Arm Swing Progressions & Footwork Mechanics for a Versatile Attack

with Ryan Theis,
University of Florida Head Coach;
Marquette University Head Coach from 2014 to 2024;
led Marquette to the school's first Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2018;
2017 Big East Coach of the Year;
2017 Big East Coaching Staff of the Year;
Ohio University Head Coach from 2008 to 2013;
2x MAC Coach of the Year (2009, 2013)

Coach Ryan Theis covers arm mechanics for hitters and transition footwork in this informative instructional video. He addresses the basic arm mechanics for a hitter, as well as some more advanced concepts that are useful to start teaching younger players as they transition to become stronger players. Theis discusses a dozen topics and provides straightforward drills for each skill set.

Arm Swing Concepts

Coach Theis discusses the core elements of the arm swing, including terminology for draw, separation, and rotation. Players demonstrate these fundamentals as he explains key elements of each skill. You'll observe multiple drills to allow you to target these skills in your players, as well as some keys to detect if your players are executing properly.

Improving Accuracy

Next, Theis demonstrates how to help players' hand contact skills through a set of drills to learn to control arm angle and wrist angle. He shows how players can learn to control ball placement across a net with a partner, and he helps you understand the strategy to teach attacking the ball. Coach Theis provides terminology to help your players understand the technique of a cross body shot versus using arm angle along with wrist angle to disguise an attack.

Footwork Strategy

Theis breaks down a four step approach and discusses footwork and timing for a successful attack. He explains the philosophy in body angles, particularly weight transfer with knees over toes, and approach timing to respond to out of system sets. Coach Theis also demonstrates how a controlled and well-timed approach allows a player to make adjustments during the set to place themselves in a position to hit effectively.

Coach Theis covers all elements of a front row player, including transitions from blocking or defense, approach footwork, and arm mechanics. Once you've finished watching this video, you'll walk away with plenty of strategies that you can apply with players of any age to help them become successful hitters.

41 minutes. 2021.