Volleyball has several unique rules that casual players are unlikely to be familiar with. Comprehension a lift might improve your understanding of volleyball if you ever consider playing professionally or just enjoy watching it.
When a volleyball player makes prolonged contact with the ball without using a pass, hit, or set move, it is called a lift. When the ball is caught, picked up, or thrown, this typically occurs. Don’t let the ball pause briefly in your hand to prevent a lift.
It’s critical to comprehend the nuances of how the lift happens in different plays because it happens in such a brief period of time. Continue reading to find out more about the volleyball lift and how to avoid it.
What Is “Prolonged Contact” In Volleyball?
Prolonged contact only lasts for a fraction of a second longer than hitting the ball. You may get a sense of how abrupt and swift your contact should be by watching how players normally deal with the ball. Anytime you keep in touch for a longer period of time, you run the risk of being charged with a violation.
The fact of the matter is that players genuinely desire a rapid, clean contact with the ball. To discourage players from trying to lift or carry, coaches should concentrate on developing solid foundational skills.
How Do You Know If It Was A Lift?
It is against the rules to lift the ball when playing volleyball. Lifting the ball will not be a problem in your play if you are employing suitable tactics when passing, setting, and striking. Knowing why you’re making a lift can be useful because you could occasionally do so when your technique is poor.
It is best to ask your coach for clarification if you are unsure whether or not a lift has been made during play.
- Passing Lift Call
There may be a lift call when passing from a station. Beginners and young players who struggle to propel the ball with their legs and passing technique frequently exhibit this lift.
Young players must be taught to refrain from putting the ball in their elbows.
The platform should be flat, the feet should be square, and the shoulders and legs should have enough strength to move the ball where it needs to go.
- Setting Lift Call
The set is the time when the majority of lifts take place. Almost usually, a novice setter or someone trying to set in the setter’s place will commit the offense.
Setters need to have soft, smooth hands because they can “conceal” actions that could otherwise be referred to as catches and throws. Referees must scrutinize each set to determine whether a lift is committed, which is a difficult assignment.
It’s true that calling a lift is one of the most challenging calls for volleyball officials to get right, and each referee has a different level of readiness to do so.
The ball should be set in a single in-and-out motion to prevent a lift. Avoid letting the ball drop low toward your chest or your face.
There will surely be a lift violation as a result of the prolonged time in the setter’s hands.
The advantage of having strong wrist, arm, and shoulder muscles belongs to setters. By concentrating on these areas during exercise, you can prevent lift calls that indicate weakness.
- Hitting Lift Call (Attacking)
Not often do you get called for a lift when attacking a volleyball. When it does, it typically indicates that the batter was handling the ball with their fingertips as opposed to their palm. When a player tips the ball over the net, they must do so quickly and abruptly toward the goal.
While playing a game, lifting the ball can lead to mistakes. Ask your coach for some tips and ideas on how to fix it if you notice that you are getting called for lifts frequently.
How To Avoid Lifting In Volleyball?
You’ll naturally grow better and better at avoiding being called for a lift as you learn to play the ball correctly and strike it cleanly. The key things to keep in mind when waiting to be called for a lift or attempting to avoid being summoned for one are as follows:
- Momentary Contact
Your contact must be fleeting, abrupt, and brief. The referee will typically ask you for a lift when it appears that you have been in contact with the ball for longer than a split second. You must just play the ball by re-directing it in the direction you want it to go without being in possession of it.
It is extremely understandable for a novice to think that when you volley, you are tossing and catching the ball. However, volleying is meant to be a very rapid, fluid ball redirection. The referee will always call a lift or carry if they believe you caught it and tossed it.
- Using a Closed Fist When Hitting Underhand
Avoiding the need for a raise is made much easier by using a closed fist. A closed fist can still make contact with the ball during a lifting violation, but it’s considerably less often. Your fist should make far more of a punch or a “pop” sound than a dragging motion when you strike the ball.
Your coach will educate you to build a good, solid platform for passing by using both forearms. To avoid being tempted to “lift” the ball, close that fist if you must do the one-armed save.
- Hit With The Heel Of Your Hand
It is acceptable to make a legal contact with the ball with your heel, which frequently results in a more energetic “pop” touch than using your palms. Consider driving the ball with your heel if you are at an awkward angle and unsure whether you will be called for a lift. This will help you avoid being called.
Conclusion
When playing volleyball, mistakes are simple to make. It’s crucial to be aware of the different ways you might be penalized during play because the rules are complex and there isn’t much room for error.
Review the FIVB volleyball handbook or any other rulebook that your coach suggests to become familiar with the lift regulations. Your reflexes will become more accurate with time, patience, and practice once you are aware of the rules.
