Bamford Breakdowns: Volleyball IQ
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What does it mean to have a high volleyball IQ? Volleyball IQ refers to one’s understanding and comprehension of the game of volleyball, including its strategies, tactics, and nuances. It encompasses a player’s ability to anticipate plays, make quick decisions…
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Continue ReadingWhat does it mean to have a high volleyball IQ?
Volleyball IQ refers to one’s understanding and comprehension of the game of volleyball, including its strategies, tactics, and nuances. It encompasses a player’s ability to anticipate plays, make quick decisions under pressure, read the game effectively, and adjust their positioning and actions accordingly to optimize performance. Players with a high volleyball IQ often demonstrate advanced awareness of the game flow, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and strategically utilize various skills and techniques to gain an advantage for their team. On the circuit, we encounter promising prospects who exhibit an elevated volleyball IQ, which becomes evident through their on-court decision-making.
Allow me to introduce you to a few of these remarkable prospects.
Ayanna Watson is patient with her approach and can make the proper adjustments if the tempo is slower after she has started her approach. When coaches tell you to wait or hold until you can see the set, this is what they are asking you to do. Ayanna’s exceptional volleyball IQ empowers her to make a diverse array of offensive shots with precision.
Highlights
Hayden Conner gets it done on both Offense and Defense. Hayden is the kind of player that gives spectators confidence that she will make the play happen. Watch and learn from Hayden’s timing. She begins in serve receive from the left front position, strategically utilizing the entire court for her approach. Upon identifying the pass, she swiftly positions herself, ready to commence her slide approach. With a glance exchanged with her setter, Hayden initiates her seamless series of footwork, a right-left-right-left jump off of one foot. It is a flawless slide approach. With precision, she makes contact with the ball, sending it soaring away from the line block at a sharp angle. The ball ricochets off the middle blocker’s hand, sealing the deal with a decisive kill. On the block, Hayden completely seals the net with a solid press on the block.
Highlights
Jayden Robinson Jayden Robinson 6’3″ | OH Ridge Point | 2026 State TX uses her full body to get maximum power on the ball. She uses enormous back flight to increase her vertical enabling her to hit on top of the ball. From there she can see that the middle blocker is late and uses wrist control to take the ball angle. She closes her core by doing a middle air ab crunch while also engaging a fast chin-to-chest snap.