-the-ball).
While this is important for enjoying the game, spending too much time on it can cause players to miss out on the most exciting part of volleyball: outsmarting the opponent.
Focusing solely on on-the-ball skills will make it difficult to develop great players in the long run. In lower-level games, a player with great ball control might be able to win.
However, as players advance to higher levels, their ball control will be more evenly matched. The true difference between players will come down to their ability to outsmart the opponent with off-the-ball movement.
That’s why it’s so important to start focusing on positional play from the very beginning.
It’s said that Japanese players at the youth level have some of the best ball control in the world.
But what about their off-the-ball movement?
It’s rare to see a coach giving feedback on a player’s positioning. Imagine a digger who perfectly adjusts their position to a blocker, but then misses the ball. What if the coach said something like this?
“That was perfect positioning! All you need now is better ball control.”
By focusing on the process and not just the result, we can help our players truly understand the importance of off-the-ball movement and positional play.
