The Middle Finger Rule
One of the most common specific skills I am asked about is how to change the direction of your hit. There are many ways to do this, and when you've approached a certain level of play you will know which to use in what situation.
As a former Middle Blocker, I had to learn how to hit both angles left and right. If I continued to hit my body-line, I would have been blocked on every attack. Changing the direction of your hits should be a priority no matter what position you attack from, but is especially important from the middle position.
Some players' natural arm swing comes across their body, so their hitting line goes cross court. Others (like myself) have a natural arm swing that finishes "wrist away" or inside-out. But no matter what your arm swing is, there are ways to change the direction of your shot. The easiest way to do this is what I call the "middle finger rule".
Assuming you already know your basic hitting form, you should know that on contact with the ball you are supposed to snap your wrist. This wrist snap serves three purposes:
- To put top-spin on the ball in order to make the ball dive downwards.
- To add a little additional power to your attack.
- To guide the direction of your shot.
Point number 3 is where the "middle finger rule" comes into effect. On your wrist snap and follow through, the direction that your middle finger ends pointing is the direction to which the ball will go.
If I snap my wrist to the left, it will direct the ball towards my left.
If I snap my wrist to the right, it will direct the ball towards my right.
If I snap my wrist straight, it will direct the ball straight down my body line.
In any of these cases, where my middle finger points at the end of the snap is the general direction to which the ball will travel.
Try it out the next time you're doing hitting lines, playing pepper, or even just messing around with a ball. You'll be amazed at how this simple concept can enhance your attack game.