Anatomy of a Kill

Attackers aren't born, they're made. Examine screen shots of a successful outside attack by Gia Vlajkovic, Melrose leading 19-17 in the first set. 

Ruth Breen sets the ball just after 37:10 of the video and Gia contacts the ball before 37:12.

Note the 'long runway' as Gia sets up about 4-5 feet behind the ten foot line as Ruth sets.

She's at the ten foot line, calculating the trajectory and direction of the pass.

Attackers transfer momentum from forward to vertical and notice how teammates rush to cover a possible block. 

The attack comes from well behind the net, making the blockers' job difficult.

The 'scoring moment' where the attacker strikes the ball.

The ball is at the net. The block may be a little too far apart and is about the width of a ball off the plane of the net. The ball goes through.