Geoff Carlston: The 3 Middle Hitter Offense

Looking for a creative offensive system that may help your team win more matches? The 3 middle hitter offense might be an effective alternative to the traditional offensive approach.

Coach Carlston describes several benefits of using a 3 middle hitter offense, including the ability to promote a faster offense and having more hitting options that can stress your opponent’s defense. 

When run effectively, the 3 middle hitter offense can get your opponent to think more about how to defend your team than about what they plan to do as a team. 

Carlston also discusses the type of setters, hitters and passers that can set up a 3 middle hitter offense for success, along with consideration about the time investment needed. 

He then walks through a traditional 3 middle hitter system for each serve receive rotation and the wide range of hitting options it provides, along with the flexibility in adjusting blocking schemes that can optimize match-ups with your opponent. 

Drills for Your Team to Practice the 3 Middle Hitter Offense

Coach Carlston shares three different drills to help train players how to attack and defend out of the 3 middle hitter system. This includes emphasizing rapid transition from defense to multiple quick attack options and practicing implementing a faster, aggressive offense off of free balls and digs. 

Throughout the drills, he emphasizes the importance and opportunity of communication between setters and hitters, as well as the need for player flexibility and ability to benefit from hitter audibles. Along the way, he also shares insights into how to strengthen connections between coaches and players, in addition to fostering a culture of growth errors that will lead to greater individual and team success.

Through this video, Coach Carlston describes how to leverage a unique 3 middle hitter system and its many options to enhance the creativity, flexibility and effectiveness of your offense.   

50 minutes.  2024.