Front Row/Back Row Defense

with Kevin Hambly,
Stanford University Head Coach;
2019 NCAA Champions;
2018 NCAA National Champions;
2017 Final Four;
2018 Pac-12 Volleyball Coach of the Year, 2018 AVCA Pacific North Region Coach of the Year;
former University of Illinois Head Coach;
2011 NCAA Runners-up; 5x Sweet Sixteen appearances;
2011 Volleyball Magazine Coach of the Year

Kevin Hambly took over the Stanford University volleyball program after John Dunning's departure and made sure the Cardinal didn't skip a beat. Hambly's leadership helped Stanford capture the 2018 Division I National Title and his program is set up for success for years to come.

This video features some of the best methods that Coach Hambly uses to teach defense specifically to front and back row players. These drills and concepts provided the training Stanford's players needed in practice to rise up and capture volleyball's ultimate crown!

First Line of Defense - Blocking

Coach Hambly starts by explaining "Go Posture," which is designed to improve your players' movement and health efficiency in the front row. He discusses why he wants his athletes to match the angle of their back with the angle of their shins so they can maximize their athleticism and ability to move on defense.

Next, Hambly covers crossover footwork. The best way to do this is to push the floor away, load the hip and knee, shorten the arms and keep the hands in front. You'll also learn the jab/hop blocking move that will help defend against the quick one attack.

With the live defense series, Coach Hambly demonstrates exactly you'll need out of your front row blockers. First, players need to watch the passer. Second, they need to see the ball. Hambly teaches his players to see and react to the outside of the setter's hand closest to the net. This telltale sign will provide the best insight into where the ball is being set.

Positioning for Back Row Players

Coach Hambly breaks down four blocking patterns used to help back row defenders. Blockers may give the attacker the line (no hands), they may shade the line (right hand), take the line away (head up), or they may totally take the line away (left hand). You'll discover what cues to look for from the back row that will help your team gain an edge to seeing and reading the offense better.

Hambly uses the Catch and Throw drill as a way to get players into proper defensive position. One of the outstanding qualities of this video is how methodically he is able to demonstrate front and back row defensive positions.

Live Defense: Handling Every System and Attacking Method

When defending tips and roll shots, front and back row players must see the same thing so they can move into the same defensive position pattern. A tremendous way to improve defense is to become a great serving team. By not allowing an offense to set up a perfect pass to a perfect setter position, you will force your opponent to try to do more out of system attacking, which is easier to defend.

What makes this video really worthwhile is how Coach Hambly systematically works with a group of players to maximize their front and back row defensive positions and reads. He is such a great teacher of the game and he sees the court so well, which makes it fun to watch him orchestrate the athletes on the court. There's no doubt his teaching methods will be of great value to you and your program!

55 minutes. 2020.