This article is the last in a long explanation of the three spike swing categories, and I hope you will stay with me until the end. In this article, I would like to write about my thoughts on the most rational swing. I am sure there are many opinions, but I hope this article will be a source of discussion for readers.
What is the most rational spike swing?
Again, please understand that from this point on, this is mainly my personal opinion.
The three spike swing categories have been introduced in various books and videos, and I feel that there is considerable variation in their interpretation and explanations. Many of them do not explain in detail which swing is recommended. Perhaps the reason for this is the assumption that a player’s swing is really determined by many factors, such as their age, gender, experience, physical ability, athletic experience and who they have been coached by.
However, here we would like to consider simply which swing seems most reasonable, without taking into account the various factors listed above.
Circular arm swing is the most reasonable
I started to think deeply about the spike swing in my first year of high school. It was during my junior year of junior high school that I first became aware of the three classifications and started training to switch to the circular arm swing. After retiring from active volleyball in my third year of high school, I have had discussions with many volleyballers regarding the spike swing and have heard many different ideas. I am also proud to say that I have read most of the volleyball-related books translated into Japanese.
Now that I have personally learned in this way, the swing I consider to be the most reasonable. It is the circular arm swing. This is my own conclusion at this stage.
First of all, I would like to give you a brief summary of the reasons why I have come to this conclusion.
- Sufficient take-back can be completed in a short time
- It can generate large amounts of power with low energy consumption
- Low risk of disability
Sufficient take-back can be completed in a shorter time
The circular allows the player to complete a sufficient take-back in a shorter time than with other swings. They are therefore more flexible in dealing with ‘blurring’, such as a set ball going low or fast. It is therefore an effective swing for middle blockers, who often take part in fast-paced attacks.
It can generate a lot of power with energy savings
“Circular” can generate more power with less energy than other swings. This is because the main body movement is a rotational movement and the moment of inertia is low. A low moment of inertia means a low physical load, which means that the swing is less tiring.
Low risk of disability
“Circular” has a lower risk of injury than other swings. The fact that it is a rotation-led swing rather than an anterior-posterior bending-led swing means that there is less strain on the lower back, which lowers the risk of back disorders. In addition, because it is a rotation-driven swing, it is less likely to be covered than other swings, making it easier to hit in the zero position and less likely to cause shoulder disorders. In addition, as long as the player can hit in a good position, it is possible to land on both feet in a forward direction, which also lowers the risk of injury on landing.
Thoughts on each player’s swing classification
A common argument about swing classification is that ‘XX player is a bow-and-arrow player.’ There are also those who say, ‘No, XX player is a circular player’. It is fine while the two sides are trying to understand each other’s interpretations and ideas, but it can gradually become like a mounting battle to prove oneself right. If that is the case, I think it is a bit sterile.
Every player’s swing can be in a gradation of swing classifications. Also, the position and height of the ball being set, the distance of the approach and the grace time are always in flux in the game, and the reality is that players exercise their spiking options by adjusting to these external circumstances (how difficult is that to do?).
I believe it is actually happening that one spike is circular and another spike is bow-and-arrow. When you’re in good shape, you’re circular, but when you hit the ball backwards and you’re not spiking, you’re bow-and-arrow, and so on. So it’s a bit different to just look at one play and say, ‘That player has a XX swing.’
I think it would be wise to use the classification only as a reference.
One key to understand the skill structure of spiking
I hope you have enjoyed this in-depth look at the three categories of spike swing.
As mentioned above, I am against categorising a player’s swing by looking at just one play and saying, ‘This is it! However, it is not possible to categorize swings and their individual characteristics.
However, I believe it is extremely important for both coaches and players to have a deep understanding of the swing classifications and the operating principles of each swing. This is because I believe that a deep understanding here is one of the keys to understand the complex skill structure of spiking.
Understanding does not mean that you can instantly coach your players to improve their spiking skills, or that they can instantly improve their own spiking skills. However, I would like to believe that one day what you understand and think about here will enrich your volleyball life.
