Three Keys to Victory

Over fifty years ago, Coach Sonny Lane prepared "mimeograph" (pre-copier) scouting reports and the bottom line, the three keys to victory.

What do we have to do?

What must we avoid doing?

What is different (if anything) for this opponent?

Here's a 'generic' plan: 

1) Win the serve/serve receive battle. Serving is the only element of volleyball totally within the offense's control. Be strategic with the type of serves and the location among the zones (1-6) and seams. 

On serve receive 'good' passes often outperform 'great' tries because the margin for error on 'great' passes can drive the setter into the net (tight) or result in disastrous overpasses. 

2) Play present. Volleyball is a game of momentum. Disallow a drop of blood from turning into a torrential bleed. Every opponent makes some quality attacks and aces. Don't allow one to turn into a 4-6 point run. In basketball, "stops make runs." Excellent defense, with focus on the next play, separates good from excellent. 

3) Get to the block. Anticipation allows teams to get the defense set, creating 'complementary defense' (front plus back rows) and offers the chance of scoring (block-kills). 

Lagniappe. Practice serving with purpose. Develop a serve that can attack zones or specific players.